Director Gaysorn Thavat has joined Grand Large–the Paris and New York company founded by executive producer Steve Horton–for representation in the U.S. and France. She thus returns to the shop that had been her production base in the U.S. until three years ago. This move marks her return to American advertising after a hiatus during which she developed a feature film with help from the New Zealand Film Commission.
Thavat’s direction is notable for its sensitivity to performance and her unique art direction. She is also known for her frequent integration of animation and visual effects. With roots in the camera department, she was a focus puller on multiple TV and feature projects in her native New Zealand, including the critically acclaimed Whale Rider (on which she also has a VFX credit), before launching her career as a director. Her short film, Brave Donkey, toured international film festivals in 2010 to rave reviews.
Welcoming Thavat back to the American ad market, Horton said, “As she’s continued shooting commercials for Australia and New Zealand, her work has only become more refined and distinctive. She brings a unique narrative style, subtlety and magic to every project.”
Thavat’s newest work is a docu-style spot for TSB Bank in New Zealand, produced through her long-time production company, Exit Films in Sydney. A Gold Lion winner for a breast cancer research spot she directed in 2009, Thavat has a body of work that spans U.S. clients including Nokia, Schwinn, Yahoo, JCPenney, Disney and Kohl’s.
At Grand Large, Thavat joins a roster that includes award-winning Broadway and feature film director Julie Taymor, as well as Tracey Rowe, Astrid Sterner, Tran Ahn Hung, Griffin Dunne, Fred Garson, and Grant Greenberg.
