Director Grayson Whitehurst has officially joined the roster of Los York, formalizing his relationship with the global creative production studio. He had been working pretty much exclusively with Los York over the past year–including when he was selected for SHOOT’s 2021 New Directors Showcase.
Whitehurst has directed spots for brands including MasterCard, Purple, and IKEA. Additionally, he has directed the popular alternate reality game Spectacular Organic and screened his narrative film work at many Oscar-qualifying festivals around the globe.
Known for his darkly comedic takes, Whitehurst uses his sensibilities as an artist and storyteller to evoke dramatic, striking visuals and offbeat narrative arcs in his projects. Whitehurst described the tonal paradox of his style, sharing, “I think the power of having an unconventional sense of humor is that I’m able to find a laugh in a place where no one else would think to look. Also, I love taking an unusual narrative risk in the ad space. Ultimately, these spots are stories and I’m proud of the fact that everything I’ve directed looks like it came from me.”
Melina Osornio-Andrade, Los York’s managing director and partner, said, “We pride ourselves on producing culture-defining campaigns. He has a real knack for finding micro-moments, thoughts, and images that often get overlooked but they’re the secret ingredient to what makes his work ring true. Grayson’s as multifaceted and remarkably resourceful in the way he works–he fits right in with our company ethos at Los York and we’re honored to be in collaboration with him.”
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