Content studio Afterhrs. has added London-based director, writer and illustrator Danny Sangra to it talent roster for representation covering commercial collaborations in North America. His branded credits include films for Samsung, adidas, Mercedes-Benz, Balenciaga x My Theresa, Netflix and Hermes. Sangra’s body of work also includes numerous original shorts, a feature film, an animated music video for The Beatles’ “The Taxman,” and his own design imprint for Casetify.
“Afterhrs. was forged with the belief that groundbreaking creative can thrive when talent takes risks while supported by production of the highest integrity,” said Afterhrs. co-founder/EP Thelonious Brooks. “Danny is one of the most intensely imaginative, fearlessly creative people Kai [Regan, Afterhrs. co-founder] and I know. He’s also open, curious, funny and unpretentious–all of which in the collaborative process and his work. His talent is exceptional and rare. He deserves a production partner that is willing to be fearless on his behalf, and we couldn’t be more excited to make great things together.”
“It’s hard not to get caught up in Theo and Kai’s energy,” Sangra said, “You feel like you could take on Godzilla bare handed. You want to be part of whatever they are up to. I thought we were going on a spy mission when they first brought up Afterhrs. Turns out, it’s their production company. One I’m now proud to be part of.”
Sangra grew up in the North of England where his father’s passion for photography and film made an early imprint. As a child, he spent hours in his mother’s hair salon where he gained exposure to interactions and interpersonal relationships that were both everyday and extraordinary. This keen observation and a love of art would soon surface in illustration and design, which he studied at Leeds and St. Martins.
Sangra’s foray into film was via the fashion industry, a creative playground where his playful rebuke of convention, comedic sensibility, and design-drive style were embraced by the likes of Miu Miu and Burberry. From there, Sangra expanded his branded collaborations all the while developing a prolific collection of original films and illustration projects. His films and illustrations have been featured in a range of film festivals, art and culture publications, and in installations at Burberry stores and the VMG show in Tokyo.
In addition to Afterhrs. for commercialmaking and branded projects, Sangra is managed for film and TV by Brillstein Entertainment Partners, with illustration representation by Breed London. Before joining Afterhrs., Sangra was repped for commercials by BRF (B-Reel Films) and prior to that, Alldayeveryday.
Japan Celebrates Record 18 Emmy Wins For “Shogun”
Japan erupted with joy Monday as the samurai series "Shogun" won a record 18 Emmys for its first season.
It took home prizes including Outstanding Drama Series, as star and co-producer Hiroyuki Sanada became the first Japanese actor to win the Emmy for best lead actor in a dramatic series. Co-star Anna Sawai won best actress in a dramatic series, also a first for Japan.
"You did it. You did it. Congratulations," Takashi Yamazaki, director of " Godzilla Minus One," wrote on social media.
People followed the awards live as the wins made national headlines. Entertainment media Oricon proudly reported that a work whose spoken lines were mostly in the Japanese language "made Emmy history."
"The grand scale of Hollywood combined with the high quality of the production, including costuming, props and mannerisms; the collaboration between the Japanese professional team, headed by producer Sanada, and the local production team; as well as the acting that delivered a strong sense of reality, all came together," the report said.
Actor Kento Kaku, who starred in the 2024 series "Like a Dragon: Yakuza," said he was feeling inspired to pursue Hollywood dreams.
"After seeing how cool that was, who's not going to want to take up the challenge," he wrote on X.
Actress Tomoko Mariya said she broke into tears the moment Sanada's win was announced.
"What hardships you must have endured, choosing to leave your entire career behind in Japan and going to America alone. But it has borne fruit," she wrote, referring to Sanada's move to Los Angeles 20 years ago.
The accolades for "Shogun" reflect not only the growing diversity in American entertainment, but also the legacy of Japan's "jidaigeki" samurai films, which have... Read More