Veteran producers Mara Milićević and John Duffin have teamed to launch Emerald Pictures, a Los Angeles-based production company. The new venture opens with a directorial roster that includes Kosta, Rodney Lucas, Peter O’Brien, Jennifer Roberts, and Nathan R. Smith who all gain their first U.S. commercial representation.
Raised in Los Angeles in an entertainment family, Milićević is an experienced agency producer who began her career in film and television before transitioning into the world of advertising. She has produced work for brands including Apple, Facebook, BMW, and Land Rover, and worked for agencies including Media Arts Lab, Chiat/Day, 72andSunny and kbs+, where she served as head of production.
Hailing from Ireland, Duffin emigrated to the U.S. in his teens and later began a career in production. After forging his path as a line producer for many of the most iconic music videos of the ‘90s, he joined Epoch Films where he worked for just under two decades as head of production and then executive producer. Duffin went on to help build Framestore Pictures, a production company under the umbrella of Oscar-winning global company, Framestore.
Milićević said, “John’s background in nurturing and guiding directors’ careers and my experience as an agency producer with clients like Apple and BMW, creates a perfect melding of worlds where, with the highest standards for both production value and the production process, we are able to tastefully bring inspiring ideas to life.”
Emerald’s lineup of filmmakers includes emerging and established talent, from the U.S., Canada, Ireland, and Serbia.
Serbian director Kosta brings his highly unique personal style and technical prowess to Emerald. His diverse body of work includes projects for clients like Coca-Cola, T-Mobile, and Honda. He has worked extensively throughout Europe and Asia.
South Side Chicago-raised filmmaker Lucas has traveled the world creating short documentaries and branded content for NOWNESS, VICE, Dick’s Sporting Goods–––and a Tom’s Shoes initiative that financially empowered artists to make social changes in their communities.
Living in Dublin, native Irishman O’Brien excels at building a rich atmosphere in all his work. An experienced commercial director, his sensitive approach is informed by his eye for style and training in sound design. His directorial credits include ad fare for such clients as Soar, Irish Rail, and the Irish Heart Foundation
Roberts started her career as a photojournalist before moving into commercial photography and directing, utilizing her innate ability to put her subjects at ease. Clients include Amazon, The New York Times, Rolling Stone, The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post.
Smith is a director, writer, and photographer who grew up in Washington, DC. An NYU Tisch alum, he’s directed videos for Liam Payne, 2 Chainz, Erykah Badu, Lil Yachty, and others. His video for DRAM’s Broccoli featuring Lil Yachty was nominated for both Best Hip-Hop Video and Best Collaboration Video at the 2017 MTV Video Music Awards.
Emerald is repped by indie firm Uncle Lefty on the West and East Coasts.
