Adam Gunser Joins Über Content
Celebrated production company Über Content is pleased to announce the signing of award-winning filmmaker Adam Gunser. The New Zealand native brings a distinctly fresh brand of visual comedy to the multi-talented Über roster.
Director Adam Gunser strives to make each element of a commercial, from the casting to cinematography, serve to create an entertaining spot that viewers want to watch, and watch again. He’s brought a mixture of warm comedic narrative and quirky, often surreal, visuals to brands internationally, with commercial productions in London, Australia and New Zealand. Adam’s playful approach to storytelling can be seen in his spot for the Monopoly game at McDonald’s for DDB Auckland/Sydney, where he crafted a city-size version of the board game; and Arnott’s “Shapes” through DDB Sydney. Adam explains the Arnott’s shoot, “We got to build a fully functional giant record player, choreograph a sexy dance and get a bunch of geeky men to rap and beat box…What more could you want?” Recently, Adam had the opportunity to shoot on the Phantom in slow motion, capturing recreated poses from classical paintings in modern day scenes with a charming spot for WCRS London.
This year Adam extends beyond the commercial format and signature genre with his first short film “Killing Phillip,” which had its European premiere at the Clermont Ferrand in February, where it was listed in International Competition. Shot over 5 days in a remote part of New Zealand, the poignant story follows a 6-year old boy and his imaginary friend.
It was the influence of his film professor David Green that helped Adam to understand the creative advantages of the commercial industry early on, ultimately leading him to change his major from Painting to Film. Inspired by the great New Zealand filmmakers from the start, Adam also looked to American directors such as David Fincher and Spike Jonze, saying, “I love the idea that these guys look at ads as an opportunity to collaborate with great creative talents, and use the skills learned to improve their filmmaking.”
After directing several music videos for friends, Adam began to develop an early profile in New Zealand. From there, it was equal parts persistence and luck that helped him transition into the commercial world. While working at a production company as a director’s assistant, Adam fished a script out of the trash that had been passed on by all the other directors. He begged JWT Auckland for the chance to pitch it, got the job, and the completed spot – Ford “Balloons” - went viral and on to win awards all over the world, including a Cannes Silver Lion, a Gold Axis Award, and a One Show award.
On looking forward to working with EP Phyllis Koenig and the Über crew, Adam says, “Phyllis is such an energetic, driven and passionate person with a great approach to commercial production. Her enthusiasm is something that drew me to Über initially and the creative environment she has developed with the rest of the team is something I’m excited to be a part of.” Phyllis echoes his enthusiasm, saying she couldn’t be more ecstatic at having found Adam Gunser, and that he chose to join Über, “He is such a skilled "maker” of things: films, ads, stunts, narrative comedy – that combined with his artistic flair, quick wit, and passion for his craft, I can see why he's had the successes he's had so far. Adam is so humble and focused at once - I'm completely thrilled he's on the Über team now, rounding off our roster beautifully."
