Production house Sandwick has signed the Italian directing duo of Tommaso Bertè and Paolo Borgato for representation in the U.S. Known for their work as visual storytellers, Borgato and Bertè have been working extensively in Europe for the past several years, during which time they’ve directed commercials for clients in such categories ranging from automotive to fashion to technology and finance.
They made their debut with an emotional Italian PSA for Save the Children. A year later, their spot for the European apparel label Freddy titled “Human Machine”–a pastiche of attractive young people doing a variety of parkour-like moves on a set made of unusual sculptures and devices–propelled them into the Saatchi & Saatchi’s New Directors Showcase.
“Tommi and Paolo have not been represented in the U.S. for the past several years, and that’s been by design,” said Sandwick executive producer Bill Sandwick. “They’ve been concentrating on their work in Europe and it’s paid off handsomely, as they’ve become sought-after directors there. With over 200 commercials under their belt, they felt it was the right time to re-enter the American market, where they can apply their visual storytelling approach and collaborative working relationships to agencies and brands here.
Their work includes lyrical, visually poetic spots for such advertisers as Ikea, VW, Centrum, the New York Times, the German energy company E.ON and the Viverde hotel and resort company. The latter commercial, “Tui,” showcases their evocative touch with music, editing and cinematography, which frequently factors into their work.
“I think what separates Tommi and Paolo is that they have a strong point of view and they’re incredibly consistent in the quality of their work,” said Sandwick. “And coming from a European background, they’re used to working closely with their agency clients.”
The Sandwick shop is represented by Mary Ford & Co. on the East Coast, Nikki Weiss & Co. in the Midwest and Connie Mellors & Co. on the West Coast.
