Director Richard Hunter Joins Splendors

Director Richard Hunter joins Splendors for commercial representation in the US.

Richard Hunter, director said, "Super excited to be a part of the Splendors team. It's a really strong, curated roster and I can't wait to dive face first into the US market."

Jason Lewis, MD/EP at Splendors said, "Richard's work had an immediate impact on me when we first crossed paths. There is a real mastery in his ability to keep even the most absurd gags as sophisticated (and hysterical) as he does. Across his commercial and narrative work, he never underestimates his audience, and I think the consistency in which he 'commits to the bit' is very much noticed and appreciated by our agency and brand partners. There is a great deal of excitement around Richard's coming aboard the team."

Richard sat down to discuss his arrival, work and how he got into directing.

Q> How did you get your start as a director?

Richard> I grew up making/editing VCR-to-VCR VHS skateboard films. The two biggest hits, Cheesy Crackers and Shoe in a Shoebox, both garnered widespread critical acclaim - exclusively amongst our Year Nine peers and a handful of disgruntled teachers, resulting in lunchtime videos being banned for two weeks (or 14 days to the layman).

From there, I went on to study documentary filmmaking. Moved to London. Cut my teeth on independent music videos. Made my first commercial on 16mm film. Started hemming my own trousers and finally decided it was about time to get a small dog.

Q> What most excites you about your new venture into the US market?

Richard> Getting to work with new brands and new creative minds. Dipping into a style of humour that is different enough for my style, but has also informed so much of my formative TV watching childhood.

Q> What kind of scripts are you hoping to see more of this year?

Richard> Anything that has that deadpan feel. That is story-first. Ideas that are slightly slower paced, more character-driven, maybe more narratively driven. Scripts that don't rely too much on whooshing and whizzbanging the camera about - utilising bold hooks that stop down just so they can sit the surreal or funny or uncanny. Mostly because those are the ads I love. Little story beats and vignettes that hook you in.

Q> Tell us which of your spots you’re most proud of, and why.

Richard> I love a lot of the spots I've worked on for so many different reasons. Every single one is a mini-adventure of problem-solving and creative creation. I love that part of the job. Working with the departments to bring something to life that started out as a one-page PDF and grew into this real-life thing with so many moving parts.