Yard Dog has signed director Kelsey Larkin for exclusive representation in the United States. The agreement is the first with a U.S. production company for Larkin, who, although born in Chicago, resides in Toronto and has previously worked exclusively in Canada. A bold and highly original visual storyteller, she has recently directed projects for GoodLife Fitness, Inov8, Vega and Bikes on Wheels, among others.
Yard Dog executive producers Joe Piccirillo and Beth Pearson believe that Larkin has a lot to offer to U.S. agencies with her strong visual style. “Kelsey invests tremendous passion into her work,” says Piccirillo. “I believe that agencies are going to find her creativity and passion refreshing. We’re excited to introduce her to the US market.”
Larkin studied filmmaking at Humber College, Toronto, and spent the early years of her career rising through the production ranks. She got her start as a director helming music videos, before transitioning to commercials. She’s continues to be represented in Canada by Nimble Content.
“I did it the old school way,” says Larkin. “I started making my own spots to hone my craft. Slowly, people began to know about me and liked my work. I did it the hard way. I pulled up my socks and went for it.”
Larkin has developed a unique style of storytelling. Her recent spot Live for It for GoodLife Fitness and Toronto agency Doug & Partners, captures the emotional drive of dedicated athletes through close-ups and intense action. The visuals are artfully designed, yet feel real and immediate. “I tend to be more about the images and close-ups shot with short depth of field,” she explains. “I like atmosphere. I like shadows. I like to use natural lighting. I see every frame as a photograph, one that is visually pleasing and can stand on its own. That’s what I aspire to in all my work.”
Larkin says that she is excited to test her storytelling skills in the U.S. and feels that Yard Dog is the perfect platform for her launch. “I like what Joe and Beth have to offer. They’ve assembled a select roster and give their directors their undivided attention,” she observes. “We chatted a bunch, they loved my work and were genuinely honest and eager to make it happen.”
Through Yard Dog, Larkin looks to form new agency relationships. She also hopes to expand the scope of her work, while maintaining the integrity of the aesthetic values that have brought her this far.
Yard Dog is located at 6509 De Longpre Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028. Call 310.209.8992. www.yarddog.tv
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