On May 25, SHOOT unveiled its fourth annual New Directors Showcase reel. The 25 helmers–including three two-person teams–selected for the Showcase come from diverse backgrounds. However, the bond they share is great style, vision and commitment–whether it be reflected in comedy, visuals or storytelling. Helping fashion the Showcase lineup were entries from SHOOT‘s ongoing “The Best Work You May Never See” gallery, assorted submissions, and feedback from agency creatives and producers. Here’s a look at this year’s field:
Jon Watts
Smuggler
Fatboy Slim’s “Wonderful Night” music video
How did you get into directing?
Making Hi8 movies with my friends in high school. I was planning on going to school for chemical engineering in Colorado but applied to NYU and USC film school as a long shot. I got a full ride scholarship to both schools and ended up going to New York. I still can’t believe it.
Why do you want to direct commercials?
I took a negotiating class a few years back…working in commercials has given me a shot at using those skills in a way I never imagined….and there’s the cash, the red carpet at pre pros, fast food, fast women.
What is your most recent spot project?
Just delivered a music video for Fat Boy Slim and posting one for The
Spinto Band. It’s a completely arduous technique that involves videotaping actors, printing them onto paper, cutting them out then animating them using digital still cameras. It’s a cool effect, but man… it takes forever.
Do you have plans to work in other areas–e.g., shorts, films, features or TV? Have you ever done any of that in the past?
I didn’t even realize that making music videos and commercials could be a real job until very recently. I made a short at NYU that people really seem to like and have written a couple of feature scripts. I went to school to make features, and that’s what I want to do.
What do you think is the best part about being a director?
Having an epiphany about the perfect way to shoot a scene.
What’s the worst part?
Having that epiphany at 4 am the night before the shoot.
