Production studio Florence has added director Will Niava to its roster for commercial and branded projects as well as music videos. This marks his first commercial signing.
Splitting his time between West Africa and Montrรฉal, Canada, Niava has turned out work for clients including Amazon Music, MTV, CBS, and artists such as Billie Eilish and H.E.R.
With his first film, Zoo, Niava explores the tenuousness of social order when a troubled man has a chance encounter with three outcasts. Dynamic camerawork and rhythmic editing mirror the emotional state of the film’s characters as their encounter escalates from a misunderstanding to all-out conflict. Zoo is a powerful and timely commentary on power, alienation, and how we treat our fellow man. The film has garnered 10 awards from international film festivals, as well as a spot in the Criterion Collection. Currently Niava is developing his next project, which he is co-writing alongside the Oscar-nominated director Jeremy Comte, and finalizing his second film, Element.
“Filmmaking for me is an immersive, lived experience” said Niava. “Florence has created a space in which I’ll be able to grow as an artist, honing my craft through commercial storytelling while also staying true to my voice.”
Jerad Anderson, founder/EP of Florence, said, “Will is a visionary and master storyteller. He grabs your attention from the first image and keeps you spellbound up until the very end.”