The NCAA March Madness Tournament came to a close last week with the Final Four. Amidst the excitement of competition, a new NCAA spot by Mirror Films‘ Director/Editor Doug Walker via Y&R/SF reminds viewers to remember future student athletes through the “<a href="(www.donorschoose.org)“>Donors Choose” Program ((www.donorschoose.org)).
“We have worked with Doug on many projects as an Editor,” explains Y&R/SF Producer Debra Trotz. “Doug has a gift as a storytelling Editor that allows you to view the story differently than you might have imagined it. Knowing that Doug is also a great photographer, it made sense for him to move into directing, combining all of these skills. For this new NCAA project, Doug was able to capture the essence of the spot without needing to over-shoot. What should have been a two-day shoot with three different locations, he shot all in one day. Doug and Mirror Films brought this team together to think outside the budget, looking for creative ways in which to over-deliver on the story.”
“When these boards came across my desk, I knew Doug was perfect for the job,” explains Eric Barrett, Owner/Executive Producer of Mirror Films. “This project had an extremely tight schedule and a very aggressive shot list. Doug’s innate editorial sense allowed him to craft a shooting board that made our schedule very concise.”
“I always believe in giving clients as many options as possible,” agrees Walker, who did his homework for this project, storyboarding the shoot meticulously. “I love really interesting framing and postcard composition, that is simple and beautiful.” He continues: “The clients on this project were amazing. They gave me a great deal of freedom, and we all worked together to create a great story.”
Concludes Carlo Guardascione, Art Director for Y&R/SF: “Doug believed in the idea and shared our vision. He completely understood what we were trying to accomplish. He never lost his excitement and energy. And he was the glue that kept everything together.”
Credits
Client: NCAA
Spot Title: “Bouncing Ball“
Airdate: March-April 2011
Ad Agency: Y&R/SF
Executive Creative Director: Kevin McCarthy
Creative Director: Chris Toffoli
Art Director: Juan Contreras
Copywriter: Carlo Guardascione
Executive Producer: Debra Trotz
Senior Producer: Melinda Estey
Production Company: Mirror Films
Director/Editor: Doug Walker
DP: Vasco Nunez
Owner/Executive Producer: Eric Barrett
Head of Production: Lorraine Schreyer
Line Producer: Lisa Tesone
Editorial Company: Beast
Editor: Tim Fender
Executive Producer: Jon Ettinger
Music & Sound Design Company: Volume Music & Sound
Composer: David Della Santa
About Director Doug Walker
Doug Walker is a true Los Angeles native. Growing up in a family with strong ties to the film business, Walker spent the better part of his childhood in and around film sets. At the age of 11, he fell into acting where he thrived for six years, spending more time in casting sessions than at school. At 17, he was ready for a change and found it with the help of legendary editor Steve McCoy who brought him into the fold at Filmcore Editorial where he discovered his natural talent for film editing. An accomplished editor for 19 years, his work has garnered several Clios and a Cannes Lion award. Since launching as a Director with Mirror Films in 2007, he has crafted a consistent body of work that is distinctive and organic. His documentary work tells stories in a poignant and memorable way, a quality that resonates in his commercial work as well. His spots for Nike, U.S. Cellular, and University of North Carolina all reveal an honesty and soulfulness rarely seen in commercials. Doug’s recent documentary “Rhag” was selected as one of four stand-out films chosen for the Special Screenings program at the 2011 Slamdance Film Festival. The film chronicles the life of the brilliant painter and experimental composer Roy Henry Alexander Grover. His next documentary entitled “Lost & Found” will take the viewer on a journey to uncover the stories of some of the world’s most famous surfers in history. Doug was recently selected as an “Up and Coming Director” in the Spring 2011 Directors Issue of “Shoot Magazine.”
About Mirror Films
Mirror Films is a Hollywood-based production company that has produced some of television’s most recognizable commercials for such clients as Anheuser Busch, Toyota, Nike, U.S. Cellular, Ford, GM, Target, Sony and many others. Mirror Film’s Owner/Executive Producer Eric Barrett has attracted a diverse and artistic roster by representing some of the brightest directorial talent of the commercial production industry. Mirror Films partners well with ad agencies and clients directly because the company’s expertise extends across key genres to include Automotive, Food, Action Sports, Lifestyle, Comedy, Beauty and Kids. Mirror Films is a streamlined and efficient production company – small enough to brainstorm one-on-one, yet big enough to tap its resources globally. The scope of work by Mirror’s Directors encompasses features, short films, live concert films and documentaries. The varied backgrounds of Mirror’s Director/DPs and Producers positions the company to pursue work based on interest. Mirror recently expanded into large-format film, wrapping production on an IMAX project this year. The Mirror Films‘ directorial roster includes Louis-Pascal Couvelaire, Bobby Espinosa, Robin Hays, Kevin Kerslake, Greg Pritikin, Doug Walker, Mark Williams and Chris Woods. Mirror Films was founded in 2003. www.mirrorfilms.tv
