Phil Sansom joins the The Visionaries roster

Philip Sansom is an award winning film Director, Producer, Managing Director & Photographer based in London. 

His beautifully crafted storytelling and keen editorial eye from his photography background is emitted in his work for commercials. Creative agencies and brands around the world have taken notice of Phil’s skills, which has seen him work for brands such as Mini Cooper, Honda, 02 and agencies such as Dazed, Adam & Eve DDB & FCB Inferno. He has a background as an art director, editor and photographer which brings a wealth of expertise to his cinematic innovative work.

in 2012, Phil established his own content production company PHIX. It quickly built up an impressive client list of brands and agencies within the advertising and luxury markets, winning commercial & TV commissions from agencies across London. 

Phil is also a photographer. Click here to view his work

Phil has recently finished a documentary for SKY Arts with Blondie drummer Clem Burke screening in Sept 2018 and is currently finishing a 3 year film project for The Macallan. His first feature film UNARMED is in development with Northern Ireland Screen, and he is developing a slate of film & TV projects whilst continuing to shoot high-end content & commercial work in both film and photography.

Borderland team up with Droga5 to back the Flip Flopi expedition in Kenya

Just over a year after Kenya launched the world’s most drastic plastic bags ban, Droga5 and Borderland are supporting a Kenyan environmental charity’s ground-breaking attempt to build and sail a boat made from re-used plastic along the south-east coast of Africa. 

The Flip Flopi expedition is a Kenyan environmental charity project whose aim is to build and sail a boat made from re-used plastic waste.

To highlight the benefits and potential of re-using plastic, the charity is turning 60 tonnes of plastic waste into a 20-metre dhow that will be able to sail 5,000 km from Lamu in Kenya to Cape Town in South Africa to highlight marine plastic pollution. 

Borderland went out to Kenya to capture the amazing and unexpected reaction from innovators all over Kenya. One group of local fisherman in Lamu are building a giant sailing ship entirely from plastic waste. They embody the spirit of how Kenya is leading the way in the area of plastic waste.

 Simon + Ben, Directors of the film commented:

 “When we arrived in Kenya it was hard to ignore the scale of the issue blighting their rivers, towns and beaches. It was disturbingly familiar, these scenes have been all over the news this year and images of vast islands of plastic in the Atlantic have left everyone feeling powerless.

For this project we wanted to find people who were doing something positive and creative with plastic waste, unique stories which could show us that there is another way of looking at this.”

 Ben Morison, Founder of the Flipflopi Project, commented:

 “The Flipflopi Project has always been about encouraging change in a positive way, making people smile first and then sharing the very simple message that single-use plastics really don’t make sense.  To create the Flipflopi boat we used only local available resources and low-tech solutions, enabling our techniques and ideas to be copied without any barriers.  So we hope people around the globe are inspired by our beautiful multicoloured boat and find their own ways to repurpose ‘already-used’ plastics.”

One year on, the authorities are claiming victory and other East African nations including Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi and South Sudan, are considering following suit. You can watch the documentary on their channel below.

Tom Brown joins The Visionaries

The Visionaries have just expanded their extraordinary roster - please welcome, the imaginative and multi-talented, Tom Brown!

With a wealth of experience in post-production and live action, Brown’s skill set spans a diverse and wide range.

Brown has done everything from technical composition to motion graphics, to designing and illustrating for campaigns. He’s done spots for Channel 4 and 5, as well as BBC.

In the last few years, Brown has dived into the realm of writing and directing, working with brands such as Curry’s, Gumtree, and Captain Morgan.

Regardless of what role he plays, Brown always brings his off-kilter humour, bright and bold visual style, and playful animations to his work, creating an almost Edgar-Wright-like vibe to a lot of his work.  

Recently, Brown has just created 4 new spots for NatWest. The hilarious, bold, and quirky ads star an Anchorman-esque mascot titled The Dean of Downtime, who aims to give students more fulfilling experiences. Brown has added his own personal goofy and colourful charm onto these ads, making them all the more memorable and spectacular.

We can’t wait to see what other one-of-a-kind innovative work Brown will create in the future.

Paul Casey joins The Visionaries

It’s been a busy and exciting time at the Visionaries, as we have expanded our roster with our third newest director: the bright, bold, and energetic Paul Casey!

Casey, an experienced director who specialises in food & drink and comedy commercials, began his career in the television industry, directing for major broadcasters and for Jamie Oliver for 5 years. He’s since moved on into the realm of TVC’s and branded content, working with brands such as McDonald’s, Ribena, Orangina, and many more.

Regardless of the brand, Casey always injects humour, unique camera moves, and carefully considered composition to create works that are distinctive, engaging, and entertaining.

We’re so excited to have Casey join the team, and cannot wait to see what other one-of-a-kind work he’ll make in the future!

The Visionaries Welcome Kuro!

The Visionaries continue to expand their impressive roster with the addition of the enigmatic and innovative director, Kuro!

Kuro, an award-winning filmmaker whose work always intrigues and inspires, had his humble beginnings in Tokyo, exploring “the darkest corners of the world,” and has since spread his wings worldwide.

A self-proclaimed director by day, screenwriter by night, Kuro has worked on everything from commercials to music videos to his own short films; he’s even developed a specialty in car spots. He’s worked with brands such as Fiat 500, Ford Kuga, and BMW, as well as creating a number of short films. His most recent film, Fallen, Upon release, it received critical acclaim, and was awarded at numerous film festivals. Always innovating and creating, Kuro continues to grow as a filmmaker and create enchanting works.

We are so excited to have Kuro join us, and cannot wait to see what kind of incredible, mesmerizing, and thought-provoking work he’ll make in the future

It's raining cats and dogs (and kids) in Philip Clyde-Smith's latest spot

Philip Clyde-Smith’s short and sweet new ad reminds us all why pets truly make the bestest of friends.

Clyde-Smith, shot the spot for John Lewis’ Pet Insurance. The ad centres on all the little things our pets do that, while being a brief disturbance, are what make them oh-so lovable.

The spot proves Clyde-Smith’s knack for getting convincing and natural performances with both kids and animals. Using real animals for the ad, Clyde-Smith captures a poised yet playful performance out of the pets, adding a sense of relatability and emotional connection.

Through a series of stunning close-ups and quiet moments shared between the animals and actors, Clyde-Smith’s spot captures and embodies the brand’s slogan that they are “there for your pets, like your pets are there for you.”

Concise and charming, the new spot showcases Clyde-Smith’s skills, and we are looking forward to his future work.

Johnny had a lot of Lamb in his latest ad

Innovative director Johnny Han has epitomised the miserable and exhausting experience of the airport we all feel by using sheep.

Han’s latest ad for flight app, Jetsmarter, titled “Sheeple Hero,” took the brand’s initiative to “#FlyHumanely” quite literally. Han uses the metaphor of “herding sheep” in a unique spot-on manner, as he compares all the waits and lines at the airport to feel like a sheep in a herd

The hilarious and original spot showcases just a few of Han’s many skills. Mixed with stunning fast cuts of both the scenery and close-ups, smooth editing, and a knack for a clear and concise narrative, Han nails the line between eccentric and relatable.

Interestingly enough, despite being critically acclaimed and praised for his VFX skills, Han chose to forgo VFX and used real sheep in the ad! Han got a surprisingly focused and in-line performance out of those sheep – quite the feat for any director.

With Jetsmarter, Han continues to push the boundaries, showing the public all the skills and talents that he holds – we can’t wait to see what other tricks (and animals) Han has up his sleeve.

Serena Corvaglia joins The Visionaries!

Click the thumbnail to view Serena's work

The Visionaries wants to introduce you to the latest addition to their impressive roster: the highly innovative and creative, Serena Corvaglia! 

Hailing from Milan, but having worked around the globe in places like Berlin and New York, Corvaglia’s adds a worldly touch to all her works, resulting in pieces that are “bursting with artistic flavour and energy.” 

Corvaglia has worked in a diverse range of fields, directing anything from commercials to music videos to fashion. She’s worked for brand names such as Fendi, Benetton, and KIA, but Corvaglia always ensures to add a mix of her “Italian artistic soul and vivid curiosity” to all that she does. 

Corvaglia’s love of storytelling has now led her into the realm of filmmaking. Mentored by Oscar-nominated director, Lina Wertmuller, Corvaglia has now created two documentaries, including one produced by Samsung titled “Women Run the Show,” a “docu-film against violence on women.” 

“I’m excited about joining the talented roster repped by The Visionaries, I can’t wait to add the touch of female Italian style”

Currently, Corvaglia is working on her first feature film, as well as continuing to direct content regularly.

Needless to say, with her unique vision and knack for storytelling, we’re excited to see what else Corvaglia has in store for the future. 

Johnny Han writes, directs and produces Crypt TV's 'Terra'

Creative visionary Johnny Han has added another masterpiece to his impressive and diverse repertoire.

Han, a multi-Emmy award-winning director and creator, has recently created a short horror film commissioned by Crypt TV, a well-renowned entertainment company backed by Jason Blum known for “distributing horror themed digital content.”

Han wrote, produced, and directed the short film “Terra,” about a Mother Nature incarnate that possesses the elements and takes revenge on those who have wronged the earth. Released only a little over a month ago, the video has racked up over a million views in its first week in its Facebook release, and now has over 800,000 views on YouTube.

“Terra” is just the latest addition to Han’s ever-growing list of works. Han first made a splash in the industry through his VFX work, lending his unique touch to blockbusters such as 2012, Star Trek: Into Darkness, and Pacific Rim. He’s also won two Primetime Emmy Awards for his work on the TV show, Heroes, as well as a Daytime Emmy last year for his work in, Lost in Oz.

In the past few years, however, Han has started to cross over into live-action directing, primarily working on commercials and the occasional music video. A few notable works include spots for Jaguar, McDonald’s, and the Ghost in the Shell game. Recently, Han shot an ad for Philips Shavers X Star Wars limited collection.

Regarding his shift into directing, Han says that while he will always love VFX work, directing has given him “a more expansive creative playing field to truly dream up stories that go beyond pixels on the screen.” To Han, all the higher stakes are “hands down worth it” when considering his “opportunity to affect people.”

Han states that commercials were perfect to dive into live-action directing since it involves the “same production professionalism” as VFX, involving the ability “to objectively understand [the] client’s intentions… [while] at the same time injecting just enough of [his] own personal creative fervour into the process.” Describing this skill as “the most valuable thing [he] learned in 18 years of VFX,” Han appears to be applying it perfectly to his current works.

A quadruple-threat, Han’s just beginning to show us all the tricks he has up his sleeve.

Gundeep's 'The Last Stand' takes on The World Cup

With the World Cup going on right now, football is on everyone’s minds – including ours. So, it’s only fitting to see our very own Gundeep Anand be featured in Adidas London's latest World Cup campaign, which revolves around the usage of creativity to answer challenges in people’s cities. 

The Last Stand, London’s largest street football tournament created by Gundeep himself, was featured in a series of clips in which Gundeep directed. In Gundeep’s own words, The Last Stand aims to use “sport to unite people and break down barriers,” an ideal message for the campaign. 

Gundeep has chosen to focus the films on four different players, allowing them to share their story in a concise, punchy, and bold way. Using his unique style that “blends… intimacy, humanity, and humour” to showcase just how football has changed these people’s lives, Gundeep proves that he has and will continue to create exceptional work.

23lunes directors Jordi&Bor join The Visionaries

Hold the phone, we now represent not one, but two Directors! 

The Visionaries roster continues to evolve, with the addition of 3 other new directors (Jamie Lane, Hardey Speight and Chris Ullens) we can’t contain our excitement about adding Jordi Garcia and Bor Arroyo (Jordi&Bor) to our talented roster.

Known for their studio 23lunes (formerly known as post23), the creative due based in Barcelona, specialise in animation spots, movies and video game cinematics. They have won numerous awards and international acclaim from their two amazing animated commercials for Audi. 

Those two films have won 23 awards at the El Sol Advertising Festival, one bronze at the WARC Awards and a bronze at Cannes Lions, just to name a few. The iconic duo have now collated more than 60 awards, making them the most awarded animation directors in Spain.

They are now looking to make a huge impression in London, when speaking to co-founder Jordi García, he said: “I cannot wait to start working in the UK hand in hand with The Visionaries, we are excited to see what we can bring to the table in this country!” 

Check out their incredible showreel here. 

Jamie Lane joins The Visionaries

Hilarious and clever comedy director Jamie Lane has now joined The Visionaries for representation.

His list of clients speak for themselves, directing films for Coca Cola, Kellogg's, BMW, McDonalds, Mars, Wrigley’s, O2 and many more. 

Jamie has created a comedic niche for himself in the competitive world of commercials. His success is largely due to his talents in directing natural, fluid performances with subtle and realistic humour. 

From this he has won two Lions at Cannes for the very progressive and multi-faceted campaign created by McCann-Erickson London for Skcin.

When we sat down to speak to Jamie about joining us, he said “I’m really glad to come onboard and I’m looking forward to all the new opportunities this will bring. Lemonade represents some of the best production companies in the world. Collaborations with the likes of MPC Creative are really exciting and The Visionaries opens up so many new opportunities. I am thrilled to be a part of this progressive roster. ” 

Jamie keeps busy working shooting in different countries all over the world but we are excited he is joining The Visionaries here in London. 

You can view more of Jamie’s work here.

Borderland join The Visionaries

Borderland have joined The Visionaries for representation. The outfit, residing on Shacklewell lane, join the roster after paving an impressive launch in 2017. A versatile collective, their work is rich and varied, yet everything they shoot has an edgy feel with a highly crafted aesthetic. 

Hard to define but easy to work with, Borderland is a modern, independent creative collective. Formed by award-winning directors, Borderland draws on over 20 years’ experience at top UK agencies, working with some of the world’s biggest brands. They specialise in a creative and flexible approach to cross platform content, from story development to distribution. Their network of creative talent reaches beyond the traditional advertising arena. They are filmmakers, editors, writers, journalists, and musicians. They are unique in their blended backgrounds, from advertising to story research and development, they are creatives who make each story richer with their individual talents and life experience.

Perhaps they are best defined in their own words... 'We believe our modern approach to filmmaking is not only critical for the current market but also effective in creative integrity and craft. We are confident our unique marriage of nimble and agile teams, along with rigorous craft and attention to detail, is a winning solution for all channels, from high profile TV commercials, to longer form online campaigns, to feature length documentaries.'

You can view more of Borderland's work here.

Sye Allen Directs New Very Spot 'Shake Up'

Visionaries director Sye Allen has directed the latest TVC for Very. The new spot celebrates the spring range in vibrant fashion.

The spot earned four stars from David Reviews, you can read the full review here.

Creative Agency: St Luke's
Creative: Claire Wombell/Laura Stephens
Account Director: Sophia Lane
Account Manager: Emily Gill-Heginbotham
TV Producer: Chloe London
Film Production: Apostle
Director: Sye Allen
Director's Agent: The Visionaries
Producer: Rachel Rumbold
Editor: Sye Allen/Josh Gemmell
Post Production: Electric Theatre Collective
Sound Designer: Ben Leeves @ Jungle

James Morgan Joins The Visionaries

Esteemed documentary director James Morgan has joined The Visionaries for representation. As well as having shot pieces for Vaseline, Grant's Whiskey, Facebook and more, James has made a plethora of short and feature films, including the feature documentary film 'Jago' featured on the BBC and now on Netflix. 'Jago: A Life Underwater' tells the story of Rohani, an eighty year old Indonesian deep sea hunter who descends deep underwater for several minutes on end. James' latest film Seven, a BFI-backed drama shot up in the high Arctic, is due for release this year. 

Known for his breathtaking visuals, James is partnering with The Visionaries to produce groundbreaking cinematic work for the documentary advertising market.

You can view all of James' work here.