Commercial production company Rabbits Black, headquartered in Las Vegas with offices in Los Angeles, has signed Wolfberg, the Prague-based directing duo of Jan Kalvoda and Přemysl Ponáhlý, for commercial representation in the U.S. Kalvoda and Ponáhlý first came together to form Wolfberg in 2012.
Mike Bergin, co-executive producer at Rabbits Black, said, “Wolfberg’s ability to seamlessly integrate in-camera VFX into their storytelling is unmatched, which is one of the main reasons we were first drawn to their work. They have a truly unique POV and a directing approach that effortlessly combines striking visuals, playful animation and cinematic storytelling across many different genres. In an industry that can often feel repetitive, we love how they differentiate themselves through such a distinctive body of work. They continue to evolve and surprise us with every new project and we’re thrilled to begin our partnership in the U.S. together.”
Wolfberg was earlier repped in the U.S. ad market by production house Golden. They had also collaborated with Stink Films.
Kalvoda, an award-winning copywriter-turned-director and Ponáhlý, previously an art director, bring a dual creative lens to their work, pairing dry humor and spontaneous storytelling with meticulous craft in live action, practical effects and visual effects. Wolfberg’s films are known for their unconventional treatments and international sensibility. The duo’s ability to direct actors lends an innovative touch without sacrificing emotional truth. Wolfberg has directed campaigns for Google, Audi, IKEA, Budweiser, Magnum, Kronenbourg, Pilsner Urquell, ERSTE, Etisalat, Sky Cinema, UNICEF, WWF and the National Museum of Prague, among many others.
Alongside the commercial work, Ponáhlý is also developing original character designs, spanning whimsical creature and children’s book illustrations to darker, surreal puppet and maquette-style designs. The work captures a visual range that feeds directly into Wolfberg’s hand-crafted approach to filmmaking.
Wolfberg’s work has earned recognition across the industry’s awards show circuit, including a Gold Cannes Young Director Award, a Gold and two Silvers at the Epica Awards, a Silver Clio, a Bronze at ADC Europe, Gold and Silver at the Ciclope Festival, a Silver at The One Show, a Gold at One World and a Silver at the New York Festivals–alongside a Grand Prix and 16 additional honors from ADC Czech.
With the signing, Rabbits Black continues to grow its roster of commercial directors under co-executive producers Bergin and Ryan Hawkins who oversee the company’s end-to-end creative development, production, and post for brand and agency campaigns.
In a joint statement, Wolfberg shared, “What led us to join Rabbits Black is how they connect advertising, film, music and entertainment. Ryan and Mike have great taste and a unique pulse on the industry with deep connections across branded content, commercials and long form. When they approached us about representation, it felt like the right place to join forces and explore the U.S. market together.”
