Production studio Identity has added director Sage Bennett to its roster.
An alum of SHOOT’s 2020 New Directors Showcase, Bennett has a self-described directing style that is “emotive, vibrant, and often through a feminine perspective.” She further shared, “I enjoy finding beauty in simplicity, delving into the nuances of moments that are often overlooked. Creating an emotional resonance is essential for me—I aim to evoke a feeling without the need for intellectualization of said feeling.”
Among Bennett’s credits are spots for the likes of 1-800-Flowers and KiwiCo as well as her own passion projects including the acclaimed short films and festival circuit faves Placebo and Aguamiel. However, while she’s seamlessly navigated multiple mediums throughout her career, Bennett does, in fact, take different approaches depending on the project. “When it comes to commercials, I focus on enhancing the idea’s point of view and infusing it with my unique touch, all while staying within the project’s parameters,” explained Bennett who was previously repped in the advertising arena by Spark & Riot. “On the other hand, personal projects often stem from a small, persistent idea that excites me–an idea I just can’t shake. I typically start with writing, and if I hit a roadblock, I turn to visual references, allowing the concept to take shape organically, often out of order, following its natural flow before piecing it all together.”
Regardless of the task at hand, though, there is a common thread that ties together all of Bennett’s work. “Collaboration is a key aspect of my process, especially with cinematographers, whose perspective and ideas contribute so much to making each piece one-of-a-kind.”
With a wide range of creative inspirations including TV and film star Phoebe Waller-Bridge, the recent critical hit film Poor Things as well as Tiktoks, nature and sunshine, Bennett considers a campaign she shot in Portugal (“with four five-year-old kids, butterflies, ladybugs, and the natural elements”) a career highlight and her 16mm short Placebo one of her proudest achievements. “It is really satisfying to create something that feels like my own vision,” she noted. “The feedback I received for the film is a motivating reminder that my voice has a place in the industry, and that I should keep creating.”
Of her new roost, Bennett said, “Identity’s reputation for consistently delivering top-tier commercial work was a major draw, promising the opportunity to challenge and elevate my craft. [It] felt like the perfect move at the right time, offering not only the chance to collaborate with like-minded professionals but also access to amazing resources and mentorship.”
Identity executive producer Molly Mitchell added, “After discovering Sage’s impressive portfolio through her work on Nowness, I found myself drawn to her unique style. There was an undeniable sense of synergy with Sage from the start. Not only does she possess a remarkable talent for photography, but she is the epitome of a well-rounded artist. To put it simply, Sage is the ‘total package.’”
