Emma Parkinson, who won last year's Yarns film competition with her comedy short Dishes, Dishes, Dishes, has now joined Blink in London for music video and commercial representation.Parkinson is a BFI Academy alumni, who has also worked as a street casting agent, and as a junior creative at ad agency Wieden & Kennedy in London. Her directing work includes music videos for Byker Grove Fan Club, Aga Ujma and Avice Caro. In these and her short films, including I Love You, Rob and the award-winning Dishes, Dishes, Dishes, she has demonstrated her distinctive talent for comic storytelling.Patrick Craig, executive producer at Blink says: "Dishes, Dishes, Dishes is such a great showcase of Emma’s strong ideas and comedic talent and shows such directing promise. We are thrilled to welcome her to our roster and look forward to seeing what she creates next."Emma Parkinson adds: “I’m delighted to have Blink endorse my foolish antics and I’m looking forward to getting up to lots of mischief with them.”• Watch Emma Parkinson's showreel at Blink here

Black Kite Studios have announced that Alex Lovejoy, one of the most experienced and highly acclaimed figures in the world of VFX in London, has joined the company as Creative Director.With over 20 years experience in his field developing as a remarkable VFX creative talent, Lovejoy's career has seen him develop longstanding relationships with revered directors and being at the forefront of multiple award-winning campaigns. He has been a key player at both The Mill and MPC where his exceptional abilities as a Creative Director, VFX Supervisor, and Flame artist have seen him lead the studios and projects, both in London and New York.His awards include a VES Award for Outstanding Compositing in a Commercial, for the multi award-winning Burberry ‘Festive’ campaign, directed by Megaforce, Gold for VFX at the AEAFqq for EasyJet ‘Hide & Seek’ directed by Alaska and won Gold for VFX at Cannes Lion for Burberry ‘Open Space’ directed by Megaforce. Other credit highlights include EasyJet ‘Imagine’ directed by The Sacred Egg, Just Eat ‘Snoop’, directed by Francois Rousselet and DHL ‘No Time to Die’ directed by Adam Berg.Lovejoy's arrival at Black Kite, working on projects across the board as Creative Director, further supports the growth and expansion of the independent VFX and design studio, which was set up in 2019, and has been growing steadily ever since.Founder and MD Graham Bird has expressed delight that Lovejoy has joined the company. “I’ve known Alex for a long time, he consistently produces work of the very highest quality and has been involved in some of the most groundbreaking and iconic commercials ever made," he says. "His creativity and VFX knowledge is unsurpassed, he’s naturally collaborative and his influence will permeate every aspect of what we do. "On top of that he’s genuinely one of the nicest people I know. It’s an absolute privilege to have Alex join us, his talent is in high demand and he’s someone both artists and clients want to work with. With Alex on board we will continue to push the creative output of the studio forward and open up new and exciting collaborations in the process." Alex Lovejoy comments on his move: “Black Kite is absolutely the best of the independent facilities in London. I now get to work with the nicest bunch of VFX talent in the business and in the perfect environment."What Black Kite has achieved in just three years is impressive to say the least. I’m looking forward to helping grow the award winning CG department and push forward their creativity in all avenues of VFX, as well as in the company overall.”• Black Kite Studios website

KODE has welcomed Meena Ayittey to its directors' roster.Known for her fascination with stories, and the study of human nature, Ayittey draws inspiration from a broad range of subject matter, including music, art, her experience as a black woman and the issues faced by the black community.Based and from London, her work has seen her collaborate with Saatchi & Saatchi, Droga5, Grey, Ogilvy and Oliver,working with clients such as GSK, Puma, Olat and Panasonic. An avid screenwriter, her long form projects, such as Mama, her Black Lives Matter film, has seen her win gold at 1.4 awards, recognised as a finalist at Ciclope andshortlisted for the 2022 YDA’s.Writing stories and making films is not only her passion, but has garnered her recognition within her field. Her award-winning documentary Black Creative looks at what it is to be Black within the UK advertising industry. It not only received praise for the press, but has been screened extensively across the globe - most notably at the Toronto Film Festival and the Independent Films awards.All the Little Films, a short film directed and written by Meena was named the ‘Most Watched Film of 2021’ by Shots.“I want to make films that reach into your heart and pull you in closer than you thought was possible,” says MeenaAyittey. “Nothing beats the moment when someone watches something you've made and has and has emotional reaction that you can feel.”Alex Harman, KODE's CEO, adds: “I’ve known Meena and her work for some time, so when the chance came upto have a discussion about working together I was hugely excited. All of Meena’s work means something when youwatch it and for that reason I'm excited to see what we do together at KODE.”

London-based production company Knucklehead has announced that Nathan James Tettey has joined their directors' roster for global representation - for music videos, commercials and brand content.One of the most versatile and experienced creatives in UK music videos, Tettey brings a wealth of experience from having worked in a variety of roles. He is now focussed primarily on directing, and in the past few years he has directed videos for many of the leading UK artists in pop, grime, rap and hip-hop – including Headie One, Stormzy, Fredo, and Ghetts, and particularly the rapper Dave, for whom Tettey has directed seven videos. Most recently he directed the ad campaign for Dave’s apparel brand Psycho. Tettey's first music video since his arrival at Knucklehead has just been released. He has reunited with Headie One for the video for fan favourite Martin's Sofa."Nathan’s work is at the very sharpest point of contemporary culture in the UK music scene," says Tim Katz, Knucklehead’s Managing Partner. "He’s a modern-day polymath and joining forces with him to introduce his work to agencies, brands and clients is going to be a wild and enjoyable ride. We can’t wait to get started.”Nathan James Tettey adds: "As a wonderfully hard-headed guy, it’s only right that I’ve joined the Knuckleheads. I’ve long been an admirer of their work and work ethic.” • Watch Nathan James Tettey's showreel at Knucklehead here

Blinkink has announced the signing of two new talents to their roster of directors - Samuel Mason and Isabel Garrett.Garrett, who is joining Blinkink for global representation, is known for handcrafting tactile stop motion pieces that straddle the line between surreal and subversive. Graduating from the prestigious National Film and Television School in London, she is formerly a resident artist at Alexander McQueen’s Sarabande Foundation, her films combine stunning animation craft with her dark sense of humour.Commissioned by Sarabande, her upcoming short film Bod is a delicate yet avant-garde film that captures the tactile, vulnerable beauty of the characters designed by sculptor and performance artist Daisy Collingridge. The film is set for online release January 19th with an event celebrating the launch at Sarabande Studios in London. Watch the trailer here.Meanwhile, Mason is a director and visual artist whose work sits within the realms of hyperrealism, weaving narratives through tangible dreamworlds. His films are extravagant and highly concepted with detailed storytelling that take viewers on journeys that transcend this world. They have innate photo-realistic qualities yet maintain an artful, painterly feel that blends the surreal with the cinematic.Mason's video for Mac Miller's Colors and Shapes, taken from the late artist’s mixtape Faces, struck gold at the Clios, picked up a Graphite Pencil at D&AD, was nominated at this year's UKMVAs, and was awarded ‘Music Video of the Year’ by Shots last year. As well as music videos, he has also traversed the world of commercials with films for Honda, Spotify, Facebook and New York Times. He joins Blinkink for representation in the UK and Amsterdam.• Watch Samuel Mason's work at Blinkink here• Watch Isabel Garrett's work at Blinkink here

Director and photographer Nicolina Knapp has joined CANADA in the UK, Amsterdam and Spain.Knapp comes from stills photography and has developed into a diverse filmmaker, seamlessly imbuing everything she does with humanity and a touch of magic.Her first music video garnered a nomination at the Swedish Grammys. Since then brands like Yamaha, Spotify and Nike have sought out her unmistakable vision and ability to cultivate authentic performances. Her work extends from award-winning and deeply human choreography found in Home With You, which won a 1.4 Award, to raw, hard-hitting spots like her Amnesty - Land Of The Free, fighting for abortion rights in the US.Marta Bobić, CANADA UK Managing Director, says: “We fell in love with Nicolina's powerful imagery and emotional sensitivity as soon as we laid eyes on her work. From her short films to her commercials and photography, the world she portrays is raw and beautiful, real and magic at the same time. We are delighted to welcome Nicolina's clear, honest and unique voice to CANADA.”Nicolina Knapp adds: “Joining CANADA feels very special, an exciting step for me. Since years back I’ve been following what they do from afar, and they always keep surprising me - which I love. I’ve admired how imaginative and thrilling their work is to watch and still manages to have both feet on the ground. That’s the type of work I want to be doing. I’m so glad to be joining this lovely family of people.”• Watch Nicolina Knapp's work at CANADA website here

UKMVA-winning director Kaspar Häggström has signed to Epoch Films UK for representation in Europe for music videos and commercials.Renowned for his quirky, absurdist concepts and drily humourous style, Häggström has enjoyed success as as a comedy director in his native Norway, and also gained much acclaim for his music videos for British artists.He won the award for Best Rock Video UK at this year's UK Music Video Awards for his video for Radiohead's If You Say The Word. He previously won an UKMVA - Best Dance Video Newcomer - in 2018 for his Kelly Lee Owens video for Throwing Lines. "I’m very excited to join Epoch," says Häggström. "I’ve had a great time making music videos in the UK and I’m looking forward to making a transition into the world of ad-making."Having been a successful commercial production company in the US since the late 1980s, Epoch Films recently opened its UK office, providing a new London base for directors on its US roster - including Martin De Thurah and Emma Westenberg. Carrie Sutton is representing Epoch's UK directors roster for music videos - including Häggström, and the recently signed UK-based director Filmawi.Nick Fewtrell, MD of Epoch Films UK says: "We are honoured and thrilled to have Kasper join the Epoch UK family. Fresh from his UKMVA success with Radiohead he brings a wonderful understanding of the beautiful filmic worlds he creates. His nuanced comedic undertones, coupled with his strong visual identity make him a perfect fit for the Epoch UK ethos and roster moving forward. Welcome Kasper!"• Watch Kasper Häggström at Epoch Films here

Candice Lo has joined the directors roster at Academy Films.Lo is a Taiwan-born, London-based director whose work is characterised by a strong visually poetic language. She draws inspiration from female empowerment, day-to-day experiences, and creative culture.Her ability to bring the audience on a journey of intimate connection within themselves is testament to her client list. She has worked with some of the world’s best known brands and artists including: Vogue, Victoria Beckham, Stella McCartney, Dua Lipa, HoYeon Jung, Millie Bobby Brown, Zara, Jo Malone and Adidas.She was selected by Showstudio’s founder Nick Knight as ‘Emerging Fashion Filmmaker of the Year’ in 2017.Academy Films say: "Candice draws inspiration from feminism, day to day experiences, creative culture combined with authentic storytelling. We couldn’t be happier to have her as part of our emerging roster."• Watch Candice Lo's work on the Academy Films website here