WIZ has joined Academy Films for commercial representation, and its music video and content division A+.

One of the biggest names in British music videos, WIZ has been seeking a new base following the closure of Factory Films - his production company home for many years - at the end of 2011. Confirmation of the news that WIZ was joining Academy and A+ came in an official announcement at the end of last week.

WIZ has been making iconic music videos for nearly two decades, originally coming to prominence with Weekender, his groundbreaking and highly influential short film about the drug and club culture of the early 90's. Since then he has made films with some of the most challenging and respected artists, including Alexander McQueen, David Bowie, Marilyn Manson, Massive Attack, Oasis, Chemical Brothers, Kasabian, Arctic Monkeys and Dizzee Rascal. Recently he has directed videos for Hurts, Magnetic Man, and the compelling spots for the BBC Radio 4 series 'A History of the World in a 100 Objects'.

WIZ's arresting, sensual, non-conformist and highly cinematic work has earned him numerous awards, including the Outstanding Achievement Award at The CADs - the predecessor to the UK MVAs Icon Award - in 2003.

WIZ has commented about the move: "I've met with some fine film companies of late, and Factory is a hard act to follow, but for me the most instinctive and conducive production base, and with the best taste in shoes, is Academy."

Liz Kessler, head of music videos at Academy and A+ expressed her delight that WIZ has joined the company. "Simply put, WIZ's work shines," she said. "I first bonded with WIZ over a conversation about Luis Bunuel, who puts it beautifully when he says 'A writer or painter or a filmmaker cannot change the world. But they can keep an essential margin of nonconformity alive.' We're delighted to have him as part of the family."