U.K. house Thomas Thomas Films, founded by director Kevin Thomas and managing director Philippa Thomas in 2000, is opening a New York office. Kevin Thomas has been directing an increasing amount of American work, which proved to be a prime catalyst behind the company decision to launch a stateside shop. Additionally, plans call for the New York operation, headed by executive producer Jenny Gadd, to serve as a springboard into the U.S. market for new talent that the London office is developing such as director Jim Gilchrist…..Brazilian director Joao Daniel Tikhomiroff has signed with Saville Productions, Beverly Hills, for commercial representation in North America….Roland Gauthier has been promoted from senior technical director to CG manager for LAIKA/house, the Portland, Ore.-based division specializing in animated commercials and shorts. LAIKA/house is under the aegis of president/executive producer Lourri Hammack….Michael Pardee has joined Sway Studio, Los Angeles, as executive producer. He will work alongside the visual effects company’s exec producer Shira Boardman. Pardee comes over from Digital Domain, Venice, Calif., where he had served as head of production….Editor Curtis Schmidt has returned to the staff of Crush Editorial, Santa Monica. He originally worked as an editor at Crush from 2000-’03 before moving on to freelance. His credits span spots (K Swiss, Apple, Yahoo, Toyota, Nokia, Earthlink) and music videos (for such performers as James Blunt, Red Jumpsuit, Anti-Flag, Deep Dish)……
Directors Amy+Pilar and Jose Antonio Prat Join Reform School
Boutique content production company Reform has added comedy directing duo Amy+Pilar (Amy York Rubin and Pilar Boehm) and award-winning multicultural director Jose Antonio Prat to its roster for U.S. representation spanning commercials and branded entertainment.
Partners in both life and art, Amy+Pilar are know for their sharp wit and comedic timing. Their synchronicity is evident in a body of work across TV, film and commercials. Prior to joining Reform School, Amy+Pilar had been repped in the ad market by production company Knucklehead.
Amy has directed high-profile comedy sketches featuring stars like Amy Schumer, Kate McKinnon, and Sarah Silverman. On the episodic front, Amy has helmed for series such as Fresh Off the Boat, Casual, Superstore and Angie Tribeca--as well as the pilot for the hit Netflix comedy Dead to Me.
Before joining forces with Amy behind the camera, Pilar was a psychotherapist, a background that informs her ability to create fascinating characters and stage irresistible, nuanced performances. Amy and Pilar’s shared passion for comedy brought them together. Their collaboration began with a Synchrony Bank campaign, starring cult-comedy favorite Maribeth Monroe (Workaholics), and they went on to direct the pilot of the Hulu series Love, Victor. Amy+Pilar’s ad fare also includes spots for Uber’s “Go-Get” campaign and “Shift,” starring Martin Starr.
“We have been fans of Amy and Pilar for a long time,” said Ryan Ennis, executive director at Reform School. “They excel at capturing comedic performances and dialogue. Coming from the TV and L.A. comedy scenes, they’ve built a strong following and collaborated with some of our favorite funny people.... Read More