Grant Heslov–an Oscar-winning producer on Best Picture Argo and an Academy Award nominee as a writer for his work on the adapted screenplay for The Ides of March and the original screenplay for Good Night and Good Luck–has signed with production house Untitled for worldwide representation as a commercial director.
In addition to his high profile feature work–with producer credits on such films as Good Night and Good Luck, The Monuments Men and August: Osage County, as well as acting in assorted movies–Heslov has exhibited directing chops. He directed the dark comedy Men Who Stare at Goats and half the episodes of Unscripted, a 2005 comedy-drama series on HBO.
Heslov’s directing exploits also extend to commercials. Though Untitled is his first official spot representation home, Heslov has helmed on an informal basis various ad assignments, most recently a series of commercials for Nespresso and Mercedes-Benz.
Tim Evill, head of brand strategy and executive creative director with BBDO China, worked with Heslov on two TV campaigns in China, launching the new E Class Mercedes-Benz. “These were the most important launches of the last five years for Mercedes-Benz and both were extremely successful, whilst being two of the most highly regarded and awarded commercials in China,” said Evill. “The client was completely impressed with Grant. His experience as an Oscar-winning producer [on Argo] means he can handle the most complicated of shoots with the most respected actors, while balancing the client relationship with ease.” Evill described Heslov as “a talented, collaborative storyteller.”
Heslov gravitated towards the L.A.-based Untitled based on his long-standing affinity for company founder/executive producer Jim Evans. “We grew up together,” said Heslov who added that he was drawn to Untitled directorial roster, its body of work and the company’s work ethic. “Those facts and our friendship is why it felt so natural to sign with Untitled.”
“Directing commercials is a joy,” said Heslov. “You get to create a little movie and do it in two weeks,” he enthused. And, with his background as a producer, he enjoys working with clients and producers. “I love dealing with the client,” he related. “I think it’s fun. And it’s liberating to be the director and let someone else in the production deal with the details. I get to focus on the story, the actors and the visuals.”
Heslov observed that his deep background in acting and producing informs his style as a director. “I work with character,” he said. “As an actor and writer, I try to focus on the nuances of the character in all the work I direct.”
“I know how to talk to actors,” noted Heslov, a fact evident in his work with George Clooney, Matt Damon, John Malkovich, Jeff Bridges, Ewan MacGregor and Kevin Spacey.
