Content studio Big Block has added director Neil Abramson to its talent roster for U.S. representation.
The versatile Abramson is known for turning out notable work across mediums and genres, including commercials, music videos, documentaries, feature films and still photography. His film agents are Beck Smith and Andrew Kanava at United Talent Agency. Abramson is handled for ad projects in Canada by Holiday Films. Prior to joining Big Block, Abramson had been handled by Chelsea Pictures for spots and branded content in the U.S.
As a South African living in the U.S. since his teens, Abramson brings a global perspective to his work, and combines sensitivity with an unflinching eye. He’s driven to craft films that explore the human condition and psyche, whether it’s focusing on the quiet moments in life for a Subway commercial, or following a young Marine being deployed for active duty in the feature American Son starring Nick Cannon, Matt O’Leary, Melonie Diaz, Tom Sizemore and Jay Hernandez.
Abramson’s feature work, both scripted and documentary, highlights his desire to shine a light on important aspects of modern life. His evocative feature debut, Without Air, premiered at Sundance, and went on to win Most Promising Newcomer distinction.
Abramson’s gripping documentary Soldier Child became a calling card for the issue, culminating in Amnesty International presenting the film at the United Nations to bring awareness to the plight of child soldiers in Northern Uganda and worldwide. A book of Abramson’s photographs taken in Uganda accompanied the film. After the success of Soldier Child, Abramson traveled to Sierra Leone with the UN to document the atrocities of the civil war there, with the film and his photographs being used to raise money for a refugee relief fund.
Beyond the dramatic space, Abramson also has an eye for the absurd. Bob Smith U.S.A., his most recent feature documentary, is a reflection on American society and culture shown in a uniquely poignant and often hilarious manner, as seen through the eyes of seven men named Bob Smith.
Abramson began directing after graduating from Art Center College of Design, helming music videos for acts like Deborah Harry, Dwight Yokum, and Mark Knoffler. He transitioned to the commercial side and was soon shooting motion/print campaigns for clients like Merrill Lynch, Nike, McDonald’s, Cadillac, Coca-Cola, United Airlines, and Toyota. Abramson’s ad work has earned assorted awards including Clios and Cannes Lions.
Abramson said of his new roost, “Big Block is a progressive company that has their finger on the pulse of a new paradigm of production and media creation--not only commercials, but content of all types. Their offering is way beyond that of other shops. That’s what really got me excited about joining.”
Kenny Solomon, managing director of Big Block, related, “I have been a fan of Neil for some time. He has that uncanny ability to evoke the human condition and unearth true emotion in all his work, across the mediums of branded content to feature films to his still photography.”