Academy Welcomes Francois Lallier and Erin Murray

Comedy directors Francois Lallier and Erin Murray join Academy, strengthening the production house’s exceptional roster of directing talent.

Canadian born Francois has picked up awards at Cannes, the Clios, One Show and more. His off the wall brand of humour is punchy and left field. On joining Academy, Francois said “have a look at my work… it’s funnier that this press release”.

John Nguyen, Academy’s EP in the States, said of the latest signing, "François is a gifted storyteller and he infuses heart and humour into everything he does. We’re so lucky to have him joining us across both markets and expanding our foothold in the comedy landscape."

Erin Murray is a ballerina turned director and choreographer. Her work has been described as “funny in a scary way” and “too honest” by strangers on the internet. She won Gold at the 1.4 Awards and was featured at the YDA for the curious short ‘I Don’t Need To Know’. Her video for Bambina was screened at SXSW 2024 and focuses on a young couple trying to navigate the complications of virtual reality sex, with some pretty wild results.

Erin had this to say of her new home, "Starting this new chapter with Academy feels like a milestone, and I can't wait for karaoke at our first wrap party."

Academy’s co-owner Simon Cooper added of the double signing, ‘We are absolutely delighted to welcome two such gifted but entirely different laugh-mongers to Academy. Erin’s perfect comedy performances creep up on you until the laughter is bubbling out of you; Francois’s slap you in the face and punch you in the solar plexus and the laughter erupts like an uncontrolled belch. We all need more of this work in our lives…

Francois joins for representation in the US and UK, while Erin is signed Worldwide except for the US market.