Directing duo Animal comprises Screenwriter Romain Choay and Creative Director Benjamin Grillon. Their artistic partnership began around ten years ago in London, where they worked together at an advertising agency. The collaboration leverages their complementary talents-Romain Choay’s narrative expertise and Benjamin Grillon’s refined aesthetic style.

Animal’s distinctive approach begins at the intersection of a story and a visual universe. With a high-concept orientation and a meticulous approach to research, Animal is always looking for a key element in a script–some kind of hook–that sets it apart from the rest. Uncovering this is what allows them to really get creative.

Having mastered the dynamics of collaboration, Animal knows the importance of a strong working relationship between clients and creatives, emphasising the mutual trust required for successful outcomes.

Their passion for storytelling and commitment to delivering a meaningful narrative have seen Animal solidify their position as a creative force in high-end commercials and fashion films, establishing long-term partnerships with prestigious brands such as Hermès and Gucci. Other notable clients include Hugo Boss, Cartier Nanushka, Claudie Pierlot and Valextra.

Director and photographer Patrik Giardino’s early discovery of his artistic expression emerged in his native Malmö, Sweden. A keen athlete in his youth, engaging in karate, ice hockey, and basketball, his passion for the lens reflects his deep-rooted connection with movement and action.

After studying photography at Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, Patrik’s progression into directing commercials was a natural one. He uses his understanding of cinematic composition and a keen eye for capturing dynamic moments to translate inspiring visuals into compelling stories. He gets how to seamlessly blend his affinity for sports with powerful imagery, freezing moments in time and unveiling the essence of the subjects he photographs.

Charming and witty in character, working with Patrik always brightens even the most challenging of sets. Whether directing commercials for global brands like Citibank, Nike, Jaguar, Fujitsu, Oakley, P&G, Adidas and Neutrogena or capturing iconic figures and celebrities such as Hugh Jackman, LeBron James, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Michael Phelps, Patrik’s work reflects a harmonious blend of athleticism and action.

Director Rob Sanderson’s work is all about real people and real places. Known by the childhood nickname Little One, from his Thai upbringing, he has developed a distinctive style that revolves around authenticity.

Rob knows how to capture the essence of human moments in natural environments. Transitioning seamlessly between working with non-actors and actors, he crafts scenes that resonate with audiences by emphasising the common ground between subject and audience, tapping into a shared sense of empathy and relatability.

The impact of Rob’s creative storytelling earned him the 2022 Young Arrows New Director award for the film Dropped, made in collaboration with Certified Sports. The short focuses on the experiences of young footballers who faced adversity after being dropped by clubs. A charity film made for the NHS using the most rudimentary of equipment under tight lockdown restrictions earned critical acclaim.

Whether working with A-list footballers or portraying the struggles of real individuals, Rob’s storytelling transcends boundaries. His portfolio includes work for brands such as Nike, Hilton, Miller, and Nissan.

Director Julia Kupiec’s passion for filmmaking was sparked during a high school film class. A young, dynamic teacher inspired her to embrace a “just start making stuff” attitude. In her final year, she submitted a music video to the Santa Barbara International Film Festival’s student competition. While she didn’t win, an encouraging email from a judge gave her the confidence to pursue directing and apply to NYU’s film program.

Julia’s time at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts was transformative. Her exploration extended beyond film to philosophy, psychology and writing, enriching her storytelling capabilities. Being surrounded by exceptionally talented peers taught her the importance of dropping ego to foster improvement.

After graduating, Julia supported herself as a camera assistant and cinematographer. This heavily influenced her collaborative directorial approach and visual style. As a director, photographer and occasional painter, her creative identity is deeply intertwined with themes of disillusionment, growth, vulnerability and the necessary pain that comes with those.

Julia’s commercial work and music videos have been featured at Raindance Film Festival, Director’s Library, Boooom TV, Director’s Notes and Fusion Film Festival, where she won Best Music Video for Truth. She has directed content for the US Air Force, UMass and Columbia Records.

Director Tom Stevens’ career trajectory evolved from an initial foundation as a producer and creative. His multifaceted skill set, strong editorial instincts and a keen eye for detail and quality fuelled his shift to directing and editing and revealed a passion for creating compelling content.

With his affinity for working with actors on scripted content, Tom’s emphasis on collaboration and storytelling has carved a niche for himself in the competitive landscape of commercial and branded content creation. He’s a director who thrives on bringing narratives to life with precise attention to detail: drawing up storyboards, blocking out scenes and working with DOPs and gaffers to perfect lighting.

With a diverse portfolio that spans a range of platforms from commercials and branded content to promos and TV production, Tom’s ability to deliver impactful and visually compelling work across various formats and genres has gained him a roster of clients, including globally recognised brands such as DHL, Manchester United, American Express, Qatar Airways, Samsung and Jaguar.