Comedy king Tim Bullock boosts Rogue's offer.

Rogue have secured the talents of hugely talented comedy director Tim Bullock by adding him to their roster. The former 'suit' is a fan of both comedy and horror, and he once said that he knows how to scare people and how to make them laugh, and, as there isn't much call for the former in the world of advertising, he decided to specialise in comedy.

By his own account, Tim Bullock owes a great deal to adam&eve co-founder Ben Priest, who persuaded him to bring his comedy nous to a campaign for Fosters which sought to re-establish and reinforce the Australian beer's long-running association with comedy.

The scripts were playful with the stereotype of Australian blokeishness, and Bullock was unsure, but Priest - who had also switched codes after starting his career as a suit - was determined: "I got on the phone and after talking with Ben Priest for half an hour, I was so inspired by his pitch, it was like, I have to do this campaign."

Bullock's association with Fosters continued for six years, and, alongside Priest, he successfully evolved the campaign to ensure the work was affectionately spoofing masculinity and always shifting away from reinforcing it. A delicate balancing act that was handled meticulously.

As well as Ben Priest, Bullock highlights the role played by Graham Daldry and the gang at Specsavers with whom he worked on several ads, including one of its most iconic (below). 'Vet' is a film that ran for years and years so it's fair to say it must have been as effective as it was funny. Specsavers also gave Bullock the opportunity to work with John Cleese - one of his comedy heroes - and he describes Cleese's assessment of his skills as epitaph-worthy: "Not many directors know what they’re doing, but this one does".

Amidst Bullock's more recent work is this sparkling ad for Australian insurance company AAMI which manages to be hilarious and inspiring in equal measure. The performances coaxed from the children are note perfect, and it perfectly captures the deep connection between antipodeans and sport.

Tim Bullock says of his new UK gig: "Throughout my time directing, Rogue has always been a name associated with rock-solid, quality work. I like that the company represents a breadth of directors with differing styles but all united by a high standard of work. Sam Brown is particularly inspiring to me. And what’s not to like about Kate Taylor? I’ve been a long time fan of hers and I can’t wait to work with her."

Kate Taylor repays the compliment: "Tim Bullock has a reel that oozes confidence and craft - that there are a few big chortles to be had, just makes it for me. I’ve been a huge fan of his for years - so, naturally, I’m delighted that he’s chosen to come to Rogue - and no, I don’t need to go to Specsavers. I know exactly what I’m looking at when I look at his work. Genius! That’s what."

For more, contact Kate Taylor using katetaylor@roguefilms.co.uk or call 07976 737120.