Creative collective Wild Gift has signed filmmaker Julian Marshall for U.S. representation spanning commercials and branded content. Mentored by legendary artist Shepard Fairey, Marshall has credits which include a passionate cinematic ode to George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter movement. Marshall’s We Are George Floyd, which was honored with multiple Webby Awards, features powerful voiceovers by historian Cornel West and rapper Killer Mike, underscoring the resonance of the social justice movement.
A graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), Marshall made a major mark with his thesis project, the award-winning narrative short film Obey the Giant about the early life of Shepard Fairey and the origin of his Obey Giant street art campaign. His commercial career took off from there, and he’s since directed spots for Google, Under Armour, Amazon, Nissan, Jeep, Ford, BMW, Red Bull, Citibank, Verizon, Bayer, TNT and Tidal, among many others. Prior to Wild Gift, Marshall had been repped by production house Tool.
“Julian is a volcanic force,” said Wild Gift founder David Mitchell. “He is a master of stunning, breathtaking images and compelling narratives that capture the beauty, joy and drama of life. It’s amazing to watch him work, to see how deeply invested he is in the creative process, whether he’s directing an automotive spot, a sports campaign, lifestyle work or content for a good cause. He sees the wonder in this world and captures it like nobody’s business. Wild Gift is super excited to have him join our roster.”
Based in New York City, Marshall is a Washington DC native who spent his formative years skateboarding at Freedom Plaza on the corner of 13th and E Streets, which he describes as “one of the street skating headquarters of the world.” At the age of nine, he dug up his parents’ Hi-8 camera and began shooting skate videos, “and it became an intense addiction from there,” he said. Marshall also became an avid snowboarder, hockey player, and Washington Capitals fan. His work reflects his interest and talents in sports as well as his abiding love of cars and a hands-on approach to emerging technology.
“I grew up with a camera in my hands, as well as editing,” he explained. “I’m a very hands-on, technical filmmaker. I love the idea that you learn the entirety of the craft, then can speak a very direct language with everyone you’re collaborating with.”
About joining Wild Gift, Marshall said, “David reached out to me for a chat and we ended up spending most of the time talking about our favorite movies. Our personalities clicked. He’s worked with legends in the industry who’ve inspired me throughout my career. And he’s partnered with Tomer DeVito who I met a few years ago and also hit it off with. Everything came full circle. We aligned creatively and also culturally. It goes without saying that this business is all about relationships. So much of my ad work has come from building community and I’m excited to continue this momentum with Wild Gift.”
Marshall added, “There are certain things that naturally come out in my work but for me the most important thing is how I’m making people feel. Everything stems from that. What am I trying to say? How am I trying to say it? And how is it going to make people feel? Everything else flows from there. I strive for emotional immersion, making the viewer a participant in the story.”
