Director Emma Westenberg has signed with bicoastal production company Epoch Films for U.S. representation spanning commercials, branded content and music videos.
Westenberg’s films have been shown at festivals and exhibits and have won prizes like the “Best New Fashion Film” at the Fashion Film Festival Milano 2016, and the “One-To-Watch” at the Fashion Clash 2017. Her music video for Janelle Monae’s “PYNK” was nominated for a VMA Music Video with a Message in 2018 and for a best music video Grammy Award in 2019. She also directed Michelob Ultra Pure Gold’s “The Pure Experience” starring Zoe Kravitz, which aired during the 2019 Super Bowl. From agency FCB Chicago, the spot registered with viewers by departing from the loud Big Game norm as Kravitz whispered into two microphones and softly tapped on a battle, techniques meant to stir autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR), which some claim helps to elicit a tingling euphoric feel. The commercial not only gained exposure on a mega broadcast platform but also generated millions of viral hits.
Based on such work as “The Pure Experience” spot and the “PYNK” music video, Westenberg was profiled in SHOOT’s Spring 2019 feature on Up-and-Coming Directors, back when she was repped by Partizan, her production house roost prior to joining Epoch’s directorial roster.
Westenberg is a Dutch director, born in Berkeley, Calif., and based in Los Angeles. She studied at the renowned Gerrit Rietveld Academie in Amsterdam and the Cooper Union School of Art in NYC. Westenberg’s work can be described as a confident mix of classic visual tropes and fashion and fine art influences, subtly integrated to create her distinct pop aesthetic. Her ability to shoot critically acclaimed, style centric content, while remaining accessible to a diverse audience has made her a go-to director for bespoke musical artists, fashion labels and globally recognized brands. She has created an elaborate body of work, consisting of multiple short films, music videos, editorials and a TV featurette. Her strength lies in creating unique worlds and collaborating with other artists such as Princess Nokia, Troye Sivan and the aforementioned Monae.
MGM tapped Westenberg to direct Buffalo Flats, her first studio feature. The film revolves around the vibrant world of NYC underground pop-up clubs. Matt Jackson (Molly’s Game, End of Watch) is attached to produce. Westenberg also directed an episode of Apple TV’s Little Voice, produced by Warner Bros. Television and Bad Robot Productions, set to premiere in July 2020.
Epoch Films founding partner Mindy Goldberg assessed, “Simply put, Emma’s work made us happy. In a world filled with uncertainty and stress, Emma immerses the audience into a bit of modern magic. She adds a new film vocabulary to our roster; it’s exciting.”
Westenberg and Epoch are represented in the West by Dexter Randazzo and Jonathan Logan at The Department of Sales; in the East by Tara Averill and John Robertson at Representation; and in the Midwest by Chris Brown and Nicole Feddock at Baer Brown Reps.
