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WIM WENDERS SIGNS TO 2AM

26 March 2009
It's all change at London production company 2AM. They've signed legendary director Wim Wenders, the filmmaker behind the Thriller In Manila documentary John Dower, and up-and-coming promo director Steve Glashier.

And if that wasn't enough re-shuffling, Nick Crabb has been promoted to joint MD alongside Amanda Martin, and Anthony Burrill of directing collecting PAM will now direct under his own name. And did we mention they're set to move to a new office in Wardour Street, Soho, after several years in Camden?

"It's like we're completely refreshing the roster," said Martin. "I think it's important to move the company forward from time to time."

Unusually, Wenders approached 2AM through his agent - he had seen the work 2AM had done with Harmony Korine and was keen to meet the company. Although he has shot ads in the US and in his native Germany, he has never tried to enter the UK commercials market before.

"It was very flattering to have someone like that ring us up," said Martin.

Their second big signing is John Dower, who was nominated for the Grand Jury prize at Sundance 2009. His documentary Thriller In Manila is about the most hyped boxing match in history between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frasier on 1st October 1975. And third signing Steve Glashier has been shooting promos for the likes of CSS and Fatboy Slim for the last four years.

And what about Anthony Burrill's decision to split with collective PAM and work under his own name? "As PAM many creatives thought I was ripping off Anthony Burrill, so I think things are clear now," said Burrill. "Also I got 'cease and desist' letters from a variety of companies - from overwrought Aussie T-shirt sellers to a fat spray brand in the US - who had issues with the name PAM. Anthony Burrill just works."

Last year director Harmony Korine left 2AM for MJZ. Korine's departure may have been something of a blow for the company, but now they have come back, re-energised and refreshed. "It is [exciting], people have moved and left for various reasons. We just wanted to make sure they're being replaced with the right people," said Martin.

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