Nonfiction Unlimited, a commercial production company that represents select documentary filmmakers, has signed John S. Park, a director who's made his mark in Korea with documentary-style ad fare.
Originally raised in Los Angeles, Park moved to Seoul to pursue a commercial directing career after attending Art Center, Pasadena. He recently returned, setting up shop to work on commercials for the U.S. market. His portfolio includes international spots and more than 25 awards including Cannes Gold Lions for a Samsung documentary short What Does Your Mind See? about 11 blind students shooting photographs using all of their senses but sight to guide them; and The True Origins of Pizza, a mockumentary for Mr. Pizza, the Korean fast food chain.
Loretta Jeneski, partner/executive producer at Nonfiction, said that Park “brings such a beautiful eye to documentary style commercials-very refined. And he is equally at home with actors and dramatic scripted content. He brings such versatility to his work.”
Park noted that before signing with Nonfiction, he worked with the company on a Ford campaign, which proved to be a positive experience. “My recent work tends to focus on documentary,” he said. “Commercials are often based on what people want to be rather than who they are, so they often go over the top, making things more fancy and attractive. I want to make it more real. Truthful storytelling is the most effective type of storytelling.”