Christian Bevilacqua directs new film for COP26

The ongoing discussion surrounding the COP26 climate change Summit has us all thinking about our contributions to help save the environment. In this new commercial film created by the Leith Agency and directed by Christian Bevilacqua, we see a call to arms for the Scottish people. The film shows a willing audience what we can each do in our own lives, and how often small changes can make big differences to climate change because every change adds up. This message is particularly poignant to the Scottish people as COP26 is taking place in Glasgow, adding to the urgency of the message.

The film, created and shot in Scotland, showcases individuals being surrounded by multiple illuminating zeroes - until it closes on various landscapes in Edinburgh, again, illuminated by the symbols of low carbon emission and a communal effort, meet the mission of net zero emissions. 

Credits

Creative Agency - Leith Agency

Art Director - Deborah Morgan

Copywriter - Lottie Grant

Producer - Emma Pais

Director - Christian Bevilacqua

Director’s Rep - The Visionaries

Production - MTP

EP - James Heat

Line Producer - Italia Bianco

Art Dept - Isabelle Forbes

DOP - David Liddel

Samona Olanipekun is back with his trademark stylish flare this time for fashion brand Ahluwalia & Microsoft

Samona’s latest work is for the new collaboration between London based fashion brand Ahluwalia and software giant's Microsoft. Together they have come up with ‘Circulate’  a new digital platform designed to crowdsource clothing from local communities. Users will be able to upload images of garments they’d like to donate and Microsoft’s Computer Vision API analyzes and sorts it into a database.

Priya Ahluwalia grew up with heirlooms and hand-me-downs from her Nigerian and Indian families and wants to bring that personal touch back into modern clothing. 

Samona had this to say:

"For me I really wanted the story to reflect the product. The circulate App is something that really resonates with what Ahluwalia is about and where the brand is from. I always love working with Priya(Ahluwalia), there's a lot of trust and I think we have a great working relationship. I hope the film can help in the discussion and drive for a more sustainable fashion industry." 

CREDITS

DIRECTOR – SAMONA OLANIPEKUN

DIRECTOR’S AGENT –  THE VISIONARIES

CREATIVE DIRECTOR – AHLUWALIA

EP / PRODUCER – GEORGE TELFER

DOP – JAIME ACKROYD

EDITOR – JOSEPH TAYLOR

PRODUCTION DESIGNER – JADE ADEYEMI

STYLIST – REBECCA PERLMATUR

CASTING DIRECTOR – ROAD CASTING / CORALIE ROSE

COMPOSER – AKIRA WOODGRAIN

COLOURIST – TIM SMITH

CAST – DADA ASHI, OWEN EDOBOR , LAURYN ANDREA

PRODUCTION MANAGER – CHLOE SLATTERY

PRODUCTION ASSISTANT – AYO ALLI

1ST AD – AKAY DELANO

2ND AD – BRADLEY BOORMAN

RUNNER – JAMES BARNHAM

FOCUS PULLER – ANIL DURU

CLAPPER LOADER – ESTHER EDUSI

CAMERA TRAINEE – ARLA ALBERTINE

STEADICAM – GARY KENT @karygent

DATA WRANGLER – EMEKA MOLUKWA

GAFFER – VINI CURTIS

ELECTRICIANS – JORGE HIGGINS @jorge_higgins & ROSS BACKENALLER

SOUND RECORDIST – LUKE DAVID HARRIS

KIT – ONESTOP / GREENKIT

MAKE UP DESIGNER – JOEY CHOY

HAIR STYLIST – DANIELLE IGOR

ART DEPT ASSISTANTS – RITA ADE @ritz_da_builder, SASA THOMPSON

STYLIST ASSISTANT – ROSIE BORGERHORFF-MULDER

COLOUR PRODUCER – THEA DAGNAUD

COLOUR HOUSE – CHEAT

SOUND DESIGNER, ADR & MIX – KASPAR BROYD

SOUND STUDIO - STRING & TINS

ONLINE EDITOR – NATALYA HOLLEY

ONLINE – AGILE STUDIO

ANIMATOR – ALBERTO FALCONE

PHOTOGRAPHER – OLLIE ADEGBOYE

John Cena sees Abu Dhabi in a very unconventional fashion in Jeremy Haccoun’s latest work

Jeremy Haccoun’s latest work for the Department of Culture & Tourism Abu Dhabi (DCT) stars Hollywood star John Cena. On a flight home John decides he really...really wants to see what Abu Dhabi can offer him, so decides to jump out of a plane with a parachute to get a better view of the city. 

Video Block

Double-click here to add a video by URL or embed code. Learn more

It goes without saying that we strongly recommend a more conventional way of exploring Abu Dhabi, especially for those with a fear of falling from great heights, but the commercial perfectly captures the excitement of seeing a new place for the first time and the childlike joy of trying to plan what to do first. In the commercial we see various landmarks and travel destinations that Abu Dhabi can offer, from the Ferrari World to a desert safari. 

If you are planning to jump out of a plane then please make sure to use a parachute like Mr Cena. 

Client: Department of Culture & Tourism Abu Dhabi (DCT)

Agency: Image Nation Abu Dhabi

Production Company: Epic Films

Hero Talent: John Cena

Producer: Robbie McAree

Director: Jeremy Haccoun

Director’s Agent: The Visionaries

DOP Sergio Arguello

1st AD: David Murphy 

Prod. Manager: Tania Baaklini

Post Producer: Neda Ahmed

Post Supervisor: Fernando Canevaro

Colourist: Serene Issa 

Easy listening in the new music spot for King Bomba directed by Alan Friel

Alan Friel’s latest work is a music promo titled ‘Easy’ for King Bomba, the picturesque clip is a sun kissed stroll that will no doubt already make you long for the summer to return. The imagery perfectly matches the tone of the music and King Bomba’s subtle vocals. The narrative echoes the nostalgia of past summer's and time spent with friends and family around the campfire. 

Credits

Artist: King Bomba

Director: Alan Friel

Director’s Agent: The Visionaries 

DOP: Robbie Ryan

Tom Brown directs ‘Hope United’ for BT, an inspiring exploration of Black British history

Tom Brown has directed films for BT to celebrate Black History Month and commemorate the unforgettable moments in Black British history, including the story of Windrush. The films feature footballers Rio Ferdinand, Anton Ferdinand, Marcus Rashford, and Eniola Aluko who make up a handful of the individuals who are part of the Hope United team. 

The clips cut between historical footage of the Windrush, culturally significant moments in Black British history, and inspiring and uplifting moments of the nation’s favourite game, as well as inspiring shots of the players speaking of these moments themselves. As well as this they discuss hopeful outlooks for the future ahead, highlighting a series of educational films being showcased by BT from October 12th onwards. This includes ‘Standing Firm: Football’s Windrush Story’ by BT Sport Film. 

Hope United began as a Saatchi & Saatchi led campaign in the summer before the 2020 Euros, as a way to address racist hate and bigotry footballers were subjected to and as a way to inform, educate and inspire support. 

You can watch ‘Standing Firm: Football’s Windrush Story’ on BT Sport, and learn more about Hope United here: https://bthopeunited.com/

Credits

Agency Producer: Ali Terrell

Creative Directors: Will Brookwell + Nathan Crawford

Accounts: Richard Sweetman + Gabi Dwek

Director: Tom Brown

Director’s Agent: The Visionaries

Executive Producer: Rebecca Shawyer

Producer: Thu Nguyen

Production Manager: Hannah Rose Burns

1st AD: Rosie Owen

Director Of Photography: Sam Meyer

Focus Pullers: Marti Guiver + Peter Swinford

Steadicam: Charlie Rizek

Clapper Loader: Teresa Adamson

Camera Trainee: Emily McNey

Gaffer: Mark Stewart

Sparks: Laurent Arnaud, Craig Gambell

Rigger: Rob Saddler

Art Director: Charles Whiteway

Art Director Assistant: Alicia Thorpe

Props Master: Cameron Seymour

Sound Recordist: Olly Jennings

Playback: Nick Barber

DIT: Nic Turton @ HIJACK Post

Autocue: Angie Klein

Makeup Artist: Louise Blake

Runners: Will Akbar, Sophie Barrett-Kai + Henry Zeris

Editor: Jason Fok

Editor: Henrik Sikstrom

Colourist: Matty Lee-Redman

Sound: Henry Frith

It's the little acts of kindness that make the difference in Jessie Ayles new LEGO TVC

LEGO is a universal language that can provide countless hours of enjoyment and bring people together, it can also provide help and comfort to those in need. Jessie Ayles' beautiful new work highlights just how useful LEGO can be in a new series of films. 

Dylan and Gracie’s story is one which will warm your heart with joy. Gracie a disabled rescue who had no front legs, is given an extra lease of life when Dylan creates a wheelchair out of LEGO. Dog wheelchairs are notoriously expensive and LEGO provides a cheaper but effective alternative. Dylan’s small act of creative compassion provided a big impact and it’s these small gestures that help rebuild people's lives. 

Agency: We Are Social

Producer: Fatima Hussein

Director: Jessie Ayles

Director’s Agent: The Visionaries UK

Local Production: Resonant Films

DOP: Alex Cullen

Luc Janin’s new commercial ‘Floorologist’ is a visual treat that will have you tapping your feet

Luc Janin’s latest work showcases the floor experts down at Tapi, from carpets to laminate flooring the guys at Tapi know their stuff. The brand new commercial brilliantly captures what they do best, with one of their experts visiting a household and transforming in a montage of colours and various types of flooring.

Luc brings his technical skills to the piece with skilful use of camera movement and transitions and with the help of Strictly Come Dancing background dancer Jess-Khan Lee the whole piece literally dances off the screen. The kinetic energy of the commercial is reminiscent of Luc’s previous works such as his Pepsi Football 2021 spots. 

Credits

Creative Agency: Creature 

Film Production: RadicalMedia 

Director: Luc Janin  

Director’s Agent: The Visionaries 

Producer: Lucy Chambers

Production M'ger: Kelly Ross

Executive Producer: Emily Rudge

Cinematographer: Dan Holland 

Choreography: Jess Khan-Lee 

Editor: Phil Currie @Stitch 

Colourist: Jack McGinity @ Cheat 

Alan Friel showcases the great outdoors in this family friendly Secret Escapes and AA spot

Alan Friel has directed a new spot for Secret Escapes and the AA, and it gives us good reason to consider getting back out there again. Vast landscapes, plenty of greenery, and the close company of family on holiday. What could be more enticing? 

Alan Friel’s work is characterised by scenes and shots of nature and lifestyle, food and drink, family dynamics and furry four legged family members and ‘Secret Escapes’ is the perfect example of this. With picturesque vistas and golden sunshine the commercial is sure to give you massive FOMO, as we see a family going on adventures together.  

Credits

Director - Alan Friel

Production Company - 76 Ltd

Producer - Phil Barnes

DOP - Lee Thomas

Editor - Vanessa Wood 

Grade - James Littlemore

Jon Yeo & Axis Studios create epic new Halo Infinite cinematic trailer for multiplayer campaign

343 Industries will be launching the next installment of the genre defying Halo franchise this December with Halo Infinite. Gamers will be once again jumping back into Master Chief's boots this time to fight The Banished and like any classic Halo game it will feature a rich bounty of multiplayer modes, with a new emphasis on storytelling. Jon Yeo and Axis Studios capture the spirit of the Halo universe perfectly in the new multiplayer Season 1 trailer introducing us to Commander Agryna who is responsible for training a new generation of Spartan soldiers.

Axis delivered fully animated CG, developing the character asset for Laurette showcasing nuanced facial animation and designed a futuristic London.

The game will be released this December on Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and Microsoft Windows.

Credits 

Agency: Axis Studios 

Client: Microsoft

Director: Jon Yeo 

Director Agent: The Visionaries 

Executive Producer: Caleb Bouchard

Producer: Calum Hart  

CG Supervisor: Gareth Repton

Art Director: Milan Nickolic

Bill Bailey puts new tech to the test in the latest Currys ad from Leo McCrea

Leo McCrea directs the latest TVC for Currys PC World featuring comedian Bill Bailey testing out the retailer’s latest laptops. 

The ads purpose is to promote the brand mission of helping everyone to enjoy amazing tech, with the assistance of Bill Bailey. Bill is joined by real Currys PC World colleague expert, Natasha Vora, who helps Bill with the genuine tech testing. 

In this clip Bill is testing the start-up speed of the HP Pavilion laptop to see if it can start in time for him to put on the ultimate virtual rock gig.

Credits 

AGENCY: AMV BBDO/London

DIRECTOR:Leo McCrea

POST PRODUCITON: Coffee & TV

SOUND: Wave Studios/London

TALENT: Bill Bailey

CREATIVE PARTNER: Nadja Lossgott

EXECUTIVE CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Nicholas Hulley

CREATIVE TEAM: Alan Wilson

CREATIVE TEAM: Diccon Driver

AGENCY PRODUCER/CREATIVE PRODUCTION PARTNER: Trish Russell

DP: Simon Rowles

EDITOR: Maia Lloyd

AUDIO POST-PRODUCTION ENGINEER: Parv Thind

It Lies Within In - episode two of Phil Hawkins Acer commercials & Predator Gaming

Episode Two is here.. and it ups the tension and magic in the comic book inspired campaign for Acer’s Predator Gaming campaign. Phil Hawkins brings his trademark cinematic storytelling to the film with a visual feast of special effects and crisp cinematography. 

The episode continues to follow Kya who is still trying to find her place in the world, but is gaining a much better understanding of the powers that lie within her. The story moulds the coming of age school drama with the superhero genre as we follow Kya’s trials and tribulations, making the narrative grounded and relatable with a dash of the epic scope we come to expect from Phil Hawkins.

Credits

Shot in Bulgaria at Nu Boyana with the excellent B2Y PRODUCTIONS.

Producer: Ken Petrie 

Director: Phil Hawkins

Directors Agent: The Visionaries 

DoP: David Meadows 

VFX: Flipbook Studio 

Grade: Jessica Vile

Creatives: Fred Corazza & Alex Smith

Agency Production: Craft WW

Agency: McCann London

Stay tuned.. and make sure to stock up on popcorn because the story is to be continued….. 

Emily McDonald directs new energetic commercial for Jägermeister

Emily’s new spot for Jägermeister perfectly captures the excitement of going on a spontaneous night out with friends. After months inside it feels so good to be able to step outside again and go on adventures with pals. Especially if they involve speed boats and exclusive party’s at unusual locations! 

Shot in Amsterdam, the spot was Directed remotely by Emily McDonald. As Covid restrictions coming into play at the last minute meant Emily was unable to travel there, tech meant that pre-production continued without a hitch, but the shoot had to be re-planned with a different approach. The shoot included 4 locations, one of which was a boat in the middle of the ocean, and after some long days shooting remotely from London Emily and the team pulled it together, creating something that feels fantastically exclusive in the process.

The spot follows a group of friends as they receive an invite to a pop up party. Reminiscent of the rave culture of the 90’s the friends rendezvous at a designated spot with no idea of where they were going or what was in store! What a blast to end up on an oil rig having the night of your life!.... Yes Please Jagermeister! 

Credits

Agency: Indie - Amsterdam

Production Company: Popcorn Brain

Director: Emily McDonald 

Director’s Agent: The Visionaries

Producer: Janneke Mushonga 

DoP: Henry Lockyer

Head of VFX: Tim Smit

Head Editor: Sophie Friederichs

VFX: Dead Pixel

Emily McDonald directs motivational new spot for always - ‘Keep Her Playing’

Emily McDonald’s new spot for Always shows us all that there is plenty of room for women in sport and that there’s plenty to play for. 

The spot features track and field paralympian and MBE Stefanie Reid talking about her own life experiences on how she overcame losing her leg in a boating accident at the age of 15 and how, through the power of sport, she was able to gain her confidence back. 

Stefanie had this to say - “Sport gave me back my fire and fierceness! Through it, I learnt the value of hard work, I learnt how to deal with failure, and I learnt how to be resilient. It also helped me build confidence to explore so many things outside of my sporting career that I might not have considered before, like starting a career as a broadcaster, stepping into sport governance roles and even walking in London Fashion Week. I wish more people knew how much sports can help girls, just like it helped me. I find it really sad that so many girls give up when they hit puberty. That’s why this partnership with Always means so much to me. I want other young girls to be able to experience the benefits I did, and I hope you’ll join me and Always to keep girls playing.”

Credits 

Project: Keep Her Playing

Client: Always

Featuring - Stef Reid

Production Company: Prodigious

Director: Emily McDonald

Director’s Agent: The Visionaries

Executive Producer - Tim Phillips

Producer - Stephen Riera

1st AD - Sam Barnham

DOP - Henry Lockyer

Focus Puller: Karl Hui

Clapper Loader: abina laici

Movi Operator: Ricky Patel

Gaffer - Leo Olesker

Electrician: Charlie Lodge

Sound Op: Rowena Colman

MUA: Holly Miller

Precision Driver: Andrew Morgan

Runner: Alice Carlet

Editor - Marnie Hollande

New filmmaking talent Alan Friel joins The Visionaries

Alan Friel grew up in the windswept countryside of West Ireland surrounded by picturesque landscapes and colourful characters, it was this upbringing that influenced Alan’s later work and inspired him to become an artist. He first studied Fine Art in Dublin at The Royal College before experimenting in the world of filmmaking, creating atmospheric and beautiful films.

Alan has a natural flair for capturing food and performance with recent projects for Morrison’s, ASDA, DLKW Lowe and VCCP. As a natural storyteller, Alan also pours his talents into making short films and developing feature scripts. In this way, he threads together his mastery of capturing natural performances of everyday people in real settings, with the classic warmth and lyrical quality that characterises all his work.

Often in the process of making short films and developing feature films, he has a strongly developed skill for comedy. His short film 'Cake' starring Maxine Peake (Black Mirror) and Letitia Wright (Black Panther) won the Best International Short Film under 15 mins at the Kinsale Shark Awards and the Best Comedy Short at the London Independent Film Awards along with numerous official selections from around the world.

Alan had this to say - “I'm loving the freedom that freelancing is providing me with. Everything is changing so fast and I now feel I can change with them. These are exciting times and I’m very proud to be joining The Visionaries because they represent some great talent.”

Versatile filmmaker Christian Bevilacqua joins The Visionaries roster

Christian Bevilacqua is a master visual storyteller with a strong background in animation and a borderline obsession with cutting edge technology. His work is a mixture of live action with a dimension of VFX and design, creating a trademark style of filmmaking. He’s worked on various innovative campaigns for major brands worldwide such as Nescafe, NFL, Toyota and Mastercard to name a few.

Virgin - Red Hot Homes

Along the way Christian has picked up multiple awards including a pair of Cannes Young Director Awards, multiple Creative Circle awards, and ADDY and APA accolades. 

Christian has expressed that, “The ad industry has been going through quite a transition over the last few years and observing this landscape shift, it seems to me to make sense to pair up with The Visionaries and offer my directing experience in a freelance capacity. It should allow for more ability to form my own relationships and create a bigger sense of connection with the people I will be working with. My experience with freelance tends to feel more collaborative and more part of the team, versus the traditional 'us' and 'them' mentality. We're all in it together and we all try to make great work.”