Fred> My next project is a music video for a new electronic label 'Sublife.' I'm really excited about this because I rarely get to make videos without the artist on screen and this was an opportunity to create a more fictional scripted piece without relying on special effects The novelty itself is what's truly thrilling Fred> What interests me in the industry now is that each project feels more personal the need to stand out in a competitive field and a time when people are flooded with visuals push projects to be more direct or even more innovative I also notice that agencies are increasingly involving directors earlier in the creative stages which is refreshing—working on finalising scripts together Fred> The scripts that excite me the most are those with a strong visual element backed by post-production—anything that brings a powerful energy I put a lot of effort into breaking down the scenes and presenting a chronological vision so that the film's concept is as clear as possible and reflects my identity I write it as if I’ve already secured the job Fred> I do the necessary research to understand the topic I trust the agency to handle the strategic side The main things I pay attention to are the overarching guidelines of modern advertising: capturing the audience's attention in the first few seconds and being direct in the approach Fred> The producer and the creative director because the stakes rest on the ideas and how to bring them to life Even a good relationship and understanding with the marketing teams are essential to creating films in a healthier way Fred> I'm interested in anything that remains creative and realistic I really like "vignette films"—films that require strong artistic direction Fred> People often think I'm too "urban" for some or too "fashion-oriented" for others I’m often misjudged because people put me in boxes I think I’ve managed to diversify enough to build reels tailored to each different project I firmly believe that a director primarily has a narrative style and technical expertise and can do car commercials or lifestyle just as well Fred> I try to be honest above all; I present ideas with rationale People often forget that we’re here to optimise and realise a vision I think of us as architects—we propose visions but we won’t build a castle if the client wants a villa We try to ensure a balance between good taste I always reserve some time to ensure additional shots and alternative versions with the benefit of time and proof through images we can preserve a lot of the initial creativity Editing is a crucial stage in determining how much of the original idea we managed to save Fred> I think there’s no better school than a set I’m always amazed by what people can produce with just their cell phones Fred> I think we should embrace what’s coming I use Midjourney a lot to create reference images and ChatGPT to organise ideas or working documents The most important factor for me in the use of new technology is that the focus is always about elevating the visual ambition and craft Fred> I think of this Puma film I believe I won the job because I immediately incorporated the empty CDG airport set into the treatment which provided a realistic proposal for the production needs because I had the chance to showcase a more personal side of my work with a budget suited to the ambition And finally, my most recent Casablanca film was developed with the same methodology as 6G It involved significant creative freedom before filming and increased flexibility on set.  brings fresh perspectives to London Alley with his first London Alley, a production company specialising in commercials, branded content, and music videos announce the addition of esteemed director Fred de Pontcharra to its roster.  With an impressive portfolio of striking commercials and short films de Pontcharra brings his unique vision and expertise to further elevate the creative output of London Alley Fred de Pontcharra has made a significant mark in the entertainment industry garnering recognition for his innovative approach to storytelling and visual aesthetics His artistic flair and meticulous attention to detail have resulted in captivating works that resonate with audiences worldwide de Pontcharra has collaborated with renowned artists and brands such as Alpine consistently delivering groundbreaking content that pushes boundaries and captivates viewers "We are beyond delighted to welcome Fred de Pontcharra to the London Alley family," said Luga Podesta "Fred's unparalleled talent and creative vision align perfectly with our commitment to delivering exceptional content that resonates with audiences We look forward to collaborating with him on groundbreaking projects that continue to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation." Fred expresses his enthusiasm for the opportunity to work alongside a team of creative leaders to produce cutting-edge content "I am thrilled to be joining London Alley," said Fred “Their reputation for blazing trails in the realm of visual narrative has held a magnetic appeal for me I look forward to teaming up with their talented team and bringing exciting projects to life and making magic together." London Alley reaffirms its commitment to delivering top-tier content across all platforms while continuing to push creative boundaries and inspire audiences worldwide London Alley marks Fred de Pontcharra’s first representation in the United States Offering creative solutions from strategy to branding 1stAveDesign is the latest evolution of the global production company’s ecosystem electriclime° signs director Tim Main for exclusive representation across ANZ Bradley has built a reputation for creating quietly striking conceptually driven work that spans fashion photography Jaden brings a uniquely intimate and immersive style to his work delicate human stories through a lens that feels both cinematic and deeply personal Click below to find out how to super-charge your shots Magazine experience with the world's most comprehensive advertising database Fill out the form below to arrange a personalized demo and see how Shots can work for you.. Review of Casablanca Fall 2024 Ad Campaign by Director Frédéric de Pontcharra and Photographers Corentin Leroux and Fiona Torre with models Adam Castellano Casablanca embarks on an intoxicating odyssey with its Fall 2024 campaign. The campaign features film direction by Frédéric de Pontcharra and photography by Corentin Leroux and Fiona Torre Titled “Venus as a Boy” after the iconic Björk song creative director Charaf Tajer took his vision of luxury nostalgia meets contemporary resort wear to Ancient Greece and Rome drawing on the legendary art and architecture of these civilizations that in many ways continue to be the origin of our own The campaign stunningly situates this collection in a slick cinematic atmosphere that is a bit closer to Kubrick’s odyssey than to Homer’s Bold portraits emphasize the powerful red looks of the collection as the character’s contemplate Grecian busts or practice archery à la Odysseus Deconstructed interior shots echo the futuristic set design of 2001 A psychedelic hall of mirrors or vision of a goddess among the stars recall mind-altering initiations into the cult of Venus The brief accompanying short film deepens this collision of ancient mystery and modern elegance An electronic soundtrack with haunting vocals guides us through a wall of fog and into a ceremonial space where a muse greets us with a smoking amphora inviting us to inhale and free our minds into this world of divinely stylish romance With its intoxicatingly saturated color palette of red and silver across exquisitely composed compositions Without ever losing sight of its ancient inspirations it contextualizes these timeless reference points within a visual framework that is distinctly of our time The result is a campaign that not only stands out from the trend of totally minimal advertising communications we’re seeing currently but also situates Casablanca as more than a brand Casablanca Creative Director | Charaf TajerDirector | Frédéric de Pontcharra1st Photographer | Corentin Leroux2nd Photographer | Fiona TorreVideo Production | Mynd C/o Wanda ProductionsDirector of Photography | Nathaniel AronExecutive & Post Producer | China PreslesVFX Studio | OrageEditors | Antoine Deslandes HervieuColorist | Nicolas GautierPhotography Production | Producing LoveRetouching | Atelier 99Models | Adam Castellano and Tida RosvallStylist | Helena TejedorHair | Karim BelghiranMakeup | Stephanie KunzCasting | Establishment New YorkSet Designer | Felix Gesnouin Directed by the visionary Fred de Pontcharra the promo immerses viewers in a gripping narrative that unfolds amidst the backdrop of Japan’s bustling capital Opening with breathtaking aerial views of the city skyline the scene quickly transitions to a heart-pounding moment as a young woman unties her necktie and leaps from a towering skyscraper clutching a black umbrella with an air of mystery. Through a seamless blend of live-action sequences and surreal visual effects de Pontcharra masterfully guides audiences through a series of suspenseful stunts and haunting imagery that leaves viewers simultaneously on edge and captivated From the intricate beauty of geisha masks to the chilling intensity of unexpected twists the promo delivers a cinematic experience unlike any other Providing essential local support for the production’s seamless execution was Mr+Positive Tokyo a production service company known for its dedication to crafted excellence Handling everything from casting and location scouting to set decoration and stunt coordination Mr+Positive Tokyo ensured that Booba’s creative vision came to life with unparalleled authenticity and precision expressed his enthusiasm for working alongside such esteemed talents from both France and Japan “It was an honor to collaborate with a director and director of photography of such caliber,” says Grasse “The Japanese team is thrilled with the final result and we are proud to have played a part in bringing this vision to fruition With “6G,” Booba and his visionary team have not only crafted a compelling musical masterpiece but also a visual spectacle that transcends borders igniting imaginations and leaving an indelible mark on audiences worldwide Register for Free and receive the Campaign Brief Daily Bulletin Type your email address in the space below Cover EditorialsARTS & CULTURE Fashion EditorialsInterviewsSubscriptionLoyalty ProgramCONTACT Casablanca Paris transports us through time seamlessly weaving together the ancient and the modern in a visual journey that transcends eras The campaign stays true to Creative Director Charaf Tajer’s original vision for the Autumn/Winter 2024 runway celebrating the enduring legacy of ancient Greek culture and its profound influence on our contemporary world Tajer delves into the timeless ideals of classical beauty creating a collection where historical grandeur meets modern allure in a harmonious blend crafted in collaboration with director Frédéric de Pontcharra tracing a path that echoes the epic odysseys of both Homer and Kubrick and navigate through galaxies—all while models strike the commanding poses of Grecian gods and Olympian heroes This voyage is not just a journey through time but also a metaphysical exploration of the powerful mind-expanding experiences once sought by ancient scholars and philosophers in the sacred city of Eleusis served as a vital source of inspiration for Tajer’s designs this season and Euripides made the pilgrimage to Eleusis psychedelic rituals that expanded their minds and inspired their works This sense of transformation and transcendence is vividly captured in the campaign where each frame is infused with the mystical spirit of Eleusis making the models appear as though they are deities eternally poised between the realms of the ancient and the modern The campaign’s soundtrack further deepens this connection to the past while embracing the present blends an eclectic mix of musical influences drawing inspiration from iconic ‘90s music videos with a special homage to Björk’s 1993 single borrow their name from this hauntingly beautiful track noting how they resonate with his own creative philosophy: a relentless pursuit of beauty and an ever-curious mind This connection is made even more poignant by the fact that Venus is herself a reimagining of the Greek goddess Aphrodite—an embodiment of the campaign’s overarching theme of recontextualization and the ancient world continues to shape our modern existence Tajer not only pays homage to the past but also redefines it creating a new narrative where the classical and contemporary coalesce in a celebration of timeless elegance By subscribing, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy takes viewers on an exhilarating voyage through time and space evoking a wonderous odyssey that is part Homer’s classic poetry and part Stanley Kubrick’s sci-fi theatrical feature The video’s mesmerizing spirit draws inspiration from Eleusis the legendary Greek pilgrimage site that captivated ancient philosophers and playwrights Models strike poses reminiscent of Greek gods and Olympian heroes as they traverse Athenian avenues This visual journey echoes the transformative experiences associated with Eleusinian mysteries HomeF1NewsRené Arnoux once again present at the Grand Prix de France HistoriqueF1René Arnoux once again present at the Grand Prix de France HistoriqueFor the 2025 edition the historic Grand Prix de France will celebrate the 20th anniversary of Renault's F1 triumph It will be an opportunity to run some of the brand's old single-seaters © Romain Beaussier / René Arnoux will be present in 2025 to the delight of F1 fansRené Arnoux will once again be present at the Paul Ricard circuit from April 25 to 27 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Renault's Formula 1 world title the French driver will take the wheel of the Renault RE40 with its V6 turbo that participated in the world championship in 1983 The driver native to Pontcharra will also take the wheel of his Ferrari 126C2 René Arnoux participated in 162 Grand Prix races You already have an account? Logged me in A verification email will be sent before to publish your comment. Never miss any breaking news thanks to the new Motors Inside newsletter. Receive important information instantly. By signing in, you accept the placement of a cookie in your browser to stay logged. It will not be use to track you or for advertisement purposes. Rodriguez makes it two stage wins in a row Spain’s Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha) won the final 117.5km stage to end the race with back-to-back stage victories His Katusha team kept the early break of the day in check and then the tiny Spaniard jumped away inside the final kilometre Talented young Frenchman Thibaut Pinot (FDJ) won the sprint for second place after being in the action all stage Robert Gesink (Rabobank) was third in the same time proudly punching his arms in the air in celebration He is only the third Briton to win the Criterium du Dauphiné after Brian Robinson in 1961 and Robert Millar in 1990 with Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana) third at 1:49 The final stage of the race was short in distance – 117.5km but included two huge climbs: The Col de la Croix de Fer (22.2km at seven percent) then the climb to the finish at La Toussuire (14.8km at 5.8 percent) There were four non-starters including the trio of Julian Dean Tyler Farrar and Andreas Klier (Garmin-Cervélo) and Jan Ghyselinck (HTC-Highroad) Nine other riders would fail to finish the stage with 21 others finishing outside the time limit of the tough final stage The 21-year-old Pinot had hoped to do well overall at the Criterium du Dauphiné but lost time early in the race He was hugely disappointed but was motivated by his teammates and decided to take on the race on the last day in the Alps Before the stage he tweeted: “Last stage… all or nothing!!!” He was the first to attack after just five kilometres He was quickly caught but then joined an 11-rider move Leonardo Duque and Tristan Valentin (Cofidis) Sébastien Minard (Ag2r-La Mondiale) Julien Vermote (Quick Step) and Kristian Koren (Liquigas) None of them were a real overall threat to Wiggins and so they were allowed to go clear on the long climb of the Col de la Croix de Fer Pinot is a good climber and surged clear seven kilometres from the top of the Col de la Croix de Fer the racing became electric as Thomas Voeckler (Europcar) attacked from the bunch with Juan Manual Garate (Rabobank) and David Moncoutié (Cofidis) Rodriguez then also powered across to the move to stop Leonard Duque (Cofidis) taking the mountain points Behind the big name overall contenders also reacted and closed the attack Only Pinot remained out front and he was the first to the top of the hors categorie climb even if he does not ride this year’s Tour de France Voeckler was still feeling frisky on the descent and attacked again The French national champion got across to Pinot and the two Frenchmen tried to distance the peloton before the climb up to the finish Voeckler went clear alone and gained 30 seconds on Pinot Behind Robert Gesink (Rabobank) combined with teammate Garate to attack from the peloton and then the Dutchman lead the pursuit of Voeckler as he also targeted the stage victory The trio came together with 10km to go and had a 40-second advantage However Rigoberto Uran was riding strongly for Wiggins and the other riders all knew they had a chance of a final stage victory Chris Anker Sørensen (Sax Bank-SunGard) tried his hand attacking from the front group to go across to the break It was a clever move but a surge from Jurgen Van Den Broeck (Omega Pharma-Lotto) and then from Rodriguez meant the quartet was caught with two kilometres to go and the hardest part of the climb covered Wiggins was suffering at the back of the select 12-rider group but also knew he could let the other riders accelerate away and the gradually pull them back Evans tried several surges to up the speed but as the riders passed under the one kilometre to go banner Wiggins knew he had overall victory secured and so did his rivals The racing then became even more of a battle for the stage victory as riders marked each other Then suddenly Rodriguez lit the fuse and rocketed clear He got a gap instantly and the other riders quickly accepted they were riding for second place At the line Rodriguez celebrated his back to back victories but Pinot also celebrated an impressive ride in the Alps while Wiggins punched the air with both arms as he celebrated his overall victory Stephen FarrandSocial Links NavigationHead of NewsStephen is one of the most experienced member of the Cyclingnews team having reported on professional cycling since 1994 He has been Head of News at Cyclingnews since 2022 before which he held the position of European editor since 2012 and previously worked for Reuters Renowned production company London Alley has signed Italian director and visual artist Pietro Biz Biasia for US representation Pietro has cultivated a signature style that blends urban influences with dynamic post-production techniques editing and producing music videos for rappers collaborating with global artists like Quavo His work caught the eye of top brands across fashion and lifestyle leading to commercial work with GQ x Hugo Boss and most recently directing Nike’s HO24 Y2K Global Campaign I could tell London Alley was as invested in my vision and career as I was,” said Pietro and genuine respect for the craft immediately stood out to me I’ve been a fan of their work for a long time so this partnership felt like a natural fit and a necessary step forward in my creative journey.” “Pietro is leading the charge of the next generation of filmmakers His fresh perspective and dynamic techniques are exactly what we look to add to our team,” said Luga Podesta founder and executive producer of London Alley “Whether it's a global campaign or a music video he has such a highly adaptable and unique approach to his films We’re very excited to work with such a talented artist.” Pietro joins a roster of award-winning directors including Hannah Lux Davis London Alley is a production company operating at the cross-cultural intersection of music