Derek Cianfrance attended the University of Colorado Boulder, studying film production and at 23, he wrote, directed, and edited his first feature film Brother Tied. This premiered and won a award at the International Film-festival Mannheim-Heidelberg.
Commercials expert
Cianfrance also specialises in commercials, apparent by his recent DGA award success for ‘Outstanding Achievement in Commercials’. Cianfrance, a director with Radical Media, earned the director’s guild honour with his four entries Nike Golf’s ‘Chase’, Squarespace’s ‘Manifesto’ and both Powerade’s ‘Doubts’ and ‘Expectations.
When speaking about his recent success Cianfrance had this to say, “I’m lucky in recent years to be getting great concepts, to have my filmmaking process take hold in commercials, and to have my feelings evolve about the art of commercial making.”
Marshall Major Taylor
We had the chance to experience Cianfrance’s artistic eye for the commercial scene when we cast for with him and Radical Media on the recently released Droga5’s Hennessy “Marshall Major Taylor” TV Commercial launched in the U.S.
The message of the advert ‘Never stop. Never settle’ was based on the story of Marshall Major Taylor celebrating his perseverance in times of adversity and his rise to the top. Marshall Taylor was the fastest man on two wheels and by 1901 he was the world’s most famous athlete.
We enjoyed casting this project across four countries in Europe to find the right hero cyclist and we believe Hennessy’s powerful message and unique style fits perfectly with our company. We hope to work with Derek again as his artistic flair is one of a kind and hope this commercial can add to his already fantastic resume of awards.