The Cavalry Productions has signed director Laurence Dunmore for commercials and digital work in the U.S. Dunmore is a lauded Cannes Lion-winning director with credits for American Express, Dodge, AT&T, ING, Liberty Mutual, Bank of America, BMW, Cadillac, Ford, Mercedes, Dewar’s, Jameson, Lexus and Turkish Airlines.
Prior to The Cavalry, Dunmore was handled by production house Superprime, which he joined in 2015 after a lengthy tenure with RSA Films. He continues to be repped in France by The Gang Films.
Dunmore began his career in graphic design and art direction in the media and music industries before moving into directing. Dunmore was quickly signed by RSA, where he made a string of award-winning commercials and films.
Dunmore is also known for directing The Libertine, a feature film starring Johnny Depp. While shooting a Eurostar commercial with John Malkovich, the actor gave Dunmore the script for The Libertine, a darkly humorous Restoration-era drama which would become Dunmore’s feature film debut. The film was a visceral immersion into the troubled genius and debauched life of John Wilmot, second Earl of Rochester. It was nominated for seven British Independent Film awards, including two for direction.
Dunmore has directed a number of iconic campaigns, perhaps none more so than for Tullamore DEW. “The Other Wall” spot features four friends dressed for a funeral, sitting on a wall in the rain, lamenting the demise of their brother Jerry, only to find Jerry’s funeral is his wedding. Or was his wedding his funeral? The spot took Silver at Cannes. Dunmore’s credits also span luxury brand work for Diesel, Giorgio Armani and Hermes, the latter winning an EPICA for Direction and Cinematography for his stunning 2016 Terre D’Hermes campaign.
The director’s body of work additionally includes films that address social issues or take controversial stands. He points to work for the Commission for Racial Equality and a campaign promoting women’s equality in the workplace (‘Change for Good’). In his latest films for Tullamore DEW, Dunmore has crafted cinematic stories rich with social poignancy addressing immigration, acceptance, and integration in the timely “Beauty of Blend” campaign. “These are films with worth and value, their social commentary is important and resonant as it defines the culture and heritage of the brand and a relevant commentary on the Irish as immigrants,” said Dunmore. “But it also engages the essence of the product–a blend. The films wouldn’t have quite the relevance if they were just for a single malt.”
“With Laurence it’s all about the subtleties and genuine moments that make his films truly special,” said Ross Grogan, founder/exec producer of The Cavalry. “He finds the right tone, that right look that never feels forced or intrusive; it’s why his work resonates so deeply.”
Tanya Cohen, EP at The Cavalry, added, “Laurence encompasses the true essence of a cinematic visual storyteller. His films resonate with a captivating style defined by character performance and arresting visuals–receiving critical acclaim in the process. He can work across any platform.”
Dunmore is currently working on a handful of feature and TV projects, including a film set against the epic landscape of 19th century frontier America.
