SANTA MONICA, CA, December 19, 2008 – Director Marcel Langenegger has joined GARTNER for exclusive US spot representation. He returns to commercials following the 2008 release of his feature debut, "Deception" (20th Century Fox), a thriller starring Hugh Jackman, Ewan McGregor and Michelle Williams. Prior to joining GARTNER, Langenegger was repped by Biscuit and A Band Apart. His notable spot work includes projects for Mercedes, Intel, Nissan, Microsoft, and Doctors Without Borders, for which he won a Gold Lions at Cannes.
"When I first viewed Marcel’s work, I saw a well-rounded director with gorgeous film, epic ideas, and a whole lot of heart," said GARTNER Executive Producer Elaine Behnken. "His stylistic diversity is ideal for the GARTNER roster. When you factor in his vast experience and reputation in the industry, it’s clear he’s a perfect fit for us."
"GARTNER is a very solid company, a good size, but with a familial and personable feel," said Langenegger of the move. "Also, coming from Europe, I love to shoot there whenever possible, and Rich and Don’s international ties are very attractive."
After attending art school in Geneva, Switzerland, Langenegger moved to Los Angeles in 1995 to pursue a Masters in Film at Art Center College of Design. He signed with Propaganda Films in 1998, and was included in the Saatchi New Directors Showcase at Cannes the following year. It was a haunting and beautiful spot for Chanel No.5 that earned him inclusion in that showcase; he has since become acclaimed for his distinct cinematic style, impeccable art direction, and poignant storytelling.
Throughout his career, Langenegger has strived to defy easy categorization. He also likes to keep things fresh on set, as evidenced by his recent Swiss Postal Service spot. "It was interesting to work with so many dogs," recalled Langenegger of the charming and beautiful ad in which eager canines rush to greet their respective mailmen. "I’m not a ‘dog director’ per se, and in the end I threw steaks around and they just chased the steaks."
While humor often wends its way into Langenegger’s work, it is the challenge of a spot project that he relishes the most. "What I loved about National Insurance was the scope and the boldness, it’s very unsafe territory," the director said. Shot in Acapulco via Leo Burnett, the spot offers a breathtakingly beautiful depiction of a cliff diver – the payoff, however, is not a tourism plug, but one for insurance as the diver meets an calamitous end.
"I think I’ve been able to put a stamp on everything I do, regardless of the genre, or the team involved," said the director, who added that his feature experience was an opportunity to underscore his facility not just with visuals but with dialogue.
Langenegger rounds out a GARTNER roster comprised of James Gartner, Raymond Bark, Mike Bigelow, Riess/Hill, Theodore Melfi, Jim Weedon, and Shona Auerbach.
Partners/Executive Producers Don Block and Rich Carter, and Executive Producer Elaine Behnken, preside over the company, which is represented by Where’s the Boards on the West Coast, Renee Case and Co. in the Midwest, and simpatico. on the East Coast.
