Directors Christophe Navarre and Alain Gourrier have joined Santa Monica-based Uncle. Navarre first broke onto the U.S. ad scene via now defunct Satellite in 2000, his debut being a Lexus package for Team One Advertising, El Segundo, Calif. The following year, he was included in Saatchi & Saatchi’s New Directors Showcase on the strength of Quencha’s “Airport,” out of Young & Rubicam, Paris.
After Satellite, Navarre landed at Little Minx@RSA; he comes over to Uncle from the bicoastal RSA roost. However, RSA Films, London, continues to handle him in the U.K., as does Paris production house Irene for French market work.
Navarre’s apprenticeship came as an assistant director, working for such notable helmers as Erick Ifergan, Stephane Sednaoui, Jean-Baptiste Mondino and the late Jhoan Camitz. Navarre made the leap into directing with “Mechanic,” a spec spot for French phone company Bouygues Telecom, written by creatives at Y&R, Paris, and produced through Wanda Productions, Paris.
GOURRIER
Meanwhile prior to coming aboard Uncle, Gourrier was repped by Tate USA, Santa Monica. His credits include spots for such clients as Ericsson, Range Rover and Sony PlayStation. For the latter, he directed last year’s “Blender” for TBWA/Chiat/Day, Los Angeles.
Known for his enigmatic visual style, Gourrier developed his visual language initially in the industry as an editor at the former 525 Studios, becoming well versed in effects and compositing while also getting to the opportunity to collaborate with leading directors, including Peter Smillie. In his spare time, Gourrier began diversifying into directing, debuting with a music video for vocalist Veronique Jelly in ’93. He went on to freelance direct several clips for different performers over the next few years. Upon exiting 525 in ’98, Gourrier focused on building his directorial reel with spec spots for Kenzo perfume, Boeing and Chrysler. On the strength of this fare, he got the chance to direct an Ericsson package, working with visual effects house Digital Domain, Venice, Calif. That led to his landing at his first production company roost, Bruce Dowad & Associates, Hollywood. He was later handled by Los Angeles-headquartered A Band Apart.
Gourrier’s visual sensibilities were evident prior to his entering the spot/video arena through the post door. He has a background in painting and photography, and had formal training in France as an architect.
“Eric [Bonniot, an Uncle founder/exec producer] and our new executive producer Nancy Osborne have both worked with Alain so there’s a good relationship there,” noted Bryan Farhy, executive producer/partner at Uncle. Meanwhile Farhy has known Navarre for several years, dating back to when they met at Cannes and struck up a rapport.