Los Angeles-based Boxer Films has signed Canadian director Anton Josef for U.S. commercial representation. With distinct visual style, Josef has merged his background as an editor and VFX artist with a highly photographic sensibility to create unique, visceral experiences in every project. Josef is currently repped by Industry Films in Canada, Lee Films in Madrid, Chocolat Rouge in France, 539090 in Germany and AMLS in Eastern Europe and Asia. Recent projects include three cinema spots for Canadian cable company EastLink and a new spot for prescription eyelash treatment Latisse, debuting their new spokeswoman, Canada’s first supermodel Monika Schnarre.
Says Boxer EP Beth George, “We are so excited to have Anton come to Boxer. He brings a fresh approach and fantastic visual style to our roster and his editorial background adds a more polished element to all of his work.” Josef gave up a soccer scholarship at South Carolina’s Winthrop University to focus his sights on spot-making having become entranced and inspired by the work of various European directors. Adds Josef, “I look at commercials as short films and for me, an opportunity to tell a story through visual storytelling is even more compelling when its married to music. Coming to a boutique U.S. production company like Boxer is such a great fit for me because I strongly feel they will support my directorial style and work with me to expand my creative palate.
Toronto-born Josef studied at York University where he earned a B.A. in Fine Arts before moving on to work as a freelance editor and VFX artist on a wide range of projects from animation to digital content. During this time, he directed short films that were selected by various film festivals across North America, catching the eye of several Canadian commercial production companies. After signing with Industry Films, Josef began directing spots and creating digital content for top clients including Blackberry, The Walrus, RBC, Oxford Properties and the luxurious Bisha Hotel among others. In addition to directing several music videos, most notably for Montreal indie bank The Dears through Black Dog Films, Josef’s Straight 8 short film contest entry premiered at the 2008 Cannes Lions Fringe Festival as the only North American entry. Straight 8 is an annual film event where competitors make a short on just one cartridge of super 8 film then upload a soundtrack without having seen the film. Josef notes of the contest, “The project came to me the Friday before the entries were due and took a lot of last minute prep to finish. It was a great experience but definitely way harder than it looks. Our camera broke three times during the shoot!” Josef currently resides in Toronto, Canada where he spends his time outside directing playing soccer and writing his fantasy adventure novel.
About Boxer
Comprised of award-winning filmmakers, shooters, cutters and development minds, LA-based Boxer Films is an ideas machine where collaboration is king. Since 1999, Boxer has delivered with this as its credo, continually breaking new ground in branded content, interactive and broadcast. Founder/EP John Clark, EP Beth George and EP John Barrerio have fostered a results-driven, family-like creative culture that makes Boxer the ideal creative partner in any quest for exceptional storytelling.
Boxer director Jim Zoolalian’s 14-minute short film “Miracle” recently took home a Coup de Coeur at the 64th Cannes International Film Festival and Boxer director Rodrigo Garcia Saiz received a 2011 Cannes Gold Lion for his AMIS :30, “Office.”