Emotive filmmaker Mak Mahmut Akay brings his authentic storytelling to The Visionaries roster

Mak is a London-born film director drawn to authentic stories told within an idiosyncratic framework. He has a keen eye for capturing the nuances of the human experience, through entertaining and emotive films.

His short documentary ‘We’re Here’ was awarded a Vimeo Staff Pick, featured on Kodak and garnered a 5-star rating from David Reviews. Mak has directed films for Vogue, his most recent features Claes Bang (the lead in the Oscar nominated film ‘TheSquare’).

We’re Here

Here’s what Maks had to say about joining The Visionaries - “It is an absolute pleasure to be joining The Visionaries’ eclectic roster full of directors with unique voices. It’s been a dreamlike start from the get-go and I look forward to this exciting journey with one of the most coveted and inspiring agents out there.”

Mak’s short films have received high profile press coverage from magazines such as The Hollywood Reporter, The A.V Club and Screen Rant while being broadcast on Channel 4’s All4 after getting acquired by DUST.

As well as making films for clients such as David Beckham, eBay and LOCOG, he has won awards at BAFTA and Oscar-qualifying festivals and also Best Advert at the CES International Las Vegas, which was presented by Titanic and Avatar producer Jon Landau.

At The Visionaries we can’t wait to share more of Mak’s stellar work with you.

Never stop imagining with the latest Samsung commercial from Christian Bevilacqua

Samsung “Semiconductor” is the latest work from Christian  Bevilacqua and the message of the film is to never stop imagining no matter what anyone else tells you. With inspiring imagery mixed with a combination of live action and AI technology to craft something cohesive and captivating…..please beware this film features spiders, sorry to any arachnophobes in advance. 

Here’s what Christian had to say about working on the project - “It was nice to try and use some AI to create some of the art work and some of the animations. It really came about from my experiments earlier in 2022. It really was a nice way to create extremely beautiful artwork but also bring it to life with a sense of animation. It was a nice touch to throw into this project...so we gave it a try in the edit and it seemed to work nicely, so it stayed.

I can’t speak highly enough of Wikus Muller, my production designer and the DP Joe Cook.

That was really the silver bullet that helped pull it together, when we have a vision and everyone pulls it together in an extremely short space of time... (for a project like this we should have had one more week in production I feel) but these guys (and everyone on the team) really cracked through the workload and made a wonderful piece of film.”

Credits

Client: Samsung 

Agency: Cheil Korea

Production Co: CYLNDR London

Director: Christian Bevilacqua

Director’s Rep: The Visionaries

Exec Producer: Greta Wynn Davies

Producer: Frank Hanrahan

Production Manager: Miranda Bucknell-Whalley 

South African Service Co: Moonlighting Films

Exec Line Producer: Shayne Brookstein

Line Producer: Jerome Williams

Local Production Manager: Raine Grunau

Local Production Assistant: Rory Bonnes

Director of Photography: Joe Cook 

Production Designer: Wikus Muller

Stylist: Kaley Meyer

1st Assistant Director: Gabriel Williams

Editor: James Rosen @ Final Cut 

Offline Producer: Frankie Elster @ Final Cut

Colourist: Steffan Perry @ Company 3

Colour Producer: Chris Anthony @ Company 3

Post Production Co: CYLNDR London 

Lead Flame: Ozgur Yigit 

3D Artist: Andrew Galloway 

Post Producer: Jack Simpson

The Martians have landed at The Visionaries HQ seeking representation

Yes it’s true there is life out in the darkest corner of the galaxy and it has one single purpose: to craft hilarious commercials and engaging films for all the world to see. Directing duo Martians have joined our ever expanding roster of talented filmmakers, with them they bring a body of work full of joy and passion. 

Since visiting our little blue planet the crafty devils have managed to beam up some shiny Cannes Lions, D&Ad’s and One Shows. One day they hope to return back to their own world to boast and gloat endlessly at dinner parties and intergalactic networking events. 

Filmmaking must be big on their home planet because the duo seriously know how to make films with immaculate production design, top-notch editing and with great comedic performances that jump out of the screen, we just hope they didn’t abduct any of the actors to harvest their brains…

(Translated from Martian language using an AI translator)

“Greetings earthlings, we come in peace!

We’re beyond thrilled that The Visionaries spotted us on their telescope and offered us a mothership parking spot in their roster. Like most Martians, we need stories to survive, and the planet Earth is a place full of them. We cannot wait to get out there, meet creative humans and abduct stories with our camera. If anyone out there has a story and wants to bring it to life, aim for the stars. We’re there for you, because… well, we’re from there.”

Stay tuned for some out of this world work and for the love of God please don’t grass us up to the Men in Black. 

To view their work click here

Adu Lalouschek’s new film for Nat Geo & DHL ‘Les Sapeuses’ is a celebration of expression and solidarity

Adu’s latest film for National Geographic and DHL puts a spotlight on the Sapeuses (women sapeurs) of the Congo. The documentary follows National Geographic photographer Yagazie Emezi around as she documents and interviews the women who take part in dressing up in elegant and stylish clothes like no one else. Women like Messani Grace, the president of Mavula Shape, who talks about her own experiences and journey, from at first feeling ashamed about dressing up to then feeling liberated and enjoying the freedom and expression that comes with changing clothes. 

As per Adu’s wonderful direction breathes extra joy and colour into the film without compromising a compelling and honest portrayal of other people's stories. Focusing on the women who take part in these celebrations of expression we get an intimate look into their lives. Making for an engaging and educational piece of filmmaking that shines a light on a fairly undocumented authentic African experience. 

Credits

Client: National Geographic & DHL

Talent Congo: Yagazie Emezi

Director: Adu Lalouschek

Director’s Rep’ The Visionaries

DoP: Troy Edige

Production Company: Anima Films

Series Director:  Johnny Langenheim

Producers: Timo Behnke & Andrea Ohland

Assistant Producer: Eleanor Brooker

Editor: Finn White-Thomson

Sound Design & Music: 19sound

Fixer: Nina Bola

Claire Norowzian directs for TfL with a collage of colour

Claire Norowzian teamed up with Coffee and TV to deliver a series of three films to inform the public about the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) expansion across all London boroughs. Claire uses a collage technique that created a fun and playful method of spreading the environmental message. Claire worked closely with the design time at Coffee & TV to craft something visually engaging and informative.

The images do a great job of capturing the community spirit of London and the personality of the city itself with a diverse cast and clever transitions. With Claire once again bringing her trademark screen-popping visuals and energy to the piece. 

Credits

Director: Claire Norowzian

Director’s Reps: The Visionaries 

Production Company:Girl & Bear

Agency: VCCP

Post Production: Coffee & TV

Creative Director: Steve Waugh

Motion Design: Danny Boyle, Jess Gorrick, Kongchun Cheung, Jon Foskett, Mark Fowler

Colourist: George Neave

Executive Producer: Dionne Archibald

Producer: Shannen Ward

Support your mental health no matter how big or small in the important new Bupa films from Chris Fowles

Chris Fowles directs for new Bupa films about mental health support and highlights how important it is to talk to someone about the issues no matter how big or small they may be. Chris captures authentic and intimate performances, with subtle direction that allows the emotion of the films to do the talking.

Chris had this to say about working on the project - “"I’m so grateful to have been able to work on such a meaningful campaign.The subject matter is important to me, and it was clear from the beginning the client wanted these to be real stories, told authentically. We spent a lot of time in research, speaking to patients and looking for details that might not have often been talked about on screen.”

Both of the films explore delicate and complex issues with care, from the pressures of parenthood to cancer, with a clear message that Bupa will always be there to listen and help you through challenging times even if you’re abroad on holiday or are struggling to understand what you may be going through. 

Chris added - “Tina’s story about discovering cancer whilst on holiday fascinated me because of the contrast of emotions. Our long anticipation for getting away, and a painful memory that leaves as much of a scar as the cancer itself. Any film that reminds people to check for signs of cancer is important. 

For Liam’s, we looked for a less obvious take on men's mental health. Postpartum depression is only ever told from a mothers point of view, but it can affect men as well. Doubting yourself, not feeling a connection to your own child. These can be terrifying especially when it's never spoken about. 

It’s always exciting when a brand wants to break stereotypes, and my sincere hope is that it opens up more conversations around mental health and cancer."

Credits

Director: Chris Fowles

Director’s Agent: The Visionaries 

Producer: Jamie Tarr

Production Manager: Megan Markley

Director of Photography: Rhys Warren

Gaffer: James Duffy

Steadicam: Mike Vega

Art Director: Lottie Toon

1st AD: Micki Colker-Pearlman

Stylist: Nil Tomakan

Casting: Hannah Williams & Bridget Morris

Post-Production: Rascal Post

Colourist: Dan Levy

Colour Producer: Jai Durban

Sound Designer: Neil Johnson

Sound Producer: Maddy Lebel

Documentary and commercial filmmaker Justin Stokes joins The Visionaries Roster

The Visionaries are excited to announce Justin Stokes has joined the roster, bringing with him bags of experience and a stellar brand of filmmaking and storytelling. Justin started applying his trade as an editor and camera operator on high profile projects for the likes of Sheffield rockers Arctic Monkeys, Sony and Canon. Justin then made the leap into directing with his wonderful short film Method Actor starring renowned thespian John Shrapnel. The short explores the inner workings of a troubled mind using method acting to explore themes of mental health and how one can trap themselves in their own personal prisons. The film also highlights how Justin can capture a performance with subtle filmmaking techniques. 

Recently Justin created his first Feature Missile From the East which premiered on Sky Documentaries, now available on Apple TV+ and Amazon Prime.The documentary tells the story of East German motorcycle racer Ernst Degner who, at the height of the Cold War and on the cusp of achieving his life’s ambition to win the World Championship, flees East Germany with his family in a heart stopping escape.Justin is able to put a spotlight on stories from around the world and make them captivating and universal. The documentary was the Winner of the Golden Palm (highest honours) at the 22nd Beverly Hills Film Festival.

Justin also worked closely with Apple Music creating engaging content for their platform and for TV+ and working directly with major music artists including Dotty, Nile Rodgers, Slowthai, Sir Elton John and Noel Gallagher. While also making commercial work for iconic brands such as Range Rover, Robinsons and O2 to name a few. 

Here’s what Justin had to say about joining the roster - “I’m really excited to be joining The Visionaries, to me they are one of the most exciting agents out there representing some of the best directors. I can’t wait to get out there and make great work with great ad agencies.”

Jack Whitehall is here to offer us a safe space in the funny new Audible film from Michael Baldwin

Us Brits are masters at the art of embarrassment, whether it be public embarrassment or second hand, from the classics such as the undone trouser zipper, or the nuanced public dog hump we truly know how to make things awkward. However have no fear because comedian and actor Jack Whitehall is here to offer up some words of wisdom and comfort and that’s to “own it” bask in it, don’t become the best version of yourself become your most embarrassing self.  

The message of wisdom is all for Jack Whitehall’s Safe Space which is only available on Audible and the hilarious new film to promote it was directed by The Visionaries' Michael Baldwin. Michael brings his comedy chops to the piece, providing the audience with some beautiful cringe moments. Let's face it we’ve all experienced those “I want to curl up into a ball and disappear” moments at some point in our lives and Michael’s film is a montage of some of those scenarios, however it flips it and instead of wanting to hide the characters own their embarrassment, becoming unphased almost to the point of boasting. 

If only I had this philosophy when I accidentally stopped a stranger in the street because I thought it was one of my old high school friends…..I still get PTSD thinking about it. 

Here’s what Michael had to say about his time working with Jack and the shoot  - "Nothing beats a shoot with the wonderful unpredictability of the British weather! But the rain didn't dampen spirits and Jack was just as lovely to work with as I had hoped. Although he had someone to hold his umbrella, we just got wet."

Credits

Agency: Audible

Director: Michael Baldwin

Director’s Agent: The Visionaries 

Prod co: Sassy

Creative Director: Nikki Gillespie

DOP: Paul O'Callaghan

Edit: Justin Greenberg @ Sassy

Colour: Senem Pehlivan @ Sassy

Changing the perceptions of retirement in the latest Phoenix Group film from Lauren Midwinter

Lauren Midwinter’s latest work turns the tables on what retirement looks like.Yes retirement doesn’t have to be socks and slippers or sitcom reruns, retirement is changing and people should be able to enjoy every moment of it and that is the message in Phoenix Group’s latest campaign. 

The wonderful new campaign spans across the UK with various people from all walks of life discussing the cliches of retirement and how they don’t attend to abide by the stereotypes. It’s charmingly funny and feels authentic, thanks to Lauren’s subtle direction allowing each person to shine. The variety of locations and cast also provide the piece a fantastic sense of momentum weaving between each character. 

Credits

Production Company: We Are Social

Director: Lauren Midwinter

Director’s Rep: The Visionaries

1st AD:  Emma Pounds

DOP: Anna MacDonald

Focus Puller: Emmy Robinson

Camera Operator: Winstan Whitter

2nd AC: Ada Wesolowska

Camera Trainee: Alex Stanley-Ruthven

DIT: Will Gardner

Gaffer Ramzey Sabbagh

Spark: Bert Hurtado, Mantas Veteikis

Sound: Tom Redhead

Art Director: Jenny Dee

Stylist: Amy Louise Thompson

Stylist Assist: Luce Mann , Elsie Allen

HMUA: Madeleine Spencer

HMU Assist: Jessica Kell

Location Manager: Tom Asquith

Runner: Morris Pusey

Camera Equip: Emmy Land 

Lighting Equip: Glo Film

Edit: Rebecca Luff @thequarryedit

Grade:  Max Ferguson-Hook @timebasedarts

Sound Design: Ines Adriana

Hiker: Judith Jacob

Hiker’s Teen: Lizzie Phiri

Poolhall Friends: Juliana Formicova, Rowena Bentley, Carol Ann Holness

Mechanic: Jason Lines

Tattoo Woman: Sharon Morrison

Tattoo Artist: Isabelle Suwan

Gamers: Benedict Wolf, Earl Palmer

Leo McCrea takes us to the Road to Inspiration with the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and Kia

Leo McCrea headed out to Qatar with Adam Hunt and met up with some very famous football icons, Nigel de Jong and Mikael Silvestre. The film showcases the Qatar FIFA World Cup 2022 and all the excitement that comes with hosting the world’s biggest sporting event, while also showcasing what Qatar has to offer, with its food, culture, epic skylines and its history.  

This year's tournament is the first to use electric vehicles supplied by KIA and is Adam’s main mode of transport taking him from one adventure to another and we’re all invited to take the journey with him. Leo provides a film that is epic and grand in scope while also managing to feel informative and engaging as we get a more in-depth look at Qatar and its people. 

With a name like ‘Road to Inspiration’ we also get the fever pitch excitement of the tournament itself with shots of various footballers playing on the biggest stage and a closer look at the state of the art stadiums where one team will end up lifting that iconic gold trophy. 

To find out more and to watch the full film visit here

Credits

Talent: Adam Hunt 

Director Leo McCrea 

Director’s Rep: The Visionaries 

Director of Photography: Simon Rowles 

For IMG 

Head of Production: Loris Vigiani

Producers Patrick Bonnar: Laura Rolf 

Production Management: Jo Blee 

Production Coordinator: Leona Stewart

Production Asst: Kira Stevens 

Production Exec: Gurjit Kharbanda 

Foreign Production 

Ultra Marine Films 

Exec Producer: Michael Lynch 

Production Manager: Lana Mamlouk

Local Producer / Fixer: Joe Haddad

Assistant Producer: Chris Nakouzi 

Cam Operator: Elie Bou Khalil 

First Camera Asst: Hani Pierre About Khalil 

Second Camera Asst: Dioralys Salazar Escobar 

Sound: Rim Jaballah 

Make up artist:Joanda Abi Frem 

Paul Barulis directs Keira Knightley in slick commercial for Black Dog Whisky

Paul’s commercial for Black Dog Whisky is a trippy kaleidoscope combination of visual effects and live action, with a captivating performance from actress Keira Knightley at the center of everything. Paul's direction as per usually is slick and sophisticated with great camera work that keeps Keira at the forefront of the piece as we go on a journey with her. 

Paul had this to say about working with Keira Knightley- “It was an exciting opportunity to work with such a renowned actress like Kiera, the entire shoot was such a breeze because she was so pleasant and extremely professional to work with, which created a fun environment for everyone involved."

In the words of Keira, life can sometimes feel like a never ending pursuit of perfection which is rare to find but when you do make sure to savor it. 

Credits

Executive Producer: Andrew Porteous

Agency: ECD (Virtue) 

Director: Paul Barulis

Director’s Agent: The Visionaries 

DOP: Tony C Miller

Focus Puller: Nick Crew

Director’s Assistant: Jem Rigby 

Producer: Ella Toal-Gangar

Production Manager: Elliot Zelmanovits 

Production Coordinator: Diara Vassallo Ndiaye

1st AD: Janine Frank

2nd AD: Olivia Waters

Runners: Emily Clayton, Will Akbar, Ela Kotez & Nathan Mills

Main Talent PA: Beatrice Bowden 

Art Director: Zoe Koperski 

Set Assistant: Ashleigh Latter, Alize Speed, Nana Quartey & Jimmy Van Twest 

Construction Manager: Tom Mieszkian 

Gaffer: Lee Brinkley 

Spark: Rob Gifford, Anna Brooks-Beckham, Dale Healy 

Spark Trainee: Ed Ervine 

Feel like a master pâtissier with Kenwood in the latest work from Jacob Hopewell

Jacob Hopewell’s latest commercial work for Kenwood is sure to make your sweet tooth buzz and your inner baker run straight to the kitchen. Jacob captures the excitement of cooking and efficiency of using Kenwood to help you perfect those wonderful fluffy treats so you can post them on social media and get those likes rolling.

Jacob’s direction once again is kinetic and engaging with some great uses of slow-motion and some mouth watering shots of melting chocolate. The new commercial also showcases the Titanium Chef Patissier XL in all of its shiny glory, with a focus on each aspect of the product and all of its accessories.

Credits

Director: Jacob Hopewell

Directors Rep: The Visionaries

DoP: David Procter

Agency: M&C SaatchiI London

Head of TV: Gareth Williams

Agency Producer: Ashley Williams

Service Production: Mental!

Producer: Alice Mustang

Editor: Nathan Samlong

Post Production: Coffee & TV

Art Director: Talha Almaz

1st AD: Pinar Necef

Music Composition:dlmdd

Sound:lfosound

Grade: Katie Dymmock

Grip: Ali Kurşun

Gaffer: Hüseyin Nazım Sırlı

Cast: Hammond Cox Casting

Andy Lambert’s latest Stoiximan commercial strives for perfection

Andy Lambert’s latest work for the online betting site Stoiximan,  is a playful and fun commercial that strives for perfection with Andy lending some great humour and whimsical flavour to the piece. Watch the folks at Stoiximan check every single little detail, in a stylised dance of consummate co-ordination, with Andy providing top tier camerawork and direction as per usual. 

Andy had this to say about working on the project - “Shooting this spot for Stoiximan, with its message about ‘perfection’, was a delightful invitation to immerse myself again in the world of formalistic filmmaking. Precise shots, symmetrical framings, choreographed movements.. It's a graphic, almost cartoony approach that makes everything feel heightened, fun and more ‘perfect’ than it really is. At last, a film where control freaks are actually the heroes!”

Credits

Director: Andy Lambert

Directors Rep: The Visionaries 

Ad Agency: Another Circus, Athens

Creative Director: John Liveries

Production Company: Boo Productions, Athens

Executive Producer: Iraklis Mavroeidis 

Producer: Stella Tsikrika

Line Producer: Kostas Lagkis 

DoP: Ian Murray

Production Designer: Nenad Paranosić 

Costume Designer: Ivana Ivić 

Editor: Tolis Apostolidis

Luc Reso Janin creates a hypnotic new campaign for Black Crows that embraces nature and adventure

Luc’s latest work for Black Crows titled 'Pursuit of Pleasure’ is a visual treat full with epic backdrops of snowy mountain tops. A montage of wondrous images that capture nature in all of its glory. Luc’s expert filmmaking skills perfectly showcase the motion and excitement of skiing with breathtaking sequences of brave adventures weaving and tackling the elements with GoPro shots and camera trickery that comes together to make a cinematic experience. 

Luc’s kinetic style of filmmaking goes hand in hand with the electronic score provided by Mattias Mimoun to provide a hypnotic element to the piece. While also beautifully showcasing Black Crows collection of Skis and outerwear. 

Credits 

Directed by Luc Rëso Janin

Directors Rep: The Visionaries 

Produced by Camille Jaccoux

Agency: Yorgo&Co

Black Crows Creative Director: Giorgio Saviane

Director Of Photography: Richard Stewart

Additional Photography by Julien Regnier, Nikolai Schirmer, Hensli Sage, Maxime Moulin, Nick Meilleur, Joonas Mattilla, Mathias Myklebust

1st Camera Assistant: Guillaume Maindrault

Editor: Phil Currie @ Stitch

Music: Mattias Mimoun

Sound Design: Martin Leittner @ Sounds Good

Colour Grading: Mark Horrobin

Post production: Luc Rëso Janin, Stuart Fortune

Line Producer: Daria Strelnikova

Black crows Production: Flo Bastien, Kenji Teshima, Théo Helt

PVS Company production team: Mathilde Fiet, Malo le Flock-Lescop, Milo Villaret, Yann André

Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix: Remi Peschier, Octavio Defazio

Thank you: Skyway Monte Bianco and Jam VFX

Featuring the crows:

Camille Jaccoux

Bruno Compagnet

Kristofer Turdell

Sam Favret

Celeste Pomerantz

Remco Kayser

Michael ‘Bird’ Shaffer

Nikolai Schirmer

Mustafa Ceylan

Pierre Guyot

Julien Regnier

Flo Bastien

Kenji Teshima

Layla Kerley

Mai Ikuzawa

Arto Jaccoux-Ikuzawa

Daria Strelnikova

The experts at Currys have you covered for all your technology & entertainment needs in Claire Norowzian’s latest spots

Whether you’re a serious gamer looking for a worthy setup, or a football coach with a messy lifestyle looking for the right washing machine, then Currys Experts have you covered for all your needs. They won’t just try to sell you anything, they will listen and offer their wisdom and provide you with a top class service. Claire’s latest spots showcase their unique support, where we see the inner-workings of their thought process depicted in eye popping 3d visuals. The films are typically charming and highlight Claire’s skills of blending live action performances with the 3d animations.

Each spot feels unique and personal, capturing the different requirements of each customer. In the gaming spot we see Luka the Currys Expert pay close attention to the customer, listening to her words and picking up on what she likes, which in this case is long livestreams and wants a fast machine so he offers PC Specialist gaming PC. 

Check out Claire’s other Currys spots below.

Samsung

HP

LG

Credits

Client name: Corin Mills, Ernest Osafo, Martin Burke

Creative Directors: David Westland and Jeremy Tribe

Creative Teams: Mike Kennedy & Pauline Ashford, Paul Yull & Gary Arnold

Planner: Matt Hardisty

Account Team: Alex Bird, Rebecca Grapiglia, Jonny White

Director - Claire Norowzian

Directors Rep - The Visionaries

DOP - Nick Bennett (loop talent)

Editor - Leo King @ Stitch

Post - Coffee & TV

Sound - Lawrence @ StringandTins