Multidisciplinary creative studio Hornet has added two individual directors and a helming duo to its global roster: Margherita Premuroso, Anat Efrati, and the team of Carl + Annika.
“At a time when so much creative work is driven by speed and sameness, I feel it’s more important than ever to champion authentic voices,” said Hana Shimizu, managing partner at the New York-based Hornet. “For us, it’s about empowering artists who bring something only they can: perspective, emotion, and humanity. That’s what keeps our work alive, and that’s what each of these directors represents.”
Margherita Premuroso
Whether directing dynamic title sequences for Black Rabbit and American Horror Story, the Milan-based Premuroso delivers layered, tactile pieces that feel both spontaneous and intentional. A single pencil line or brush stroke can capture an entire story or expose the essence of a character.
“With every flick of her wrist, Margherita brings out character, emotion, and story,” said Kristin Labriola, Hornet’s head of creative development. “In a world obsessed with digital perfection, there’s something so refreshing about her hand-drawn lines. They remind us of the little imperfections that make things feel real. Emphasis on feel. Margherita is using this classic art form to push animation forward, and I’m really excited to have a front seat.”
Carl + Annika
Where glamorous meets gritty and ordinary meets the extraordinary–that’s the signature of Brooklyn-based Carl & Annika. Their work is characterized by powerful storytelling with a surreal, dreamlike feel, often exploring visceral dynamics between subjects and their environments in the world of fashion and beyond. Their surreal approach blends unconventional casting with real-world settings, creating dreamlike campaigns for Under Armour, Coach, Warner Records, Adobe, and Carel Paris.
“I was seeing their work on mood boards before I even met them,” said Natalie Labarre, Hornet creative director . “Carl + Annika approach every project wanting to make something new. That’s why they’re the reference. They’re constantly reinventing, experimenting, and turning our reality into their own dreamy world. Their energy is contagious.”
Anat Efrati
The Tel Aviv-based Efrati balances unease and humor through memorable characters, offbeat scenarios, and unexpected settings. Her digital pieces appear remarkably handmade, uniting the technology of today with a tactile sensibility that gives her work an unmistakably human touch.
“Anat mixes sweet and scary in a way that’s totally her own,” said Labarre. “Her mix of influences–the darkness of cults, the nostalgia of ‘70s stop motion, weird commercials, and the playfulness of gaming–make her work layered and cinematic, almost its own genre. Her worlds are impossible to look away from.”
“We don’t sign styles — we sign storytellers,” said Labriola. “Margherita, Carl + Annika, and Anat all bring something completely different to the table, yet they all share a fearless commitment to exploring new ways to tell stories that resonate. This diversity is what makes Hornet unique and the launchpad where bold talent meets opportunity. We’re here to push the industry forward with work that’s fresh and meaningful. These creators are exactly the kind of directors who make that possible.”
