David Reviews

 "You're not an artist, Peggy. You solve problems." Don Draper.

MJZ STRENGTHEN UK OFFER BY SIGNING TOP DIRECTOR NICK BALL
9 April 2024

MJZ know all about Australian director Nick Ball, having represented him in the US for a number of years... and now they're looking after him in the UK and the Netherlands too. MJZ London's star has been rising under the stewardship of Lindsay Turnham, and Nick Ball's arrival is certain to accelerate their momentum.

Nick Ball has a special place in DAVID's heart. not just because he's one of the best directors out there... though he is. It's his unapologetic love for making commercials that really inspires our affection. Seldom have we come across a director who can match DAVID's enthusiasm for commercials, but when we hear Nick Ball talking about his work, we know we're in the company of someone who does.


It's a dedication evident in the finished commercials. Take a look at this Foxtel commercial (above) and enjoy the full-scale commitment of The Game of Thrones journey undertaken by the protagonist, and the perfect casting and performance of 'Sarah' who conveys so much in just a few seconds of screen time.


In this commercial for giffgaff, Ball demonstrates an uncanny ability to use the tropes of humour to land a serious point, as he depicts dystopian-levels of bad behaviour in a series of ever more grimy vignettes to draw attention to the idea that the advertised telecom provider operates with more integrity than their rivals.


This commercial for IKEA in Canada shows off another dimension of Ball's directorial skill set as he wrings every drop of emotion out of a script that depicts the flourishing of an unusual friendship. As with the Foxtel and giffgaff commercials, the focus is kept on the advertised brand to an unusual degree, making these great pieces of advertising as well as great pieces of work.

There are many more examples of Nick Ball's tremendous body of work if you search for him at DAVID, or you can see a curated selection at MJZ's website.

For more on Nick Ball and all things MJZ, contact Clive Olamiju on +44 20 7434 4000 or via email using clive@mjz.ltd.uk.

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