Below are profiles of a dozen leading helmers who have made a major impact on advertising and marketing. These profiles are followed by Creative Perspectives, a look at new directorial talent that bears watching. And check out Cinematography Chatter in our Columns section in which cinematogrphers offer insights into their working relationships with directors.
At the time we were putting the finishing touches on this issue, we had also earnestly embarked on our fifth annual New Directors Search, which will culminate in SHOOT’s fifth annual New Directors Showcase, a major event that will take place at the Directors Guild of America Theatre in New York on May 23. The ties between the spring Directors Series and our new talent competition are strikingly evident in the pages that follow.
For one, David Gray of Hungry Man was included in our 2005 New Directors Showcase. This January he was nominated for the DGA Award recognizing the best commercial director of ’06. In less than two years he went from being at the DGA’s Manhattan venue as part of our Showcase to appearing at the DGA Awards in Los Angeles as a nominee.
Gray is profiled in our Directors Series section as are former SHOOT Showcase helmers Yael Staav of Reginald Pike, Aaron Ruell who recently joined Biscuit Filmworks and John Immesoete of Backyard Productions and sister shop Seed. Via the latter, Immesoete created and developed three series for the recently launched online entertainment network bud.TV, underscoring the opportunities that are emerging for talented industry artisans.
Speaking of bud.TV, this issue’s coverage of up-and-coming directors in the feature titled “Creative Perspectives” includes the team of Don & John of HSI Productions who recently scored their first big ad industry helming break with episodes of The Arrogant Fake British Rich Guy and Guided Meditation With The Billy Lama, which are both series out of DDB Chicago for the ambitious Budweiser network. Don & John are former agency creatives, a background prevalent in our spring crop of new directors.
And our search for new talent isn’t confined to Directors Series editions or the New Directors Showcase. Virtually every issue of SHOOT provides exposure for emerging artisans. For example, in this week’s “The Best Work You May Never See” gallery, we feature a spec spot conceived and directed by Nir Bashan, a promising newcomer who recently signed with BeachHouse Films.
Indeed among our most enjoyable pursuits is having a hand in uncovering new talent. In that light, we hope you enjoy this special issue and we welcome your feedback at rgoldrich@shootonline.com
Producers Douglas Wick and Lucy Fisher To Receive Harold Lloyd Award From The Advanced Imaging Society
Producers Douglas Wick and Lucy Fisher will be presented with the 2025 Harold Lloyd Award in recognition of their producing achievement in creating Gladiator II at The Advanced Imaging Society’s (AIS) 15th annual Lumiere Awards luncheon, which takes place Friday, February 7, 2025, at the Beverly Hills Hotel.
Empowering their storytelling with groundbreaking technology and skill, Wick and Fisher have thrilled audiences and driven the film industry forward for three decades. Their steadfast dedication to the highest standards of cinematic excellence have resulted in epic films, including Memoirs of a Geisha, The Great Gatsby, the Stuart Little franchise, the Divergent Series and both Gladiator films. The first Gladiator earned Wick an Academy Award® for Best Picture. In light of their consistent and distinguished contributions over the years, as exemplified by this year’s Gladiator II, the Advanced Imaging Society wished to recognize the team with this year’s esteemed Harold Lloyd Award.
“Doug Wick and Lucy Fisher of Red Wagon Entertainment have revolutionized modern filmmaking with their bold storytelling and ability to elevate large-scale productions to epic levels,” remarked Jim Chabin, AIS president. “Their work has not only captivated audiences but also redefined filmmaking standards, leaving an indelible mark on the art of cinema. At AIS. we deeply admire their visionary contributions and enduring influence on the film industry.”
Suzanne Lloyd, granddaughter of the late, great Harold Lloyd, remarked, “Doug’s artistic vision and Lucy’s dynamic leadership have brought authenticity, beauty and profound emotion to some of our favorite epic films. Together, they are a... Read More