Bicoastal/London-based Park Pictures has signed director Seb Edwards for commercial representation in the U.S. Edwards continues to be handled in the U.K. by Academy Films.
Edwards has directed multiple award-winning campaigns for brands such as HSBC, AT&T, VW and Vodafone. His work in commercials has earned multiple BTAA Awards and Gold Lions, most recently for his spots “Debris” and “Waiting To Happen” for The British Army. His new Nike campaign, “Find Your Greatness,” including the :60 “Greatness Anywhere” co-directed with Park’s Lance Acord, will air throughout the Olympics. Edwards was previously represented in the U.S. by Station Film.
Edwards’ own work reflects a sophisticated understanding of cinema and filmmaking technique.
“I admire films and commercials that are incredibly crafted, but you never feel that craft,” Edwards said. “They emotionally engage without feeling manipulative or showy.”
His emergence as a director marks the culmination of a 180-degree career transition from time in front of the camera as the star of Hope and Glory, John Boorman’s Oscar®-nominated 1987 film about a child’s adventures during the London blitz. As Edwards grew older, he discovered his true passion for creating images and directing actors, not performing himself.
Edwards began developing his directorial eye as a Fine Arts student at Leeds University in the U.K. Painting soon gave way to video installations and the storytelling roots ingrained in Edwards from his early days as a child actor began to reemerge in increasingly sophisticated video narratives. This evolution led him to direct his first short, which gained him admittance into New York University’s graduate MFA program in 2000.
During his time in New York, Edwards supplemented his visual acumen with an American indie film influence, developing a storytelling style that meshes striking visuals with a strong emotional pull. Upon returning to the U.K. post-graduation, he worked his way up through the production ranks, from runner to directing spots for Home (formerly Brave Films) in just a few short years. During this time, he directed spots for GLA (Euro RSCG London), Nokia N-Gage (Grey Worldwide) and the notable Sony Playstation “Time Crisis 3” spot.
Edwards continues to expand his storytelling output beyond the scope of commercials, having returned to shorts again with 2011’s Friday and most recently directed the music video of James Blake’s cover of the Joni Mitchell classic, “A Case of You,” featuring actress Rebecca Hall (Vicky Cristina Barcelona, The Prestige, The Town).
Britt Nolan Named CCO For McCann Worldgroup, North America
Britt Nolan has been hired as chief creative officer at McCann Worldgroup, North America. He will report to Javier Campopiano, global chief creative officer of McCann Worldgroup and McCann.
Nolan will work directly with the network’s creative leadership in the U.S. and Canada to lead the development of ideas that solve clients’ business challenges, guided by the creativity of the network’s founding philosophy of “Truth Well Told.” Key to this effort will be fostering collaboration across capabilities and agencies, leveraging the network’s talent and expertise in strategy, design, commerce, branding and production to bring its best-in-class offerings to bear for each client.
“Britt is without a doubt a leader and a point of reference for excellence in our industry,” said Campopiano. “He has led some of North America’s very best work in recent years with incredible range--creating eye-catching, smart, authentic, and funny ways of connecting brands with people. He has a rare track record of success across both creative and business, with a unique understanding of how they power each other. And most importantly, we share a common belief that brand-building is right now more important than it ever was, and the only way to do it is through radical creativity based on human truths. He embodies the very essence of our Truth Well Told philosophy.”
Most recently president and chief creative officer of Leo Burnett Chicago, Nolan comes to McCann Worldgroup with a track record of creative achievement and business impact, both for his clients and the agencies at which he’s worked. Over the years, his work has won Grand Prix or Best in Show at every major international award show, including over 50 Cannes Lions, as well as recognition... Read More