Thunder Road Pictures–the producer behind the John Wick franchise, the Bradley Cooper-directed A Star Is Born, and director Denis Villeneuve’s Sicario–has entered into a strategic partnership with L.A.-based production company Slash Dynamic. Via the partnership, Thunder Road’s feature and series prowess will be brought into the marketing space, providing brands with a high-powered resource in the creation of commercials, branded entertainment, immersive and short-form content.
“As brands increasingly look toward feature directors to help them create compelling content, we felt the time was perfect to move into the space,” said Thunder Road partner Erica Lee. “Our partnership with Slash Dynamic is an instant way for us to accomplish that goal. We’re really excited to be bringing the highest level of film craft and directorial talent to help brands elevate their storytelling.”
Thunder Road founder Basil Iwanyk added, “We’re all looking forward to the exciting pace of creating features-level productions over much shorter timelines. We get the immediate gratification of seeing our work out there and brands get the benefit of our directors’ vision and talent on their projects. We can’t wait to get started.”
Through the partnership, Slash Dynamic–a WBENC-certified woman-owned company–will, while maintaining its identity, become the marketing production arm of Thunder Road, representing Thunder Road’s diverse roster of feature directors in the marketing sector. The new partnership will be rolling out its full talent roster shortly, with offices in Los Angeles and New York.
“This is the best of all worlds for marketers,” said Tanya Cohen, Slash’s founder and managing director. “Slash is expert at creating commercials and branded content, and Thunder Road is a Hollywood heavy-hitter with an amazing track record. Together we represent an incredible roster of award-winning filmmakers and unmatched capabilities. The partnership creates a comprehensive eco-system and management structure across the media landscape, for filmmakers.”
Cohen said that the move will greatly benefit directors, as the venture will serve as a development incubator for talent. “While Thunder Road’s directors will have the opportunity to explore short form to create brand stories, Slash directors will have the opportunity to move into features,” she explained. Cohen noted that she and her partners are looking forward to attracting additional directorial talent through the partnership.
The partnership further opens the opportunity for brands to create partnerships and branded entertainment with Thunder Road’s slate. Additionally Slash Dynamic just launched an automotive content division led by Dave Hedeman and Steve Rice. The pair most recently led advertising creative for Nissan at TBWAChiatDay NY.
“This is such a natural progression for us,” Thunder Road’s Lee said. “We can see immediate opportunity to offer brands a powerful presence within the IP we own.”
Thunder Road’s films have grossed over $3.8 billion worldwide and garnered nominations from the Academy Awards, Golden Globes, Producers Guild Awards, Writers Guild Awards, Directors Guild Awards, and AFI Awards. Recent projects include: Tarik Saleh’s black op thriller The Contractor; Halle Berry’s directorial debut, Bruised; Ric Waugh’s disaster epic, Greenland; and Sophia Banks action thriller, Black Site. Upcoming projects include Dev Patel’s directorial debut, Monkey Man; John Woo’s heralded U.S. action film return, Silent Night; John Wick 4; and the John Wick spin-off TV series The Continental.
Slash Dynamic has produced commercials, immersive experiences and branded content for global brands including Nike, Amazon, Blizzard Entertainment, Red Bull, Ford and Porsche. Producer Caitlin Cohen (no family relation to Tanya). who has been with the company since its inception, will also be instrumental in facilitating the Thunder Road partnership and launch of Slash Auto.
