Production company Panoptica has signed Los Angeles-based director Samuel Miron, marking his first commercial representation. Miron has worked with such brands as Alexander Wang, Tommy Hilfiger, Jack in the Box, and Naked Juice. Now formally coming on board the company roster, Miron continues what’s been a fruitful recent partnership with Panoptica on projects for Google and Courvoisier.
“Sam’s dedication to the craft is inspiring and he brings a thoughtful approach to every project,” said Panoptica founder Hughes William Thompson. “He is one of the most prepared directors I’ve ever met.”
Panoptica executive producer Roan Bibby added, “As a long time collaborator, I’ve shot with Sam in locations ranging from Paris to New York to L.A. His experience with fashion, celebrities, documentary, and VFX will make Panoptica even more competitive.”
Miron kick-started his film career at a young age. While still in film school, he co-founded a film company, Other|Side Pictures, which was awarded a grant from the National Science Foundation. He went on to direct a feature-length documentary, A New High, which premiered at the Los Angeles Film Festival and was later sold to Netflix. His accomplishments did not stop there with Miron winning a Telly for his work on a Jack in the Box ad campaign.
“Filmmaking, to me, is the largest and most collaborative manifestation of art,” said Miron. “It’s like you’re painting, but with a massive team of specialists, each of whom are experts in their respective fields. You work together over a long period of time to create something that only lasts a few moments on screen. It’s amazing.”
Directing commercials, Miron enjoys paying homage to specific filmmaking eras and genres, such as classic French romance or ‘80s horror films. He believes researching and overcoming challenges is the best part of the process. Having worked freelance for a number of years, he appreciates the support that a production company like Panoptica offers–and the shared belief that diversity and kindness should be a priority, both on and off the screen.
“Panoptica’s ability to ensure their directors focus solely on the art, and nothing else, is priceless,” concluded Miron. “They’re serious about having diverse film sets and diverse content. Every time they send me a new concept, I’m not only excited about the project, but I’m also excited about the people we’ll work with to create it. It’s a good feeling.”
Apple, WWF, CeraVe, Sydney Opera House Among Those Having A Grand Time At CICLOPE
An awards ceremony last night (10/10) capped three days of CICLOPE in Berlin, marked by talks by notable speakers, collaborative Craft Sessions, and attendees making global connections.
Drawing nearly 1,700 entries, culled down to 370 finalists across 18 different countries, the competition saw judges award seven Grand Prix winners, 45 Gold, 51 Silver and 61 Bronze trophies.
Grand Prix winners were:
--Apple’s “Flock” directed by Ivan Zacharias of SMUGGLER for TBWAMedia Arts Lab, Los Angeles.
--WWF’s “Up In Smoke” directed by Yannis Konstantinidi via production company NOMINT.
--A$AP Rocky’s “Tailor Swif” from directors Vania & Muggia of production company Iconoclast.
--Spotify’s “Spreadbeats” directed by Maldita via production house The Youth for FCB NY.
--CeraVe’s “Michael CeraVe” from directorial duo Tim & Eric via production company PRETTYBIRD for WPP Onefluence team, led by Ogilvy PR North America.
--Sydney Opera House’s “Playit Safe” directed by Kim Gehrig via Revolver x Somesuch for agency The Monkeys.
--Gucci’s “Who is Sabato De Sarno? A Gucci Story” directed by Henry Joost & Ariel Schulman via Moxie Pictures.
Special Awards--Year’s Best
CICLOPE Special Awards went to:
Production Company of the Year: SMUGGLER
Director of the Year: Ivan Zacharias
Editing Company of the Year: Work Editorial
VFX Company of the Year: Electric Theatre Collective
Animation Company of the Year: Untold Studios
Sound Company of the Year: Barking Owl
Music Company of the Year: String & Tins
Agency of the Year: TBWAMedia Arts Lab
Brand of the Year:... Read More