Dreambear has brought director Dano Cerny aboard its talent roster for U.S. representation spanning commercials, branded content and music videos. He has collaborated with major brands like Microsoft, Target and Walmart. Cerny’s signing with Dreambear is marked by the launch of Microsoft’s latest campaign–which he directed for agency Transmission–showcasing a new era of AI in the workplace with Windows 11 Copilot+ PCs.
On the music video front, Cerny has collaborated with performers such as The Chainsmokers, Halsey, Elle King, Bebe Rexha and The Roots, among others. Along the way the director has garnered accolades including a win for Best Dance Video and a nomination for Best Director at the MTV VMAs. Cerny studied at FAMU in Prague before receiving his master’s degree in directing at American Film Institute (AFI). Prior to joining Dreambear, Cerny was last repped by production house Hound.
“Dano Cerny’s clear vision and unique brand of storytelling, coupled with his exceptional technical understanding of high-level visual effects, make him a standout commercial and music video director,” said Dreambear EP Dave Gelb. “His high character and upbeat demeanor make him an absolute pleasure to work with. Bringing Dano under Dreambear’s umbrella has been as seamless as it is creatively fulfilling.”
Of his new roost, Cerny shared, “We share a passion for innovative storytelling and immersive world-building. Dreambear’s exceptional VFX support and expertise have been next level. I’m thrilled to keep creating groundbreaking visuals together.”
Dreambear adds Cerny to a roster of directors and animators which includes SHAPXO, Lawrence Becker and Rafatoon. Dreambear’s portfolio features signature projects including the VFX and animation for Popeyes x Megan Thee Stallion, Betty Boop x GUESS Originals, Human Made x Lil Uzi, SIA’s “Hey Boy” and the iconic Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World.” Recently, Dreambear has collaborated with clients like Yitty and Microsoft, adding to its extensive list of partners, which includes GUESS, Apple, Sony, Savage X Fenty, Beats, Amazon and Verizon.
“Dreambear’s focus since its inception is to curate a team with diverse backgrounds and abilities,” said founder/EP Evan Brown. “We pride ourselves on our multicultural roster of animators and directors, and our capability to offer our clients both live-action production and post-production under one hub. We are thrilled to release our collaboration with Microsoft as we venture further into the commercial space in 2024 and beyond. We consider ourselves a family at Dreambear, as most of the founding members and roster grew up together in this industry; we will continue the family-focused culture while expanding our in house talent and representation.”
Music Biopics Get Creative At Toronto Film Festival
Many of the expected conventions of music biopics are present in "Piece by Piece," about the producer-turned-pop star Pharrell Williams, and "Better Man," about the British singer Robbie Williams. There's the young artist's urge to break through, fallow creative periods and regrettable chapters of fame-addled excess. But there are a few, little differences. In "Piece by Piece," Pharrell is a Lego. And in "Better Man," Williams is played by a CGI monkey. If the music biopic can sometimes feel a little stale in format, these two movies, both premiering this week at the Toronto International Film Festival, attempt novel remixes. In each film, each Williams recounts his life story as a narrator. But their on-screen selves aren't movie stars who studied to get a part just right, but computer-generated animations living out real superstar fantasies. While neither Williams has much in common as a musician, neither has had a very traditional career. Their films became reflections of their individuality, and, maybe, a way to distinguish themselves in the crowded field of music biopics like "Bohemian Rhapsody" and "Rocketman." "This is about being who you are, even if it's not something that can be put in a box," Pharrell said in an interview Tuesday alongside director Morgan Neville. Also next to Pharrell: A two-foot-tall Lego sculpture of himself, which was later in the day brought to the film's premiere and given its own seat in the crowd. The experience watching the crowd-pleasing "Piece by Piece," which Focus Features will release Oct. 11, can be pleasantly discombobulating. A wide spectrum of things you never expected to see in Lego form are animated. Virginia Beach (where Pharrell grew up). An album of Stevie Wonder's "Songs in the Key of Life."... Read More