Director Gerard de Thame has joined Humble for commercial representation in the U.S. and Canada. Based in London, de Thame was previously handled in the U.S. by Supply&Demand. He continues to maintain Gerard de Thame Films in London for the U.K. and Europe.
De Thame has helmed hundreds of commercials throughout his career, working with brands including Nike, Adidas, American Express, Microsoft, Samsung, Audi, Volvo, Gatorade, Coca-Cola, ESPN, and GE. His work has earned top honors from assorted industry award shows; notably, his “Modern Ark” spot for Mercedes-Benz and “Synchronicity” for Volkswagen were also nominated for the Emmy Award for Outstanding Commercial in 2001 and 1999, respectively. “Synchronicity” was also honored at the AICP Show. Additionally, his Mercedes-Benz commercial, “Falling in Love Again” for Lowe & Partners/SMS, which traces the automaker’s famed history as owners, assembly line workers and racers sing along with Marlene Dietrich’s iconic tune, was honored at the 1998 AICP Show, becoming part of the New York Museum of Modern Art’s (MoMA) permanent film collection. De Thame’s body of work ranges from intimate character-driven stories to expansive effects-savvy campaigns.
Most recently, de Thame directed the first-ever national ad campaign for Whole Foods Market. Working with a small crew, shooting in an unobtrusive documentary style, and eschewing actors in favor of capturing the chain’s real-world food suppliers, the result is an authentic campaign with cinematic visuals. The campaign signaled a successful shift in tone and scope for de Thame, and the smaller crew gave him the opportunity to personally handle some of the cinematography as well.
Eric Berkowitz, founder and president of Humble, said of de Thame, “I think he is poised to really surprise us in the months and years to come. He is exploring a different version of himself that’s more raw and introspective. I’m looking forward to partnering with Gerard and seeing what he has in store.”
