Kaboom productions, headed by founder/executive producer Lauren Schwartz, has signed director Michele Atkins who this past May earned inclusion into SHOOT‘s annual New Directors Showcase unveiled at the DGA Theatre in NYC. Atkins garnered her Showcase slot largely on the strength of “Back to Basics,” her winning entry in Levi’s “Show Us The Way” competition for up-and-coming filmmakers.
Atkins joins a kaboom directorial roster consisting of Brandon Dickerson, Kent Harvey, Joe Meade, Erik Moe, Gary Schaffer, Joe Stevens, Ricki+Annie, Reynir, and Doug Werby.
“Michele is a true storyteller who creates beautiful and compelling narratives, but it was when we met in person that I really understood the depths of her talent and passion,” said Schwartz whose kaboom maintains offices in San Francisco and Los Angeles. “She’s come up through the ranks of production, and is a writer, photographer and even edits her projects as needed, all of which is a tremendous asset in today’s market. She’s a perfect complement to our director roster.”
Atkins related that she was referred to Schwartz by an agency friend who praised her work ethic. “I love that she’s intentionally kept the kaboom roster small to best serve her directors and clients, and has a very hands-on approach as an executive producer,” said Atkins whose enthusiasm for TV and film has been a constant companion since she was a child. She was the girl who stayed indoors, watching “oldies” and creating imaginary shows. At university in New York, Atkins studied documentary filmmaking and launched her career shooting and editing news segments. This rapid-fire production served her well as she transitioned into working on indie films, music videos and commercials.
Since 2006, Atkins has produced commercials for national brands such as UPS, Budweiser, Pepsi, Oscar Mayer, Hallmark, McDonald’s, Burger King, and IBM, frequently working with directors Joe Pytka and Zack Snyder. These collaborations provided an unprecedented opportunity to learn from the best in the business, and garner keen insight to serving agency and client needs.
Tinygiant Signs Director Moriah Sawtelle
Female-owned production company Tinygiant has signed director Moriah Sawtelle. She joins as part of Tinygiant’s Next Big Thing incubator program, which is dedicated to nurturing emerging directorial voices.
Sawtelle’s directorial approach has been defined by Tinygiant as “melding engineering precision with an artistic vision that transforms constraints into creative potential.” A talented photographer as well, she brings a keen eye for composition and storytelling to her filmmaking. Her work spans collaborations with brands such as Starbucks, Delta, Cadillac, and Rémy Martin.
“There’s something magnetic about truth framed in a combination of whimsy and authorship,” said Sawtelle. “I love to reimagine reality--blending sub-genres, bending visual rules, and shaping stories that linger in the back of your mind long after you’ve seen them.”
Sawtelle’s recent work includes the Jameson Holiday campaign, a cinematic journey through the intimate warmth of the Jameson family living room; Rémy Martin’s campaign, where luxury meets playful surrealism; and "TWO Hotel--Between the Lines," a fashion film noir capturing the mystery of unreliable narrators within the striking aesthetic of the TWA Hotel.
Read More