Director Simon Ratigan has joined Chelsea Pictures for his first U.S. representation. He continues to be repped in the U.K. by production company Rogue.
Ratigan recently wrapped his first campaign with Chelsea–Albertsons for Anomaly.
A filmmaker for 20-plus years, Ratigan is known for his work in commercials. He’s also shot award-winning short films, music videos, branded content and, most recently, a debut feature documentary. Collaborating with a host of clients from global brands to local charities, Ratigan has built a reputation as a top-tier director, as well as an accomplished cinematographer and editor of short and long-form films.
On bringing his expertise to the U.S. market alongside Chelsea, Ratigan remarked, “Chelsea is an amazing company with an impressive roster of filmmakers and an enviable track record of work. So, for me, it’s an honor and a thrill to be joining their ranks. Over the years, I’ve been involved in some fascinating projects that have proved not only collaborative and creatively rewarding but also a joy to create. Now, with the experience, support and expertise of Chelsea, I’m excited to be doing the same in the U.S.: directing films that are as unique and joyful to watch as they are to make.”
As a cinematic storyteller with a unique documentary style, Ratigan’s gift for capturing human emotion and the beauty of the everyday has won him plaudits throughout the film and advertising industries, and assorted creative awards. “I’ve been a major fan of Simon’s for years,” said Lisa Mehling, Chelsea owner and president. “His films have such a beautiful aesthetic and he has a gift for making scripted campaigns feel so real, so authentic, and so relatable. I feel fortunate to have the opportunity for Chelsea to establish Simon in the U.S. market.”
Director Malin Ingrid Johansson Brings “Deck 5B” To The Toronto International Film Festival
In her young career, director Malin Ingrid Johansson continues to gain recognition on the festival circuit while looking to extend her reach into the American advertising market. On the latter score, she’s joining the roster of Little Minx, the production company under the aegis of Rhea Scott who’s known for nurturing the careers of filmmakers and helping to successfully establish them in the U.S. across commercials, music videos and other varied projects.
As for Johansson’s film festival pedigree, she first saw her short film Madden, a coming-of-age story inspired by her teenage years on a farm, debut internationally at the Berlinale (Berlin International Film Festival) 2023. Madden was also awarded best Swedish Short at last year’s Gothenburg International Film Festival. Furthermore, Johansson is currently in development on a feature-length film based on Madden.
Now another Johansson short film is making a major splash. Her Deck 5B premiered this week at the Toronto International Film Festival during its Short Cuts program. Among the production houses behind Deck 5B--and earlier Madden--was Pine, a Stockholm-based shop which reps Johansson for commercials internationally.
In the interest of avoiding a spoiler alert, SHOOT in this piece provides a deliberately sparse description of the storyline for Deck 5B. Suffice it to say that the short stars Alma Pöysti as Mia, a mother torn between the needs of her young son and her own desires for romance and fulfillment. Johansson said that she was deeply moved by Pöysti’s portrayal of the recently divorced Mia and considers getting the chance to work with the actress as a major career highlight. Earlier this year,... Read More