British comedy director Brian Baderman–who’s handled in the U.K. by Blink, London–has signed with Thomas Winter Cooke (TWC), Santa Monica, for exclusive spot representation in the U.S.
Known for his character driven humor, Baderman’s recent exploits include spots for Virgin Holidays via Kitcatt Nohr, London, and French automobile maker Citroen out of Euro RSCG, London. The latter project skews to the darkly offbeat as a man attempts to commit suicide through carbon monoxide poisoning but his car–a Citroen, which produces 40 percent fewer pollutant emissions–won’t let him get the job done. After trying for hours, the guy opts for another means, namely to drive the car into a tree. However, upon impact, the airbag deploys, saving him. The tagline positions the Citroen as “the car that won’t let you kill yourself.”
TWC executive producer/co-founder Mark Thomas believes that Baderman’s brand of ad comedy will translate well to the American market. During a recent visit to London, Thomas met the director and laid the groundwork for signing him.
Baderman said his focus is to establish himself in the U.S. commercialmaking market. Earlier in his career, he had affiliations with such shops as bicoastal/international Believe Media and then Los Angeles-based Biscuit Filmworks. With a formal education at London’s Camberwell College of Art as well as the Royal College of Art, Baderman began his career as a still photographer for European jean maker Diesel. He became a successful freelance photographer before making the transition to directing in the 1990s, co-founding London production house All Film. He signed with Blink last year.
Baderman joins a TWC directorial roster that also includes Suthon Petchsuwan, Jeff France, Michael Fueter, David Jellison, Greg Kiefer, Seamus Masterson, Martin Brierley and Elliot Hegarty.
