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Ruffian signs Oscar-nominated director David Mackenzie to commercial roster

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By Kyle O'Brien, Creative Works Editor

February 6, 2017 | 3 min read

Fresh from his film being Oscar-nominated, British film director David Mackenzie has signed with LA-based commercial production company Ruffian for commercial representation.

Mackenzie joins following his first Oscar nomination for Hell or High Water, a powerful, modern neo-western heist drama in the race for Best Picture at the 89th Academy Awards later this month.

Mackenzie’s character-driven, sweeping style should translate well to the commercial front, with the director being able to draw out the most from his subjects.

“I’ve been wanting to direct commercials for quite some time,” Mackenzie revealed in a release, enthusiastic to be entering the American market. “I arrive as an experienced film director, rather than an ingénue, and am very excited to be working with Ruffian and about the possibilities ahead.”

Ruffian founder and executive producer Robert Herman said: “He’s a massive talent. We’re very much aligned in terms of our strategies. It’s about finding the right partners who are looking to make bold ideas with a world class director that inspires them.”

Hell or High Water casts Jeff Bridges as Texas Ranger Marcus Hamilton, a man on the brink of retirement who draws one last case – chasing two brothers who are robbing local banks to prevent the foreclosure of their family ranch. The brothers, played by Chris Pine and Ben Foster, attempt one final score as Bridges zeroes in on them.

Hell or High Water

The film was released to universal acclaim last summer, quickly receiving six nominations at the Critics' Choice Awards that included Best Picture, Best Director, Best Supporting Actor for Bridges and Foster, Best Acting Ensemble, and Best Original Screenplay.

Three Golden Globe nominations came next, followed by four Oscar nominations including Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role for Bridges.

“The film was always going to live or die on its characters. It was really important to have as much authenticity as possible up on the screen,” said Mackenzie, working from a script penned by Taylor Sheridan, an actor-turned-scribe who is also nominated for the Best Original Screenplay Oscar.

“These are characters that come alive as much through their behavior as their spoken words,” Mackenzie wrapped. “The thought of directing performance-driven work in advertising is very exciting, and Ruffian feels like the right place for me.”

Advertising The Oscars People on the Move

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