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| Curious Signs Yann Malka |
Director Yann Malka Brings Artist’s Eye, Expertise combining live-action and post-production techniques New York, NY – March 31, 2008 – Internationally known tabletop director Yann Malka has joined Curious Pictures for exclusive U.S. representation, according to Executive Producer Mary Knox. Based in Madrid, he is currently represented internationally via The Brownie Film Co., Madrid. “We’ve had our eyes on Yann for quite some time, because his vision is an utterly unique blend of animation, post effects and beautiful film,” says Knox. “He’s a perfect fit for Curious, and we are so honored and thrilled that he has joined us.” To screen Malka’s work, please go to: Malka, whose work was included in Saatchi’s New Directors Showcase at Cannes in 2004, has grown up with tabletop direction in his blood. His father is legendary tabletop shooter Michel Malka, an innovative director whose groundbreaking technique and inventions provided a springboard to Yann’s vision. He’s also influenced by his background as a musician—he completed an advanced musical degree in Paris, specializing in the piano as well as harmonic and orchestral direction. Malka believes visually conveying the concept of freshness is vital in food photography, and his work promoting McDonald’s salads for TBWA brought depth and perspective to the task. For a spot titled “Kaleidoscope,” he explains that much of the food shots were done against a plain white background, which he describes as very Zen-like. “The agency had this kaleidoscopic concept, which tends to flatten everything,” he says. “I like asymmetry and dimension, because it is more sensual—especially for food.” Malka combined the elements in a way that produced a multi-dimensional look, making the salad tumble deliciously within the frame. Another aspect of his expertise lies in his ability to translate abstract ideas into identifiable visuals. For example, his interpretation of Te Verde, a fragrance brand produced exclusively for Spanish retailer Adolfo Dominguez, brings together his talent for combining movement, music, shape and design. “The client had the elements: a girl, the color green, a tea leaf and water,” Malka recalls. “From these I had to create a moving image.” Combining live action shots with carefully crafted post-production effects, Malka’s resulting spot is a gentle piece that instantly imbues viewers with a sense of freshness and light. “Trying to imagine a storyboard for this kind of piece is impossible,” he adds. “We had to generate something from an abstract feeling into something that is physical. When it comes to work like this, I like to say that I’m an illustrator more than a movie-maker; what I do is illustration in movement.” Among Malka’s most playful spots is a piece he created for Advertising Week in New York which combines his love of interpreting abstract ideas and creating multi-layered imagery with his equally strong admiration for motion graphics and design. “There is a very child-like feeling in the work I do,” he offers, “and I think you can really see that in this project.” The short, which appeared on the Jumbotron in Times Square during the event last September, uses a variety of typography styles to convey the concept of hawking products in an iconographic and playful way. Malka is delighted to be a part of the Curious Pictures’ roster because, he says, the company understands and respects his unique point-of-view and creative style. “The mixture of tabletop, motion graphics and post production techniques in which I work in is very unique,” says Malka. “Curious has a very hands-on spirit, which is very appropriate for me.” Media Contacts: About Curious Pictures # # #
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