Interview: Albert Kodagolian & Ian Kammer, Bueno Films

Ian Kammer (left) & Albert Kodagolian (right), Bueno Films. Photo Credit: Megan Mack.

Ian Kammer’s North Face “Hibernation” commercial award for Best Student Commercial from the 2011 AICP Show won him the attention of Bueno Films Director Albert Kodagolian — and a contract with the production company. Kodagolian, a major player in the world of commercials, now holds the esteemed seat as Kammer’s mentor. We sat down with the dynamic duo and got to see what it feels like to yell “ACTION”, discuss the future, and talk about how comedy can be the king of great advertising — even when the story is about underdogs…

Coppertone — “Boxer” — Directed by Ian Kammer.

SMASHBOX STUDIOS: Albert, what is the foundation of Bueno Films?
ALBERT KODAGOLIAN: Bueno is a fertile ground for young filmmakers and now a way to introduce Ian to our clients.

SB: Is Ian Kammer the first addition to Bueno Films?
AK: Yes, he is the first new director. He is a young director with a sophisticated sense of storytelling with twists, irony and wit. We couldn’t pass him up.

SB: We enjoy his work. The commercials are funny that we would’ve featured Ian regardless of his affiliation with Bueno.
IAN KAMMER: Wow. Thank you.

SB: Ian, how did this all start for you?
IK: I was a senior in high school. I was always into film and movies but It was a gradual progression – I made little films here and there in middle school with a Hi-8 camcorder, but it was when I got a DVX100 that I started to take it more seriously. From there, I spent pretty much all my lunch money renting movies rather than food, there was no going back.

Chapstick — “Lipless” — Directed by Ian Kammer.

SB: Did you attend film school in LA?
IK: I moved to Pasadena and went to Art Center in 2007.

SB: The alma mater of some of the world’s best. How was that experience?
IK: What was really great about it was that I entered with friends who were in photography, graphic design, fine art and illustration. The most valuable thing was that although we didn’t have most classes together, I was always able to watch what they’re doing in their art, get inspired and learn — and vice versa.

AK: I think it’s undeniable to say that the Art Center in Pasadena is one of the most prestigious art schools that focuses on commercial photography and commercial direction. I went to USC Film School, and there was no mention or even experimentation of music videos or commercials back then. It was more about structured storytelling.

SB: Albert, do you find that things have changed since more forward-thinking commercials and music videos are more widely appreciated currently?

AK: Yes. It’s interesting. USC now has a music video and commercial graduate class.

IK: That was one of the reasons I wanted to go to Art Center. I was fortunate that the program allows you to focus on what ever you want, when I started I was getting more into commercials and short narrative 30 second spots.

SB: What’s your favorite creative process during a production?
IK: When I’m on set. I’m anxious in pre-pro to get to that point of shooting. When you’re a student, you worry more when in pre-production about things that crew can take care of when you’re in the real world. When I was a student, I had to beg for locations.

Albert Kodagolian (left), Ian Kammer (right), Bueno Films. Photo Credit: Megan Mack.

SB: How did you feel when you heard they signed you to Bueno Films?
IK: Relief.

SB: Albert, what set him apart from the rest for you?
AK: His work definitely rises above the average. It’s unique and he’s the actual author of his work. Unlike commissioned commercial directors where an idea has already been established by an agency, Ian has a process of ideation as well. There’s a period he has when he looks at a blank screen and comes up with an inspired story.

SB: You worked at Partisan for a brief stint. How was that?
IK: I was an intern and assisted the Head of Production there. I was fortunate enough to listen in on conference calls, get on set to PA, drive directors around and pick their brains, It was also a great way for me to find my way around Los Angeles.

SB: As Albert mentioned, you create your own content. Are you able to execute established content as well?
IK: I’ve done it before. It’s actually great because when I was working on my spec reel you kind of have to sit with an idea for a while and it can drive you mad since you can second guess things at times. It’s really nice to have someone else come to you with an idea and want your input on it and hopefully let you have the freedom to change a few things. It’s refreshing.

SB: What do you foresee happening one year from now while being represented by Bueno Films? What do you want to bring to the table as a director?
IK: I’d like establish myself as a consistent director. To fully develop my voice first. What I find interesting now is that commercials aren’t really constricted to a thirty-second time limit. You see more and more branded short films that are around 2-3 minutes. I’d love to do a ton of those, and to have them take on their own narrative voice as a brand.

The North Face — “Hibernation” — Directed by Ian Kammer.

SB: The AICP Award. You’re North Face commercial won for Best Student Commercial. Tell us about that!

IK: It was fun to be at the AICP Awards in New York City, even to say that I
have work at MOMA is kind of weird to me.

AK: Don’t be modest, Ian. Your work is now in the permanent collection at MOMA.

IK: [Laughs] It was great to be around industry folks at MOMA, I didn’t really know anyone or had any big connections there so I kind of had to make do with networking where I could.

SB: Your work is comedy driven. It’s like something that the cast of It’s Always Sunny or Arrested Development would enjoy.

IK: I’ve loved cinema before I got into commercials. When I was directing for my spec reel, I wanted it to be cinematic in a way that they won’t feel dated in a few years… To shoot them with classic techniques that can still play in a commercial world, my reel could last a bit longer.

AK: His work is definitely bold — the intelligence is that he invites you in and then you see the bold twists with story and characters. It’s sophisticated comedy.

SB: Favorite director?
IK: I could be here all day, but I’ve always admired Kubrick, Scorsese,
Kieslowski, Herzog, Malick, Fincher, the list could go on…

“Subconscious Disconnect” — Directed by Ian Kammer.

SB: Anything in the works that we can look forward to?
IK: I have a short I’m finishing which was my final project at Art Center. I’m really grateful that Bueno could pull in some favors for the post process, student discounts disappear after you graduate.

SB: Title?
IK: It’s called Subconscious Disconnect. It’s about two scientists that have a machine to watch people’s dreams. They suddenly see themselves on the monitor. I have a trailer I can show you..

*Show us. We love rising stars*