I had the pleasure of creating this charming Christmas campaign for design led ‘e’-tailers notonthehighstreet.com. Beautifully showcasing a selection of their stunning and unique products for the benefit of potential gift buyers across the land searching for something special on the run up to Christmas.
As well as creating their main Christmas ‘Brand Film’ and bespoke individual movies for display in and around London’s underground train stations, I also crafted films specifically aimed at gifts ‘For Him’ and ‘For Her’.
The delightfully warm and quirky voice over was provided by ‘Notting Hill’ & ‘Vicar of Dibley’ actress Emma Chambers.
Agency: BMB
DOP: Matt Fox
Post Production: Blac Ionica
Sound Design: Blac Ionica/750 MPH
Voice Over: Emma Chambers
Final Grade: Smoke & Mirrors
This is our Promo for Virgin Media. Screened in Cinemas nationwide and on TV to advertise the new season of the “Virgin Media Shorts” film festival.
It’s a cinematic and atmospheric piece based around their distinctive VMS “shards” – the intention was to create something that was not only an Advert for the festival but also an abstract and inspiring piece – cinematic enough to be a stand alone film, and potentially worthy of entry into the festival itself.
Agency: Devilfish Creative
Animation: Blac Ionica
Sound Design: Blac Ionica
Shot entirely in lockdown. This Fashion promo for clothing brand Lawsuit was Directed by myself over Google Hangouts (now there’s a first!), lensed by Cliqq Studios, then edited by me at home, then expertly graded up remotely by the wonderful Matthieu Toullet at the mighty Moving Picture Company. Music was provided by Warren Jenga.
It was a very interesting process, to all come together on something creative and rise to the challenges presented to us during a pandemic. Proving that we can continue to create film work and stay safe throughout.
Client: Lawsuit Unlimited
Director: Chris Strong
CD: Keith Gray
CD: Matt McDermott
DOP: Oliver Suckling
Cam Assist: Toby Essex
Editor: Chris Strong
Post: Moving Picture Company
Post Exec: Ellora Chowdhury
Post Producer: Edwin Elkington
Colourist: Matthieu Toullet
The lovely bunch over at CULT LDN asked me to Direct a series of films for AMAZON FASHION to highlight the various gift buying options available through the online retailer.
AGENCY: CULT LDN
AGENCY EXECUTIVE CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Matt Watson
AGENCY HEAD OF PRODUCTION: Ruben Musca
AGENCY CREATIVES: Robin Lyons
SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER: Imogen Rossi
DIRECTOR: Chris Strong
PHOTOGRAPHER: Rupert Kaldor
DOP: Arthur Woo
ART DIRECTOR: Espen Gjertzen
HAIR & MAKE-UP: Connie Tsang
INFLUENCER LEAD LIAISON: Lauren Smeets
FITNESS FANATIC INFLUENCER: Charlee Atkins
PICKY MOTHER-IN-LAW INFLUENCER: Lyn Slater
The lovely bunch over at CULT LDN asked me to Direct a series of films for AMAZON FASHION to highlight the various gift buying options available through the online retailer.
AGENCY: CULT LDN
AGENCY EXECUTIVE CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Matt Watson
AGENCY HEAD OF PRODUCTION: Ruben Musca
AGENCY CREATIVES: Robin Lyons
SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER: Imogen Rossi
DIRECTOR: Chris Strong
PHOTOGRAPHER: Rupert Kaldor
DOP: Arthur Woo
ART DIRECTOR: Espen Gjertzen
HAIR & MAKE-UP: Connie Tsang
INFLUENCER LEAD LIAISON: Lauren Smeets
YOGA NUT INFLUENCER: Melissa Wood
JEWELLRY LOVER INFLUENCER: Makeda Saggau-Sackey
Not On The High Street champion small and independent creative companies across the UK. For this campaign I was very lucky to get the opportunity to film some of the fantastic range of products available and also the products being made by the very talented companies and individuals dotted across the country who make them.
After working with Nothonthehighstreet.com on their previous “Farewell to Boring” Christmas campaign with BMB, I was very pleased to have the opportunity of working directly with them on a series of commercials for Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day. I created a series of warm and aspirational films that mirror the sensibility and style of Not On The High Street, showcasing their wonderfully unique hand crafted products. I worked directly with NOTHS from scripting, through production all the way to distribution to broadcasters. The end result is as hand crafted and bespoke as their products.
Client: Not On The Highstreet
Producer: Brigitte Leicht
DOP: Theo Garland
DOP (Partner Shoot): Franklin Dow
1st AD: Barry Coldham
Gaffer: James Knight
Art Director: Georgia Shelton
Wardrobe: Beth Rivett
Make Up: Hannah Wing
Post Production: Blac Ionica
Editor: Elena De Palma
Sound Design: Unit
Voice Over: Tracy-Ann Oberman
Final Grade: Simon Astbury @ Unit
The lovely bunch over at Saatchi & Saatchi asked me to Direct a series of films for Visa to celebrate the Fifa World Cup 2018. Highlighting the various ways you can pay like legendary player Zlatan Ibrahimovic using Visa Contactless and not miss a vital second of the World Cup.
AGENCY: Saatchi & Saatchi
AGENCY PRODUCER: Stephen Riera
AGENCY EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Sophie Lee
AGENCY CREATIVES: Gabriel Garcia & Felipe Sampaio
PRODUCTION COMPANY: Inside Job
DIRECTOR: Chris Strong
1ST AD: Hamish Storey
DOP: Matthew Emvin Taylor
HAIR & MAKE UP: JoJo Copeman
STYLIST: Kate Forbes
ART DIRECTOR: Lucie Red
This Financial Times ad was shot in front of green screen, with a cast of 20 people, at Black Island studios in just one day. It tells the story of the ‘Financial Times’ we live in, and ends in the global city seen in the FT’s print ads that year. The 3D elements were modelled in XSI and Lightwave. The end result is a mixture of Live-Action, 2½D and CG sequences.
Production Company: Another Film Company
Agency: DDB London
D.O.P: Theo Garland
VFX: Blac Ionica
Voice Over: Terence Stamp
Final Grade: Rushes
The lovely bunch over at Saatchi & Saatchi asked me to Direct a series of films for Visa to celebrate the Fifa World Cup 2018. Highlighting the various ways you can pay like legendary player Zlatan Ibrahimovic using Visa Contactless and not miss a vital second of the World Cup.
AGENCY: Saatchi & Saatchi
AGENCY PRODUCER: Stephen Riera
AGENCY EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Sophie Lee
AGENCY CREATIVES: Gabriel Garcia & Felipe Sampaio
PRODUCTION COMPANY: Inside Job
DIRECTOR: Chris Strong
1ST AD: Hamish Storey
DOP: Matthew Emvin Taylor
HAIR & MAKE UP: JoJo Copeman
STYLIST: Kate Forbes
ART DIRECTOR: Lucie Red
Client: Dunelm
Agency: Hogarth Worldwide
Agency Producer: Rory Mathieson
Asst. Producer: Aimee Richardson
Creatives: Nathan White & Ben Daly
Director: Chris Strong
1st AD: Jai Lusser
Runner: Fintan Power
D.O.P.: Oliver Schofield
Focus Puller: Chris Hayden
Cam Assist: Balan Evans
Playback: Tony Booth
DIT: Sophie Baggaley
Gaffer: Robin Brigham
Electrician: Dan Fontaine
Props: Ezra Piers-Mantell
Props Assist: Liam Green
Construction: Charlie Risebrow
Han Model: Eve
Studio: Sugar Studios
It was an absolute delight working with good friends Dom Sweeney and John Crozier over at Innocean on these lovely little Idents for car manufacturure KIA. Not only was it a pleasure to work with both the agency and the client on these, but I also had the privilege to work with comedy legend Mark Heap, who provided the excellent quirky voice over for the campaign. These little beauties appeared on Channel 4 before, after and during The Simpsons… DOH!
Agency: Innocean Worldwide
Creatives: Dom Sweeney & John Crozier
DOP: Tim Green
Animation: Blac Ionica
Sound Design: Blac Ionica
Voice Over: Mark Heap
Final Grade: MPC
These two ads (each for different Innocent Smoothie flavours) reflect the honesty and simplicity of the brand. We filmed in a green screen studio to create the rolling hills, shooting the stop-frame stills on a Canon 5D. Working with Dan Germain and Richard Reed from Innocent was a pleasure, as was designing the sound for the ad – most of which came out of our sound designer’s mouth.
Production Company: Another Film Company
Agency: Lowe
D.O.P: Will Bex
Animation: Blac Ionica
Sound Design: Blac Ionica
Voice Over: Johnny Ball
Final Grade: The Mill
I worked with BMB to create these miniature stop motion TVC’s for Hula Hoop’s new product: Golden Hoops. The shoot involved the build of a charming miniature beach set for the Golden Hoops to sit on and soak up some sun. Set design was made by the very talented team over at Nan Studios, it was also shot in their studio space too.
Production Company: Blac Ionica
DoP: Franklin Dow
1st AC: Andreaa Gruioniu
Gaffer: Paul Allen
Spark: Will Rae Smith
Art Director: Nigel Howlett
Client: Royal Mail
Agency: M&C Saatchi
Agency Producer: Gareth Williams
Asst. Producer: Ashley Nadj
Creatives: Nathan White & Ben Daly
D.O.P.: Oliver Schofield
Asst Cam: Lami Okrekson
Art Director: Charlie Hippisley
Make-up/Wardrobe: Harriet Van Reysen
Actor: Adam Lawrence
Studio: Mount Pleasant
With a super clean, scientific feel, these laboratory based Idents for Sharp celebrate innovation in football. They featured in between ITV’s coverage of England in the UEFA Euro 2012 qualifiers. All of these Sponsorship Idents were shot in one day in HD on Alexa.
Production Company: Another Film Company
Agency: Work Club
D.O.P: Oliver Schofield
Final Grade: Smoke & Mirrors
Sound Design: Factory
Voice Over: Tom Hollander
Working with top creatives from Leo Burnett, we created a kinetic typographic journey for the new Little Tasters Menu at McDonald’s. The TVC was made with a heartfelt and respectful nod to Saul Bass.
Directors: Blac Ionica
Illustration: Shaun Mills
Production Company: Another Film Company
Agency: Leo Burnett
Animation: Blac Ionica
Voice Over: Dexter Fletcher
Post: MPC
Do you have a Smart Finger? I made these funny spots (affectionately known to us as project ‘Finger Wigs’) for Motors, urging customers to put their ‘Smart Fingers’ to work on Tablet and Mobile devices.
A series of fun storylines introducing a number of ‘Smart Finger’ characters. They tap away to find their perfect car using the Motors.co.uk ‘Smart Search’ tool. The incredible ‘Finger Wigs’ were made by Artem. Fiddly work especially the eyebrows! The Voice Over was provided by the sublime comedy legend and Guardians Of The Galaxy star Peter Serafinowicz.
Agency: Brave
Client: Motors.co.uk
DOP: Frank Dow
1st AD: Jai lusser
Art Departmant: Artem
Editor: Dave Cheng
Animators: Luis Ribeiro, Tim Marchant
Grade: Smoke & Mirrors
Sound: Soho Square Studios
Voiceover: Peter Serafinowicz
Watch these two exhibitionists wax lyrical about the benefits of consuming, well, themselves. Pom-Bear. The Bare Bear Snack. Working closely with BMB, we created these charming Commercials for this popular snack. The excellent comedy duo Cardinal Burns provided the voices of the bears.
Agency: BMB
Producer: Brigitte Leicht
DOP: Franklin Dow
Post Production: Blac Ionica
Sound Design: Laurie Shenoda
Voice Over: Cardinal Burns
Final Grade: MPC
This is a 25 second Stop-frame Title Sequence for comedian Russell Howard’s debut TV Show for the BBC. The Title Sequence features a rough total of 150 card cut-out Russell’s, a good humoured Kate Silverton, music provided by Kasabian, and most importantly an upside down Panda smoking a pipe.
TV Production Company: Avalon Television
D.O.P: Blac Ionica
Animation: Blac Ionica
Music: Kasabian
TV Production Company: Renegade Television
Series Director: Helen Downing
Title Sequence Directors: Blac Ionica
Design/Animation: Blac Ionica
DOP: Matt Fox
This lovely piece of work showcases the adaptability and excellent variety of business card styles that MOO have to offer. I really wanted to concentrate on the craft that Moo put into producing excellent business cards for their customers, so focussed on highlighting the textures and finishes with macro lenses and high speed footage.
Agency: The Champion Agency
Creative Director: Scott Leonard
Agency Producer: Pete Shuttleworth
Director: Chris Strong
Production Company: Blac Ionica
DOP: Andrew Fleming
Art Director: Nigel Howlett
Post Production: Blac Ionica
Editor: Elena De-Palma
Animators: Jamie Howlett & Jean Li-Lee
Grade: Blac Ionica
The lovely folks at ASOS approached me to create this quirky film as part of their summer campaign. The film follows a number of 20 somethings as they check out the best places to chill in the sun, with increasingly bizarre and surreal results.
Client: ASOS
Creative director (ASOS): Keith Grey
Production Company: Blac Ionica
Producer: Brigitte Leicht
DOP: Franklin Dow
1st AD: Jai Lusser
Editing: Elena De Palma
Post production: Blac Ionica
Music: Al fingers
I was invited to Direct something really special with Creative Agency KK Outlet (Kesselskramer) and Scottish Street Artist; Spaceboy, as part of KK Outlet’s innovative ongoing Make Art on the Street campaign for Red Stripe Lager.
As part of the Red Stripe initiative, Spaceboy pasted his illustrations on the Newhaven Harbour shutters in Edinburgh, whilst we captured, choreographed and recorded each one, and documenting the whole process to create a poignant heartfelt narrative film influenced by the D.I.Y. culture and heritage of Jamaica. The shop shutters were then been brought to life through the medium of stop motion animation.
The shoot involved an arduous 6 day shoot in April 2012. Were we endured predictably changeable Scottish weather, from hail, snow and gail force winds to beautiful sunshine.
Agency: KK Outlet
Production Company: Blac Ionica
D.O.P: Andrew Fleming
This commercial for food giant KFC is a funny, upbeat romp through a modern day teenage crush. Played out through a social networking sight, we find out all the gossip about Becky’s first love.
Production Company: Another Film Company
Agency: BBH
D.O.P: Blac Ionica
Final Grade: The Mill
Soundtrack: John Paul Young
Voice Over: Jenny Frost
What pops up from a toaster? Ground breaking inventions of course! Some that are the best thing since sliced bread…. get it!
Many people think when watching this that its CG. It isn’t. This is in fact a stop frame and photomontage film. I used a rotating table, so that I could incrementally rotate each item. This gives the illusion of drift which was then composited into the kitchen shot.
Agency: W+K
Producer: Adam Sawers
Creatives: David Bruno & Tom Seymour
These stunning graphic films were created to celebrate the new Deli Choices available on the McDonald’s menu throughout January 2014.
Client: McDonald’s
Agency: Razorfish
Production Company: Blac Ionica
Creative Director: Chris Strong
Director: Melanie Krein
DOP: Franklin Dow
Post Production: Blac Ionica
Music / Sound Design: Andy Stewart
Art Department: Georgia Shelton
Wardrobe: Beth Rivett
Digital Production: Blac Ionica
Coding: Bright White Space
This charming animation is for the excellent Maggie’s Cancer Charity. It beautifully illustrates the respite and ray of light that Maggies charity can offer the victims of cancer and those close to them effected by this terrible illness. A truly worthy cause for a great charity.
Production Company: Blac Ionica
Creative Director: Chris Strong
Director: Melenie Krein
Producer: Brigitte Leicht
Agency: Havas Worldwide
Post Production: Blac Ionica
Voice Over: Kelly MacDonald
Music: Philip Glass
Everyone’s favourite after-dinner board game comes to life in the mad world of Trivial Pursuit. With a colour palette that reflects the 6 playing wedges, I styled the TVC to evoke the game box imagery and to pay homage to the retro nature of the family game.
Production Company: Another Film Company
Agency: DDB
Animation & Design: Blac Ionica
Sound Design: Blac Ionica
Final Grade: Golden Square
This charming animated film is for Finnish Chocolatiers, Fazer. The film explains the history, process and ethos behind the Fazer brand and ingredients within their products.
