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Directing duo Wolfberg joins Rabbits Black
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The Prague-based duo bring hand-crafted in-camera VFX storytelling to US-based commercial roster.
Rabbits Black, the commercial production company, headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada with offices in Los Angeles, CA has signed Wolfberg, the Prague-based directing duo of Jan Kalvoda and Přemysl Ponáhlý, for US commercial representation.
Formed in 2012, Wolfberg has built a distinctive reputation across the global advertising industry through unconventional execution techniques, in-camera tricks and a hand-crafted, personal approach to every story.
"Wolfberg's ability to seamlessly integrate in-camera VFX into their storytelling is unmatched, which is one of the main reasons we were first drawn to their work. They have a truly unique POV and a directing approach that effortlessly combines striking visuals, playful animation and cinematic storytelling across many different genres. In an industry that can often feel repetitive, we love how they differentiate themselves through such a distinctive body of work. They continue to evolve and surprise us with every new project and we're thrilled to begin our partnership in the US together." Mike Bergin states, Co-Executive Producer at Rabbits Black.
Kalvoda, an award-winning copywriter-turned-director and Ponáhlý, previously an art director, bring a dual creative lens to their work, pairing dry humor and spontaneous storytelling with meticulous craft in live action, practical effects and visual effects. Wolfberg's films are known for their unconventional treatments and international sensibility and the duo's ability to direct actors gives every project an innovative touch without sacrificing emotional truth. Wolfberg has directed campaigns for Google, Audi, IKEA, Budweiser, Magnum, Kronenbourg, Pilsner Urquell, ERSTE, Etisalat, Sky Cinema, UNICEF, WWF and the National Museum of Prague, among many others.
Alongside the commercial work, Ponáhlý is also developing original character designs, spanning whimsical creature and children's book illustrations to darker, surreal puppet and maquette-style designs. The work captures a visual range that feeds directly into Wolfberg's hand-crafted approach to filmmaking.
Wolfberg's work has earned recognition across the industry's top award shows, including a Gold Cannes Young Director Award, a Gold and two Silvers at the Epica Awards, a Silver Clio, a Bronze at ADC Europe, Gold and Silver at the Ciclope Festival, a Silver at The One Show, a Gold at One World and a Silver at the New York Festivals, alongside a Grand Prix and sixteen additional honours from ADC Czech.
"What led us to join Rabbits Black is how they connect advertising, film, music and entertainment. Ryan and Mike have great taste and a unique pulse on the industry with deep connections across branded content, commercials and long form. When they approached us about representation it felt like the right place to join forces and explore the US market together," says Wolfberg.
With the signing, Rabbits Black continues to grow its roster of commercial directors under Co-Executive Producers Ryan Hawkins and Mike Bergin, who oversee the company's end-to-end creative development, production, and post for brand and agency campaigns.
