Director Martin Krejci has joined L.A.-based Ruffian for commercial representation in North America. He was previously handled in the U.S. by Stink which continues to rep him internationally. Krejci has helmed ads for a wide range of brands, including Nike, Smirnoff, Ikea, Phillips, Heineken Ford and Adidas. His work spans varied disciplines including live action, animation and stop-frame fare–but all geared to telling a story and advancing an idea.
The director’s campaigns for Hornbach and Lurpak are especially noteworthy, gaining international recognition and a bucketful of awards at festivals including Cannes Lions, Clio and D&AD. “Spark” for Honda via W+K, London, also received critical praise for using an electrical spark to tell the story of the Honda Civic’s new redesign.
“I’ve known Martin for a long time,” related Ruffian founder/EP Robert Herman, re-energizing the pair’s connection after working together extensively in the U.K. “I am thrilled we are in concert once more. Martin has the self-knowledge, humility and toughness to be a great leader. I’m excited to see what we can achieve together in the American market.”
Krejci said of Herman, “I trust him implicitly. We already have many years of valuable experience together. Communication is absolutely crucial to both of us, and I know that our dialog will be open, up front and honest. I look forward to the creative challenges ahead.”
The American market has always been a little more enigmatic for Krejci, but he believes that with Ruffian he will be able to bring the same craft and passion to his work as he does so successfully in Europe.
The addition of Krejci comes on the heels of Ruffian securing feature filmmaker David Mackenzie for commercials and branded content. Mackenzie directed Hell or High Water, which earned four Oscar nominations this year, including for Best Picture.
Ruffian is represented by Bueno on the West Coast, Cousin James on the East Coast, and Dawn Rao in the Midwest.
