Actor Patrick Dempsey (Grey’s Anatomy , Bridget Jones Baby) makes his directorial debut with “To Jack,” a spot for Tag Heuer produced by Independent Media. Dempsey joins Independent Media’s roster which includes directors Jean Jeunet, Doug Liman, Matt Reeves and Janusz Kaminski.
Dempsey partnered with two-time Oscar-winning cinematographer (Schindler’s List, Saving Private Ryan) Kaminski on “To Jack,” which pays homage to Jack Heuer’s legacy. The piece is shot in black and white and centers on Dempsey driving a classic roadster, which is identical to Jack Heuer’s first car, given to him as a college graduation gift. A soundtrack composed by Grammy-nominated jazz musician Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah enhances the film’s evocative feel. On the subject of Tag Heuer’s heritage, Dempsey said, “We tried to create the essence of the past, present and future.”
Dempsey plans on doing more directing in the future. These sentiments are bolstered by his positive experience with Independent Media, on which he commented “Independent Media’s Susanne Preissler went above and beyond as a producer. Independent Media was very supportive, and I couldn’t have done it without them.” The newly-minted director also stated that, “She encouraged me to get behind the camera. Without her support, I wouldn’t have done it.”