Director James Holt has joined Giraldi Media for stateside representation. Holt, who resides in Auckland, N.Z., continues to be handled Down Under by Film Motel, which is headquartered in Sydney. Holt is no stranger to the American ad market, having earlier directed via Aero Film and prior to that, Flying Tiger.
Known for his work in comedy and storytelling marked by a strong sense of design, Holt has over the past six months helmed assorted jobs for Unilever Australia as well as Procter & Gamble and Purina. His ad credits over the years span such brands as Visa, MasterCard, Guinness, Nissan, Foxtel, Vodaphone, and New Zealand Cheese.
For the latter, Holt directed “Spies,” a quirky comedy spot which earned him Best Director honors at the New Zealand Axis Awards competition. Paired with “Diplomat,” another spot in the NZ Cheese campaign, “Spies” earned Holt a finalist nod for Best Director at the London International Awards.
Holt began his filmmaking career directing various short films, documentaries and music videos before breaking into advertising. His commercialmaking exploits have taken him around the world to direct for major brands.
Director Bob Giraldi of Giraldi Media observed, “It’s nice to have another storyteller in house, especially one that makes people laugh.”
Director Lu Villaca Joins MADRE
Production company MADRE has added Brazilian director Lu Villaça to its talent roster. With degrees in cinema and performance and a master’s in screenwriting, Villaça brings a multifaceted approach to filmmaking. Villaça’s tastes have been shaped by her childhood training in ballet, studying Greek theatre texts, her passion for music, and her contemplative nature. She honed her cinematic skills early on as an AD and creative assistant before becoming a director. Intent on capturing the drama of everyday life as it plays out, Villaça is tuned in to how the bodies in her frame move through their environments and what elements of the story can be extrapolated from these compositions. Her sharp attention to detail in every aspect, from lighting to the final edit, is designed to connect emotionally with her audience. Villaça has been awarded three Cannes Lions for her film “Next Minute Law,” which promoted awareness of a law in Brazil designed to address the rampant epidemic of sexual violence. “Next Minute Law” also garnered Best Direction at El Ojo and the Ciclope Latino Festival, where Villaça also won Best New Talent. Additionally, she has directed assorted commercial campaigns for brands like Johnnie Walker, Huggies Wipes, Nestlé, Amazon, A.C. Camargo Cancer Center, and a spot for Medley featuring Brazilian Olympic gymnast Rebeca Andrade. Prior to joining MADRE, Villaca had been repped by production house LOBO. Recognized in Brazil as a top music video director, Villaca won Best Female Direction for her work on “Nu” by Assucena and “Lovezinho” by Rachel Reis, which also won Best National Music Video at the MVF Awards. Villaça additionally co-directed the documentary Pagliacci, an homage to circus artist Domingos Montagner... Read More