Malcolm Murray Signs to SAVAGE
Commercial director Malcolm Murray has signed with Bicoastal / International production company SAVAGE, bringing with him credits including Stella Artois, Comcast and Walmart plus skills as a cinematographer and feature film director.
Murray first demonstrated artistic potential at the age of 15, shooting pro skateboarding films before traveling around the world on a Thomas J. Watson Fellowship. He then joined Mekanism, focusing on editing, cinematography and effects work before branching out to direct full time.
The branded short “Up There” for Stella Artois through Mother, NY is a great example of Murray’s ability to work as both cinematographer and director. The compelling campaign sees Murray interview generations of artists who continue to keep alive the dying craft of large-scale hand painted advertising. “Up There” was also shortlisted at Cannes for Directing Craft & Best Web Film in addition to being a One Show: Documentary Merit Winner.
Murray’s ease at handling scripted material is also on show in campaigns for Toyota through MMB, Boston, Comcast through Barrett, San Francisco, and Walmart through The Martin Agency.
SAVAGE Founder Pavla Burgetova notes that Murray has endless creative energy as well as a strong reel showing great respect for story, dialogue and characterization: “When I saw Malcolm’s work I was immediately impressed,” she explains. “Like every talented director, Malcolm successfully turns anything he touches into a great piece of work – no matter the budget or initial concept, he clearly elevates the concept. The fact that he’s also a cinematographer means that each project is infused with even more of his personal style. Malcolm is a hard worker with the right amount of talent and attention to detail, and he understands the importance of surrounding himself with the right team.”
Murray’s drive, talent and energy have also led to feature film work. His first documentary “Camera, Camera” along with his narrative debut “Bad Posture” spring to mind – the latter noted by The New York Times for, “enforcing a consistently mellow tone with inspired musical choices that creates a beguiling, visually rich canvas.” Murray latest film “Natureland” is set for festival release this year.
Murray is excited to be part of the SAVAGE family, keen to get back into the advertising saddle after a year away laboring on his latest feature: “After finishing Natureland my craft was severely tested but now I have a whole breadth of new experiences under my belt and I’m eager to bring those new techniques to my advertising work,” Murray explains. “There are so many brands that need help humanizing products and tapping into people’s emotions,”
EP Jay Shapiro adds that the addition of Murray falls in line with what SAVAGE is all about: "First off, Malcolm is just a really interesting human who happens to direct really well,” he outlines on Murray and the road ahead: “At Savage we’re always looking at the work from an emotional standpoint first – how does it make you feel? There are many talented directors looking for homes out there, but when I look at Malcolm’s work I feel it. His fingerprints are all over the work. When you match an interesting human with great emotional storytelling that’s exciting. That’s what Savage is about, these are the directors that fit what we want."
