Global production company Sweetshop has signed director Michael Downing for representation in the U.S.
Downing’s work is defined by a subtle, observational, and comedic style with an emphasis on performance. He has crafted memorable, award-winning work for agencies on both sides of the Atlantic, showcasing a rare ability to perfectly deliver any and every style of comedy; from character-driven dialogue to slapstick and utterly irreverent. He has worked with brands including Netflix, Samsung, Starbucks, McDonald’s, Toyota, Timberland, Bud Light and ESPN.
Downing’s innate understanding of performance and diversity as a director stems from his background: having studied fine art, acting and theatre and forming an experimental theatre company in Toronto, before stepping into filmmaking. As a student filmmaker, Downing turned out short films that were consistently screened and awarded at festivals, and he attended the American Film Institute on a scholarship because of this early success.
Based in L.A., Downing is in development on his first two feature projects The Threeway and Cowboy due to begin filming in spring 2022. Prior to joining Sweetshop, Downing had been repped in the U.S. ad market by Biscuit Filmworks.
George Meeker, co-managing director at Sweetshop USA, said of Downing, “His ability to capture rich visual subtext and coax excellent verbal and silent performances is astonishing. His work has a down-to-earth quality which resonates with viewers of all stripes.”
Downing said, “I’m excited to join the Sweetshop team and craft some funny stories about human beings. Having the opportunity to work with George and Jeff (Miller, co-managing director, USA), who are both relentless perfectionists and the most joyful people you’ll ever meet–it’s going to be fun and demanding at the same time. Or maybe at different times. Either way – I’m looking forward to the opportunity to working with people that are as obsessed with commercials and content as I am. The fact that the whole company is so incredibly nice makes it feel a bit like I’m back home in Canada.”
Wilf Sweetland, CEO of Sweetshop, described Downing as “a highly awarded, extremely funny and infinitely collaborative director.” Sweetland added, “I have long admired his comedy and feel humbled he chose to join us.”
