Arts & Sciences London announced the addition of acclaimed filmmaker John Hillcoat to its roster of directors. Known for his storytelling genius in both advertising and narrative films, John is a powerhouse in the industry. With an impressive collection of awards - including Cannes Lions, AICP, ANDY, ADC, One Show, and Clios - he’s one of the most respected directors working today.
Earlier this year, John joined SKUNK as a partner and rostered director for representation in the US market. SKUNK MD and founder Matt Factor has a long-standing relationship with A&S London partners Mal Ward and James Bland. When Matt and John were looking for the best strategic fit for London representation, Arts & Sciences was the strongest choice to look after Hillcoat in what is arguably one of the most coveted creative markets.
John’s work, distinguished by its cinematic lyricism and narrative nuance, has made him a go-to collaborator for brands aiming to transcend the ordinary. His film Corazón, created for Montefiore Health Systems and featuring Demian Bichir and Ana de Armas, exemplifies this ethos. Premiering at the Tribeca Film Festival, the film brought the life-saving capabilities of LVADs (“medical hearts”) into focus, winning both a Cannes Lions Grand Prix and a Grand Clio for Branded Content while reportedly saving over 35,000 lives. Such projects reveal John’s rare ability to merge artistic integrity with profound real-world impact.
John’s commercial work includes campaigns for some of the world’s biggest brands, like Jameson, Levi’s, Apple, Samsung, Volkswagen, Guinness, and Sofitel. Recently, he delivered character-driven films for Farmer’s Dog and the relaunch of Scout Trucks, both of which show off his ability to create intimate, heartfelt moments that resonate deeply with audiences.
Beyond advertising, John has distinguished himself as an acclaimed episodic director. His work on Showtime’s George & Tammy, starring Jessica Chastain and Michael Shannon, earned widespread praise and multiple Emmy nominations. He has also helmed episodes of Special Ops: Lioness for Paramount+ and Netflix’s Black Mirror, directing the haunting episode Crocodile, which received an Excellence Award for Short Film at the Seoul International Drama Awards. His cinematic résumé includes lauded features like The Proposition, Lawless, Triple 9, and his evocative adaptation of Cormac McCarthy’s The Road, a competition entry at the Venice Film Festival.
John’s collaborations with musical icons - including Nick Cave, Bob Dylan, Depeche Mode, Johnny Cash, and Siouxsie and the Banshees -reveal an additional dimension of his artistry: a sensitivity to rhythm and atmosphere that informs all his work.
“Matt has a great relationship with the A&S team", remarks John. "They are tremendous producers and filmmakers, and I look forward to working with them.”
James Bland, managing director and partner at Arts & Sciences London, adds, “John Hillcoat doesn’t just tell stories - he burns them into the cultural psyche. His ability to craft unforgettable moments resonates with everything we stand for at Arts & Sciences: bold ideas, powerful imagery, and work that leaves an indelible mark. John’s talent for creating campaigns that move brands and audiences alike is unparalleled, and we couldn’t be more excited to bring his vision and artistry into our fold.”