By Robert Goldrich
An overhead shot of a university campus gives us the perspective of vultures circling over their intended next meal. It turns out that students who have to repay tuition loans are the ones who are on the birds’ menu.
Indeed, going indoors is no remedy. In a darkened lecture hall where a slide show is being presented, a vulture’s shadow appears as it flies through the light cast by the overhead projector. Next, we see a vulture in the library and then in the university lounge, interrupting what had been some lighthearted socializing among students.
The appearance of the seemingly ubiquitous birds in unlikely scenarios looms as ominous and gives greater weight to the metaphor which parallels the vultures to the lurking anxiety that comes with tuition fee repayment obligations. But when we return to the great outdoors presumably upon student graduation, relief is in sight as the vultures flee–thanks to a program which allows students to settle their debt only after they have established themselves in the workplace with good paying jobs. Even at that point, the payments are manageable under the COI Tuition Fees initiative.
“Payback Time” was directed by Michael Geoghegan of The Pink Film Company, London, for agency Delaney Lund Knox Warren, London.
Karen Cunningham produced for Pink. The DP was Robbie Ryan.
The agency team included creative director Ken Sara and creatives Richard Warren and Paul Hancock, with Lauraine Bhuglah serving as producer.
Editor was Spencer Ferszt of Peepshow, London. Post producer for Peepshow was Jo Trainis. Colorist was Dave Ludlum of Framestore, a London shop which also handled visual effects for the spot, which has been airing in the U.K. Audio post mixer/sound designer was Parv Thind of Wave Studios, London.Director Jack Begert Joins Biscuit For His First Commercial Representation In U.S. & U.K.
Biscuit Filmworks has added filmmaker Jack Begert to its roster in the U.S. and U.K. This marks Begert’s first representation in advertising, building upon his acclaimed work in music video and film. He is best known for his striking aesthetic and surreal use of visual effects, displayed in his feature film debut Little Death, which won the NEXT Innovator Award at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. The film stars David Schwimmer, Gaby Hoffman, Dominic Fike, and Talia Ryder, and was produced by Darren Aronofsky.
Miami-born and L.A.-based, the USC Film School graduate began his career in VFX and as an editor. Begert has worked with iconic musical artists including Kendrick Lamar, SZA, Flying Lotus, Childish Gambino, and Olivia Rodrigo, and has independently directed international campaigns for brands such as Apple, Converse, New Era, and Reebok.
Shawn Lacy, founding partner of Biscuit Filmworks, said of Begert, “We are such fans of his work--and of him as a creator, thinker, collaborator, and great guy.”
“My creative approach is often about trying to discover something unexpected in the filmmaking process,” said Begert. “Biscuit is a place where I can bring my own perspective to the work and still feel supported. That philosophy is clear from the talent they represent, and I’m excited to join their roster.”
“Jack’s work blew me away the moment I first saw it,” said Rupert Reynolds-Maclean, managing director at Biscuit Filmworks UK. “He is a modern young director who clearly cares deeply about both craft and the necessity for it in his storytelling. Everything always pushes the narrative forward. We’re looking forward to making great work together.”
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