Marcus Kuhne

Big Block

1) What was your first professionally directed work and when was it? 
A corporate video for PPG, a car paint company. I was 22 at the time.

2) How did you get into directing? 
I just started organizing a crew and went out to shoot some short films. No schooling was needed, I just took to the old street knowledge.

3) What is your most recent project? 
I’m currently working on a commercial for a German-based bank, as well as a music video for Sedric Perry.

4) What is the best part of being a director? 
The simple moment when you show your clients or musical artists the final cut and their smile grows from cheek to cheek. They look at you, you look at them and without words you both say “Hell yes, that was dope!” Falling in love with one of your background extras is cool too.

5) What is the worst part of being a director? 
Other than living a life without routine? I’d say losing your location a few days before the shoot. 

6) What is your current career focus: commercials & branded content, TV, movies? Do you plan to specialize in a particular genre—comedy, drama, visual effects, etc.? 
Getting boxed in is my worst fear. I think most directors are versatile and I plan to be one of those proving that. I love dark moods with hints of comedy though. Current ad focus? Beer, sports, and fashion.

7) Have you a mentor and if so, who is that person (or persons) and what has been the lesson learned from that mentoring which resonates with you? 
A mentor is sadly the one thing I always wished for and never found. Roman Polanski once told me that if I lack time, cut out some shots. I told him where to stick it, haha. No, It’s good advice.

A director at Academy London once told me to always go with my gut. That was the best advice I could have received because it’s a massive collaboration and having too much input from everyone can make you lose track of what’s best for the project. I’m not talking client input here—It’s their project and their money so I’ll take their input over my guts any day.

8) Who is your favorite director and why? 
Short format? Chris Cunningham had a huge impact on my life, where did he go? 

Long Format? Paul Thomas Anderson amazes me every time. Can I meet him?

9) What is your favorite movie? Your favorite television/online program? Your favorite commercial or branded content? 
For film I’d say Leon: The Professional, Breaking Bad for TV, and for commercials Sony BRAVIA’s “Balls” and anything for Guinness.

10) Tell us about your background (i.e. where did you grow up? Past jobs?) 
I grew up in a small Mediterranean village on the Spanish island of Mallorca. Second to nothing I know. Stop bragging Marcus! I lucked out when Palma Pictures grandfathered me in and lent me all their gear for free to shoot short films. Bless their hearts.

Contact

Jamie Bendell
Executive Producer/Partner
Big Block
contact via email
 

http://bigblockla.com/