Jason Blanc Named to SHOOT’s 22nd Annual New Directors Showcase
Jason Blanc, Director at Tampa Bay-based creative video agency Diamond View, was one of 26 directors selected for SHOOT’s 22nd Annual New Directors Showcase, a prestigious event that highlights emerging talent in commercial, branded content, and entertainment production. The showcase features a curated selection of promising new directors who have demonstrated exceptional creativity, storytelling skills, and technical expertise in their work. The showcase debuted on December 9th, 2024, at the NDS2024 event at the DGA in New York City.
Jason is an award-winning director and writer with a passion for crafting stories that connect with audiences. Jason’s foundation for any work is believable characters and authentic performances. Jason is a great collaborator who has worked on every level of production, giving him a deep understanding of the filmmaking process and great empathy for the challenges faced by his associates on any given project. His passion for the process and collaborative attitude have led to successful advertising campaigns with some of the world’s biggest brands, including Expedia, Apple, Duke University Basketball, Orlando Health, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and USF.
What was your first professionally directed work and when was it?
Fuccillo Car Commercials
How did you get into directing?
I always wanted to be a director – started directing short films with my friends. Worked my way up in a production company to fulfill my dream of being a director
What is your most recent project?
Expedia | 4 Corners Dominican Republic – 4 episode road trip film through the Dominican Republic
What is the best part of being a director?
Leading a team, creating cool things with cool people.
What is the worst part of being a director?
The responsibility, pressure and stress but that’s what makes it worth it.
What is your current career focus: commercials and branded content, television, movies? Do you plan to specialize in a particular genre–comedy, drama, visual effects, etc.?
My current focus is commercials and branded content while making a niche for myself in terms of cinematic sports content. I would rather move into drama/branded content/narrative.
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?
Will Shanahan. Tim Moore and Vanessa Diaz have all had a major impact in how I direct and have taught me everything I know.
Who is your favorite director and why?
Christopher Nolan, He tells thought provoking, intense, big scale productions that feel totally him. My next favorite after him would have to be Denis Villenueve because he can really nail tone, all of his projects feel unique to him.
What is your favorite movie? Your favorite television/online program? Your favorite commercial or branded content?
Favorite Movie: The Social Network
Favorite TV: Breaking Bad
Favorite Commercial: Halo 3 Launch (kids in the field)
Tell us about your background (i.e., where did you grow up? Past jobs?)
I was born in Dallas. Moved to Overland Park, Kansas, Then To Atlanta, Went to school at Auburn University and settled in Tampa, Florida. My parents are from Trinidad and Tobago. I’ve worked lots of odd jobs but production (aside from some things on the side) only at Diamond View
Have you had occasion to bring your storytelling/directorial talent to bear in the Metaverse, tapping into the potential of AR, VR, AI, NFTs and/or experiential fare? If so, tell us about that work and what lessons you have taken away from the experience?
I’ve worked with AI video and have found that sometimes it creates more problems than it solves. When you have a client who understands the technology and the limitations it can work really well. When you have a client that thinks that AI is the solution to all of their concepts problems you run into issues.
Read more about SHOOT’s 22nd Annual New Directors Showcase HERE.
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