The four mentors who will guide the finalists for this year's Yarns - Stitch and Homespun's prestigious annual short film competition - have been announced.The mentors are Meji Alabi, director at RSA/Black Dog Films; Marta Bobic, executive producer and MD at CANADA London; Ninian Doff, director at Pulse Films; and Keith McCarthy, director at Stink Films. As with previous years, each of the mentors will partner with the four finalists of this year's competition - Tom Gentle and Sam Brain, Holly Hunter, Juliet Klottrup, Doug Redfern and Joe Roberts - to help them navigate the process from script development to post-production, and create the best possible short film.The scripts of the four short films have all been written inspired by the brief for this year's competition, titled The Ends. After they have been shot, each film will be cut by one of four editors on the Homespun roster: Luke Anderson, Chris Hutchings, Laura Reyes and Laura Zvarikova.A former Senior Creative and Director at Channel 4’s award-winning 4Creative, Keith McCarthy is a masterful visual storyteller, with a distinctive style that combines stunning cinematography and a wry sense of humour. His work for C4’s The Grand National struck a chord globally, and recent collaborations have brought wins and nominations at BAFTA, D&AD, British Arrows, Cannes Lions and Creative Circle.McCarthy returns to the Yarns process having been a mentor on last year’s winning Yarns film, Emma Parkinson’s Dishes, Dishes, Dishes. This year, he will be working alongside director Holly Hunter on her film Banana Boat, cut by Homespun editor Laura Zvarikova.“Mentoring a Yarns finalist is always a brilliant experience, and I feel very lucky that I’ve been asked back for another year," says McCarthy. "Getting the chance to be involved with one of the best independent short film competitions in the UK is a special thing, but it’s also great to learn a few things from the amazing talent that has made it through to the final. I can’t wait to get started and hopefully continue the winning streak!”Marta Bobic is also returning for a second stint as mentor at Yarns. Having joined CANADA in 2015, she has helped to bring an expanding roster of directors to British shores as EP and MD of CANADA London. She will be working alongside Juliet Klottrup on her film ‘Travelling Home’. The short will be edited by Luke Anderson, who cut last year’s winning film.“I’m so excited to be returning as a Yarns mentor for a second time," she says. "It’s a real honour to help support talented filmmakers and I can’t wait to see Juliet’s vision come to life. I've always admired Yarns and its mission to support new talent, not to mention watching the great films that are produced each year. It's such an important project for bringing new voices and ideas to our industry, so I can’t wait to see what gets produced this year."Meji Alabi is a director and photographer who bridges the gap between African and Western markets. Creating everything from music videos to advertising campaigns, he is also a co-founder of Lagos-based creative production company JM Films. Signed in the UK to Ridley Scott's RSA Films, Meji’s recent work includes music videos for Stormzy, Wizkid ft Burna Boy, and Leigh-Anne ft Ayra Starr as well as campaigns for Disney, Fanta, Guinness and KFC.He will be working alongside Tom Gentle and Sam Brain on their film Do You Have Kids, to be cut by Homespun editor Chris Hutchings. He is also another returnee as a Yarns mentor."It's my pleasure to be working with Yarns again, especially when the filmmakers are as talented as Tom and Sam," he says. "Yarns is a unique opportunity for young directors to get their start, and their short has both an amazing idea and script. To be collaborating with a writer and director has been an awesome experience, and hopefully we’ll see more of these competitions that help filmmakers of all types get their ideas out there!”Ninian Doff is an award-winning director whose body of work spans music videos, commercials, and feature film. Previously winning Best Director at the UKMVAs, and several awards for his Run the Jewels promo Love Again, he has since created a string of blockbuster commercials for brands such as Apple, McDonald’s, Three, Ikea and Sainsbury’s.Doff is celebrated for his cinematic approach, intertwining comedy with the surreal, his debut feature Get Duked earned the SXSW Audience Prize. He is also returning as a Yarns mentor, and he will be lending his vast experience to Doug Redfern and Joe Roberts on their film Mr. Biscuit. The film will be cut by Homespun editor Laura Reyes.Each of the mentors is an industry powerhouse.“I'm super happy to be mentoring at Yarns again," he says. "It's such a great opportunity for new directors. Doug and Joe wrote a great script and can't wait to see how it turns out and hopefully I'm of some help along the way!"Homespun co-owner Tim Hardy has added that he is delighted to welcome back the four mentors for another year of Yarns. "Each of them is an industry powerhouse, with wins at BAFTA, Cannes Lions and British Arrows to name but a few," says Hardy. "Our young filmmakers are already working hard shooting their films, and getting to work alongside such a talented group of mentors is an experience I know they won’t forget!”Together with the support from their mentors, Yarns also sees the aspiring directors’ partner with some of the industry’s foremost talent to create their film. The finalists will benefit from experts across production and post, including sponsors Kodak and Slingshot Intergalactic, as well as post-production partners Freefolk, nineteentwenty, Absolute and Sine.“We’re delighted that our finalists will again have some of the best in the business working on their films," says Homespun co-owner Leo King. "From post to sound, our finalists have always worked with the best up-and-coming talent from across the industry."It’s long been a cornerstone of the Yarns mission, and we’re very proud to say that this will be the case again this year. We can’t wait to see Yarns give a platform to another cohort of talented people.”• More information about the Yarns finalists here; and about Homespun's editors here

All the judging sessions for this year's UK Music Video Awards has now been completed - and the nominations for the UKMVAs 2023 will be announced next Wednesday, September 27th. The announcement of the shortlists for all the award categories at the UKMVAs on September 27th comes one month ahead of the show itself.This year's awards ceremony will take place for the second year in succession at the stunning riverside venue Magazine London on the evening of Thursday, October 26th - and tickets are now on sale for the ceremony.Tickets can be bought individually or as tables of 10 or 12 from the official website here.• More information about UK Music Video Awards 2023 here.

London-based production studio KODE has added four young directors to its ranks. Lloyd Wakefield (above, bottom right), Dora Paphides (top left), Harv Frost (bottom left) and Zebie (top right) have joined the roster for music videos and other visual content, solidifying KODE's reputation as a platform for nurturing young and diverse talent.Best known for being the tour photographer to Harry Styles - and winner of ‘Tour Photographer of the Year’ at the 2023 iHeartRadio Awards - Lloyd Wakefield has crafted an intimate yet energetic style. With a natural ability to break boundaries, his portraiture has led him across the globe, capturing images for the likes of Prime Video, Sony and the single cover for Styles' Music For A Sushi Restaurant. He strives to create work, be that moving or still imagery, that transports people into a moment or feeling. No matter how glamorous the project, he often harks back to his Manchester roots and experience in shooting with 8mm and 16mm film to capture specific emotions and forge connections with global audiences.“This has been in the works for a while, I’m so excited to be working with the team," says Wakefield. "I creatively align with KODE which just makes things very easy, the team seems to just get it. I’m excited to see what the future holds.”Since graduating from The BRIT School in 2019, Dora Paphides has worked as a freelance director and photographer across music videos, fashion, press photography, and album artwork. Her portfolio boasts brand names such as Juicy Couture and JD Sports, music companies such as Universal Music Group and Sony Music, and artists such as Kate Nash and Emeli Sandé. With a penchant for punchy, saturated visuals, her promo for indie popstar Eaves Wilder’s I Stole Your Jumper follows the singer’s increasingly impassioned attempts to destroy an ex’s jumper that just won’t die. Her recent collaboration with KODE on Fred Roberts’ ‘Say’, meanwhile, sees the young musician tormented by a reckless desire.“I am thrilled to have joined the KODE family," says Paphides. "The first time I came into the office there’s such a brilliant buzz. It makes you want to create stuff. It’s so infectious. The little time we’ve spent working together has already made me excited to make films with the loveliest, most clever bunch of people.”Harv Frost is a trans filmmaker and creative who got her start making music videos for local artists on a shoestring budget, and has now worked her way up to crafting films for the likes of Sony Music, Polydor, Island Records, Chess Club, Ninja Tune and Columbia Records.Inspired by nerd culture, growing up around sci-fi, video games, cult-classic movies, comics, and graphic novels, Harv has curated an eclectic reel of music video, fashion, and editorial work that constantly redefines her identity as a director. She doesn’t shy away from purpose-driven work, challenging the British government’s treatment of the trans community in piglet’s It Isn't Fair promo, and the beauty industry’s promotion of vanity in Baby Queen’s Narcissist.“I’m absolutely elated to be finding a new home at KODE, and to be joining its already stellar roster," says Frost. "They are committed to creating content that goes further, and have always backed directors they believe in. That's why I feel honoured to take my place on this line up!”Jordan Boza - often known as Zebie - is widely regarded as a one-to-watch director within the UK film industry. Best known for creative directing and shooting for Stormzy, he has travelled around the world filming live shows and content, as well as sharing the stage and studio with artists such as Ed Sheeran, Burna Boy and Dave. Zebie’s natural passion for filmmaking has taken him from humble beginnings in North West London, to an enviable career in film and photography. Guided by his unwavering faith and sense of self, Zebie’s work is a personal reflection of his own experiences and original thinking, with a wide-reaching impact and purpose.“For me, making films has to come from a positive space and leave a positive impression on anyone that views the work," says Zebie. "At KODE, I immediately saw that the team feels and works this way too. I feel blessed to be joining and cannot wait to release films which reflect our collective passions.”The signings emphasise KODE’s ongoing commitment to championing new and diverse talent, having recently helped directors including Nicolee Tsin, Otis Dominique and The Berry Boys evolve into fully-fledged commercial directing talents. As with other KODE directors, the four new signings will be represented for music videos by Mouthpiece. “We are beyond excited to be welcoming these young and exciting creatives to our roster," says Nathan Killham, EP and co-founder at KODE. "Where all four of them differ in terms of style and perspective, they align in energy and ambition."We are always on the hunt for new and diverse talent to nurture, and with all of them shooting or pitching already we’re looking forward to seeing their growth. Having recently signed established directors Liz Unna and Sye Allen, these new directors continue to demonstrate our ever strengthening and rounded roster.”• More at the KODE website here, and Mouthpiece here

London-based production company DOGEATDOG has signed Colombian directing duo KÂCIKÊ [ ‘ka-see-kay’ ] for commercial and music video representation in the UK.KÂCIKÊ is the new creative outlet of long term friends and collaborators Santiago Arbelaez and Pablo Rivera. Having amassed an impressive body of work as directors over the last decade or so, KÂCIKÊ sees them join forces to launch a new face under the roster of production company DOGEATDOG.Having produced their own work for years, the duo are known for bringing everything to the table on a project - exploring every medium, angle and format they can to create hyper-dynamic, mixed media films that are born from the visual language of today’s digital landscape. Cutting edge cameras, new post techniques, AI-driven animation - they operate within the aesthetics and tech of next-generation filmmaking.Arbelaez and instrumental have been in creating the blueprint for content production across editorial platforms such as Hypebeast and Highsnobiety. Now, with new outfit KÂCIKÊ, they’re now seeking to bring this digital-first approach to larger-scale commercial productions. With an attitude and mindset rooted in hype culture and fashion, and being plugged into the underground and their constant awareness of the next big thing, has resulted in them working with global brands such as Nike, Ellesse, Adidas, Puma, Redbull and Mulberry, to name a few. “We're beyond stoked to be on board with the DOGEATDOG crew," say KÂCIKÊ. "With their incredible talent, it's a total privilege to be represented by them; it’s a natural and dynamic fit. We just worked on our first project together and everything went super smooth. We both felt as if we’d all known each other for ages already.”Sam Katz, Executive Producer, adds: "I can say for sure that KÂCIKÊ are going to be something special for us at DOGEATDOG. They challenge us to push harder and sweat every creative drop from a project, always seeing how we can raise the bar higher. They bring such a vibrant energy to the family, and added bonus, they also happen to be great guys too. We are incredibly excited to see where this new relationship is going to take us.”• For more information on KÂCIKÊ, email sam@dogeatdog.co

Lee Fairweather, in-house rep at COMPULSORY for the past four years - and twice nominated for Best Agent at the UKMVAs - has this month launched Leethal Reppin, a new curated music video representation agency working with production companies and individuals.Taking a global approach to its client roster, Fairweather is exclusively representing established production companies HENRY (FR), Florence (US) and Modest Dept (DE) as well as representing the growing LAUZZA YouTube channel globally.The inaugual roster of Leethal Reppin also includes a small but perfectly formed roster of individual directors: London-based directors Jay Green (Blanco, Fly Anakin, Kam-BU, Sans Soucis, EYK and Nothing But Thieves) and Harry Deadman (Skylar, Finn Askew, Cassia), plus Paris-based director Katharina Hingst (Marina Satti’s Tucutum). In the past four years at COMPULSORY, Fairweather has been instrumental in winning career-defining projects for directors. On Stormzy’s Heavy Is The Head album campaign, commissioners Dan Curwin and Nicola Sheppard trusted him to help champion two signature Stormzy videos, directed by director Taz Tron Delix: Audacity, featuring Headie One, and Superheroes, the latter becoming a No.1 trending video on YouTube.Furthermore his curation of briefs for directing duo Bedroom has contributed to their position in the industry, working with artists such as Maneskin, The 1975 and Arlo Parks, and gaining a UKMVA nomination for Best New Director.“I always wanted to have more involvement in helping bring projects and people together," says Lee Fairweather. "One of the best parts of the role for me is when you find that click or connection with talent and a brief and then marry the two together. I’m very excited to show people what I’m capable of.”I’ve decided to focus on working with companies and directors that are redefining the music video landscape.The launch of Leethal Reppin comes during a hectic year in which he has brought in 20+ projects, including huge comeback campaigns for J Hus and Calvin Harris, both via Sony Music. It led to Taz Tron Delix directing videos for J Hus's It's Crazy and Calvin Harris's Miracle ft Ellie Goulding.Working closely with Sony’s 4th Floor Creative Commissioning team he says: “Mike O’Keefe, Dan Millar and Kat Cattaneo were instrumental in projects for J Hus and Calvin Harris. They have been so creatively supportive and helped us achieve some of the work I’m most proud of to date.”Also at 4th Floor this year, he has worked with Lea Ogunlami and Michael Lewin. “Michael has been heavily involved in commissioning the visual identity for Nothing But Thieves across music videos, visualisers and lyric videos," he says. "It’s been so rewarding working across most of the campaign with an artist and director. Jay Green really was the right fit and I hope we can develop more strategies like this in future.“Working with Lea shooting Venbee in my (now) hometown in Kent was a trip the whole team really backed our director @Pervers3cowgirls and believed in her vision.”Director on the rise Jay Green has been consistently busy this year, with collaborations with Blanco, Fly Anakin, Kam-BU, Sans Soucis and EYK, as well as Nothing But Thieves - a real testament to the variety of projects both he and Jay were able to land.“It’s been a tough but busy year," Fairweather reflects. "Starting my own company wasn't something I thought would be possible so soon, but I’ve had amazing support around me from commissioners to labels and even artists who have really championed my value and work. I’m looking forward to working on some more exciting projects with some of my favourite people.”“And I’m really honored to be working with all my companies. HENRY being my first signing is such a statement with what I want to do with Leethal. Their ability to help nurture talent is so real, EP and partner Hugo Diaz has been very supportive in trusting me to bring more music opportunities to light. Ataka51, Laura Marciano, Arthur Valverde and Stini Roehrs will be names to look out for.”A big part of Lee’s heritage is his network of untapped talent. He has been a resource for labels and he looks to continue this into his ethos for Leethal Reppin.“I’ve decided to mainly work with new talent as well as companies and directors that are redefining the music video landscape," he says. "I take pride in reacting to briefs and building unique, long lasting relationships that can’t be built elsewhere. I want to keep putting on new, diverse names that are also perhaps not able to gain access to the music industry. I want to be that access point”• Leethal Reppin website here. If you wish to discuss any music video opportunities, Lee can be reached at lee@leethalreppin.com

Stink Films has announced that multi-talented actor and director George Jaques has joined the directors' roster at Stink Rising for commercial and music video representation. Having risen to fame as an actor - Jaques starred alongside Jude Law in HBO’s The Third Day: Autumn; played Francis II in Lionsgate’s series The Serpent Queen, and the lead in Sky’s A Town Called Malice - his debut feature film as a director, Black Dog, is set to premiere at the BFI London Film Festival in October, and is nominated for the Best First Feature award.We’re so excited to welcome him aboard.Jaques was also recently named Screen International’s Star of Tomorrow and has directed a number of short films supported by Sony, Sky and Warner Brothers as well as staging several sell-out theatre shows. He will now be represented by Stink for music videos and commercials exclusively worldwide whilst United Agents represents him for acting, film, TV, theatre and voiceover work.“I am so excited to be represented by Stink for commercials and music videos," says Jaques. "The calibre of talent on their roster is mind-blowing and I’ve always admired the team. My hope is that I can bring my sensibilities as a performance-driven director and connections from the world of Film and TV to make great commercial work together.”Blake Powell, Global Head of Film at Stink, adds: “George and I met a few years back when he was still getting his TV and film work off the ground and, even then, it was clear that he is unstoppable. When someone is that charismatic, driven, and talented it’s hard not to sign them. We’re so excited to welcome him aboard.”• Watch George Jaques reel at Stink Rising here