Director Andrew Blackman signs with Playground
Quality storytelling, charged with rich, unflinching imagery ~ Playground has announced that director Andrew Blackman has joined its roster.
Hailing from Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland, Aotearoa, New Zealand – Blackman’s directorial work has been seen and screened all over the globe. His tour de force, “Inferno” scored two nominations at the Cannes Lions Young Director Award and won the Best Documentary at FilmQuest, 2020.
Says Nick Garner, producer at Playground: “We’re excited to have Andrew on the team. His work is mesmerising.
“He shapes an emotional substance from the raw elements of film, an approach that draws from art, culture, and of course, cinema. His vision stands out from the pack.”
Blackman’s films have featured in international film festivals, galleries, and cultural platforms, including Nordic Panorama, Show Me Shorts, NOWNESS, Vimeo Staff Picks, and Directors Notes. Whilst serving as creative partner at NorthWard Digital, Blackman collaborated with clients including Copenhagen Fashion Week, Sony Music, ReSound and Vestas.
His feature-length documentary “Jamie Bowen Not So Special” was picked up by streaming giants Amazon Prime, Apple TV, and Google Play. While his eerie nightlife dystopian music video for “Olaf” by MoonBird inspired the creation of the “Most Bizarre” category at the Berlin Music Video Awards.
Often layered and textural, image and sound feel like they’re inside each other, as one, conveying both emotion and the subconscious. Interior landscapes explored through lush visuals, considered editing and artistic design.
Says Blackman: “Filmmaking is a team endeavour. I’m seeking dialogue, to be challenged, because this makes the ideas better. And I frequently work with the same people due to the shared language and understanding we have developed over the years.”
Adds Garner: “The first time we caught Andrew’s work, what grabbed us was the quality of the storytelling and the rich, bold imagery. We love his approach to the craft and are looking forward to Andrew collaborating with our clients to deliver unmissable work, both here and in NZ.”
Adds Blackman: “I’m excited about the opportunity to collaborate with Playground in Australia. David, Nick, and I share sensibilities when it comes to work, with a focus on concept and storytelling. They are good people, and that’s important to me.”
To check out the work, click here, or to chat with Nick about projects, please email nick@playgroundfilms.com.au