German director Jan Wentz has linked with Venice-based Backyard for North American representation. His European work for Seat as well as Mercedes-Benz has generated a global buzz.
Wentz’s momentum is built not only on spots but also on longer fare. For example, he wrote and directed The Porter, a branded mini-movie for Mercedes.
Backyard partner Roy Skillicorn noted that Wentz was involved both conceptually and directorially in The Porter, an interdisciplinary profile that is in line with other Backyard helmers who have experience in writing and helming short and long-form films.
The Backyard connection represents Wentz’s first foray into the American market. His ad filmography encompasses such clients as Nike, Ikea, Siemens, Credit Suisse, Ford, Lufthansa, Swisscom, L’Oreal and Marlboro. Additionally, he has several other short films to his credit, including The Amateur and 7 Years Later.
Wentz has been with Markenfilm in Hamburg since 1995. The Backyard directorial roster also includes Rob Pritts, Kevin Smith, Don Rase, Chase Strickland, Steve Burrows, Tim Abshire, Nick Piper, Jeffrey Karoff, Jesper Ericstam, Magnus Rosman, Michael Chaves, Rob Sanders, John Immesoete and Aaron Stoller.
