Fela has announced that visionary director Nathan Burland, professionally known as This Was Needed, is joining their roster of talent for U.S. and Canadian representation. This partnership marks the first time Burland will be represented across North America.
Burland has gained recognition for his ability to transform everyday scenes into extraordinary narratives, pushing the limits of visual storytelling. Operating under the banner This Was Needed, his work emphasizes global connectivity and celebrates diverse perspectives through artistic collaborations. His innovative style blends technical precision with deep storytelling and rich character development, making his work both visually striking and emotionally profound.
Having collaborated with major brands like Adidas, Google, Wireless Festival, Libero, and Nike, and worked with artists such as Rema, Headie One, Shenseea, Wizkid, Pa Salieu, Gunna, and M24, Burland continues to build his reputation as a creative force in the industry.
Originally from South London, Burland moved to Vancouver as a teenager and later settled in Toronto. Before his filmmaking career, he pursued a Bachelor’s Degree in International Business and briefly pursued a career in soccer. His passion for storytelling led him to The Remix Project, a creative incubator that helped shape his filmmaking skills. Burland also gained hands-on production experience while working at Fela.
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“I’ve always loved telling elaborate stories,” Burland noted. “My background informs the narratives I choose to tell, and I’m committed to inspiring young kids coming up like I did. I’m thrilled to be directing with Fela because the company and everyone there shares my values and passion for true collaboration.”
Taj Critchlow, Founder and Managing Partner at Fela, shared his excitement about the partnership. “Nate is tenacious and brave. He shines a light on his culture in a compelling way, bringing intention to every project. He’s always pushing himself beyond his comfort zone and evolving. We couldn’t be happier to welcome him to the Fela family.”
Reel 360 News wishes This Was Needed the best of luck at Fela.
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