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:

 

 

Marc Colucci

Picture Park

World Curling Championship’s “Curlers”

Handel and Haydn’s “Messiah is Coming”

 

How did you get into directing?

I had been a P.A. and then an A.D. in Boston for a few years and then Mark Hankey (Executive Producer at Picture Park) called and asked me to direct a really low budget job. I think the whole thing cost $200. We made a sandwich board, bought a shirt for talent and paid a parking ticket. We shot on a bunch of black and white short ends that we dug out of the film closet. It’s a rough gritty spot, but still one of my favorites.

  

Why do you want to direct commercials?

I like the challenge of telling a story in just 30 seconds that stops people from changing the channel.

 

What is your most recent spot project?

I just did two 15 second spots for The World Curling Championships.  We shot on a Monday for a Thursday delivery date.  It was tight, but curling is already such a non sequitur of a sport that the spots couldn’t help but be funny.

 

Do you have plans to work in other areas?

Honestly, I’m up for anything. But what I’m really hoping to do is a commercial that has a ridiculously big budget, with fast cars and explosions.

 

What do you think is the best part about being a director?

I would have to say working with actors.  Sometimes there’s a moment when you’re trying to put a scene into context and you find a common ground with them and everything just kinda clicks.  I worked on this job once where the sound guy kept forgetting to turn down the mic while I was talking to the actor.  The agency told me later that I had been giving direction in sync with what they were discussing, without us ever having to talk about it. It’s really nice when everyone is totally on the same page.

 

What’s the worst part?

Not being able to smoke on set.

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