Big Block Signs Gavin Bowden

Santa Monica, CA -- Big Block has signed noted director and cinematographer Gavin Bowden for representation. Bowden is known for his stunning integration of live action storytelling and VFX in an array of recent commercial campaigns for Ford, Toyota, GMC and Chevy out of such agencies as JWT, Saatchi LA and NY, Y&R, BBDO and Campbell-Ewald. He has also directed commercials for Michelob Ultra, Nike, Target, 7UP and Levis for TBWA, Ogilvy, BBDO International and Weiden+Kennedy.

Bowden has been recognized with numerous awards for his music videos; among his credits are Red Hot Chili Peppers “Warped” (MVPA Awards For Best Rock Video, Best Director, Best Design), Red Hot Chili Peppers “Aeroplane,” Rage Against the Machine “No Shelter,” Matchbox 20 “3 AM” (Billboard Music Award Viewers Choice), Silverchair “Anthem” (MTV Award Viewers Choice), Butthole Surfers “Pepper” (MVPA Nominated Best Alternative Video) and Fun Lovin’ Criminals “Scoobie Snacks” (MVPA Nominated Best Rap Video).

Bowden, a graduate of London College of Printing Media Studies and London International Film School, also directed the chart-topping Red Hot Chili Peppers documentary film “Funky Monks,” which was also awarded a Billboard Gold Video Sales Award, as well as several episodes of the television series The Courier (CBS) and Hero’s Return (CBS).

Bowden believes that the integration of CG car elements is the way of the future for automotive advertising. Of his new association with Big Block, Bowden said that he had wanted to forge a different kind of working relationship, one more closely tied to the process from the inception, where he could offer bolder ideas and exciting solutions. He has known Big Block’s Managing Director Kenny Solomon and Executive Producer Leslie Sorrentino since their time at The Syndicate, their former award-winning commercial, visual effects and design studio.

Bowden observes, “A car is one of the most important and costly purchases in a consumer’s life. It defines independence and status. It is the ultimate product. A car is very substantial, but at the same time extremely ephemeral. These abstract qualities require a great deal of conversation and collaboration between agencies and production studios, as well as the high quality of tools and artistic refinement found at Big Block.”

“I’ve lost jobs to Big Block before and that’s the place you want to be. You know they’re working at the level you want to be working at,” said Bowden.

“Gavin is a fantastic talent with the rare ability to craft stories with a gorgeous blend of live action and VFX,” said Solomon. “This hits our sweet spot for auto visualization and makes him a perfect fit for Big Block creatively and technically.”

Source: Big Block