LA-based leading production company Doomsday Entertainment tapped directing duo LAMAR+NIK (Jesse Lamar High and Nik Harper) and director Michael Parks Randa for his first U.S. commercial and music video representation. The signings mark Doomsday’s continued endeavor to boost their directing roster with respected and impactful creators.
Randa recently collaborated with 30 cross-country DPs during COVID-19 quarantine restrictions to helm the Delta Spirit video “How Bout It,” making nimble use of minimal resources to maximize the glimpse of the coronavirus’ impact in America. Long admired directors LAMAR+NIK have long crafted zeitgeist-capturing work for artists including The Shins and The Pixies, among many others.
“We are so excited to welcome Michael Parks Randa and LAMAR+NIK to our funky little family,” says Doomsday Founder and Executive Producer Danielle Hinde. “I’ve been itching to return to our roots and foster more of the emerging generation of talented filmmakers–we’re thrilled to continue that tradition with these two.”
She adds, “The moment I saw Randa’s music video “How Bout It” for Delta Spirit, I instantly knew I wanted to work with him, and it got me excited about the possibility of music videos again, specifically in the midst of the shutdown. Doomsday has been familiar with LAMAR+NIK for some time now; they remind me of the music videos that inspired me to make them in the first place.”
Michael Parks Randa
Randa informs his work with his unique upbringing: raised on a farm in Massachusetts where his parents founded a school for disabled individuals, growing up with a unique perspective on the world around him as a result. He brings his drive to maximize representation and inclusivity into his music video work for artists including Rick Ross & Dave East, Mewithoutyou, Shovels & Rope and more.
After years spent directing music videos, Randa wrote and directed Best Summer Ever, his feature film debut. An 8-song original inclusive musical, the film premiered at SXSW 2020 and was awarded the Special Jury Award for Screenwriting.
After receiving a B.A. in Film/Communications and Media Studies from Sacred Heart University, he freelance produced for top shops including ELEMENT, Genuine Interactive and Hill Holliday before branching out to direct and produce on his own. Doomsday marks his first U.S. representation for commercial directing.
Click HERE to view Randa’s reel.
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LAMAR + NIK
The design-oriented directing duo has maintained popularity by use of practical effects in their work, like melting down sets made of ice, one-takes, handmade props and other inventive solutions, amassing an oddly-specific European popularity even they can’t explain.
The directors have helmed highly creative, often hand-crafted videos for almost a decade, fusing live action performance with animation for the likes of Lushlife, Samantha Crain and Husbands.
The duo’s work often involves labour intensive analog techniques. Whether that’s cutting out 5,566 stickers for The Shins or making 188 cardboard heads for Lushlife, their analog approach stands out in a world gone digital.
Originally from Oklahoma City, the duo united in the suburban skating scene there, inspired by skate films and directors including Spike Jonze. After attending college, they made a name for themselves in their beloved home state and beyond on the merits of their ambitious DIY music videos, before striking out to garner international acclaim. Prior to Doomsday, they were represented by sixtwentysix.
Click HERE to view LAMAR+NIK’s reel.
Reel 360 wishes all three directors the best of luck in their new venture.
SOURCE: Doomsday Entertainment