Director Clare Chong has joined Contagious for exclusive U.S. commercial representation. This is the first U.S. spot roost for Chong, whose social-forward work for Amazon, Intel, LEGO, Libresse, and more has been lighting up the market in her home country of Singapore.
“Clare takes a cinematic approach, even when she shoots UGC-style,” Contagious executive producer Natalie Sakai observed. “Add to that a touch of the surreal that leaps off screens big and small.”
A case in point is Chong’s spot for Libresse Malaysia titled “Wonders of the Womb,” perhaps the most magical depiction of a period ever conveyed in commercial cinema. To describe it in too much detail would detract from the viewing experience, but suffice it to say that the sacred meets the practical in a way that keeps the storytelling light and the panty liners top of mind. “The color pop that emerges through Clare’s mixed media creations reveals a strong artistic craft,” said Sakai.
Chong grew up in an artistic family. Her mother is a piano teacher and sings; her father studied fashion. In fact, prior to going into film, Chong pursued music and sang opera, but found the individual practice hours quite isolating at times. The act of collaborating with other people to make a film–as she did in a media studies course–really drew her to the medium. She dabbles in multiple artistic mediums, including painting, liquid light show performances, and projection mapping for art installations and music festivals. “Great directors are constantly curious, and Clare’s roots are in Singapore, a melting pot of tech and pop culture,” Sakai added.
Chong’s first assignment for Contagious is a Lunar New Year :60 for Instagram created via DEPT. Titled “Very Superstitious” and shot on location in Bangkok, the project strengthened the immediate rapport between Sakai and Chong. “Clare is an excellent communicator who makes everyone in the room feel heard, while being very clear about what she wants,” Sakai said. “We’ve had an amazing time shooting together.”
“I’m the most extroverted version of myself on set, and sensing immediately that Natalie and Hannah [Rome, Contagious’ head of production] are there for me in any situation, allows me to focus my energy where it needs to be,” said Chong. “The U.S. market is very exciting to me. And Contagious provides me with a warm, nurturing environment, so it is the perfect home.”
Chong joins a Contagious directorial roster comprising Andrew Laurich, Brandon Bray, Emilie Silvestri, Jeff Jenkins, Kevin & King, and Tamara Rosenfeld.
Contagious is a WBEC Woman-Owned and NMSDC Minority-Owned company.
