Latest news with #SPANDY
Campaign ME
01-08-2025
- Business
- Campaign ME
SPANDY launches to combine global creative talent with MENA cultural storytelling
SPANDY, meant to be a hub for premier creative talent, has launched in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, dedicated to representing a curated roster of world-class film directors and photographers. Headquartered in Riyadh, with operations across Dubai and Riyadh, SPANDY intends to fill a market gap: providing the region with direct access to international creative talent while fostering standout visual storytelling rooted in regional culture. With exclusive regional representation rights for top-tier talent, SPANDY connects brands and creative agencies in MENA with directors and photographers behind campaigns for brands such as NEOM, Vision 2030, ROSHN and Adidas. The current lineup includes globally recognised image-makers, Cannes Lions winners, fashion film pioneers and music video auteurs, such as: Anthony Mandler – multi-award winning director, including BET, VMA, and Clio Award – multi-award winning director, including BET, VMA, and Clio Award Lorenzo Agius – celebrated worldwide for his editorial photography work and celebrity portraiture – celebrated worldwide for his editorial photography work and celebrity portraiture Colin Tilley – Grammy nominated director, winner of a Cannes Lions Grand Prix, and multiple MTV VMAs SPANDY's creators span all major verticals – commercials, fashion, music, sport, beauty, travel, automotive – and are selected for cultural fluency, regional relevance, and the ability to craft content that resonates both globally and locally. Jo Lurie, Creative Talent Director of SPANDY, said, 'SPANDY was born from a simple belief: the MENA region deserves access to the same world-class visual storytellers as any other global market. Our mission is to champion that talent with fierce creative ambition and to create a home where bold, standout work isn't the exception, it's the expectation.' This comes as a response to a surge in demand for higher-quality content in the region. MENA's creative economy is undergoing a transformation. With digital ad spend across the region projected to grow from $8.1bn in 2023 to $17.3bn by 2029, and short-form branded content surging across platforms such as YouTube and TikTok, brands are racing to meet audience demand with higher-quality storytelling. National visions are backing the shift. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, and others are investing billions into creative industries, with Saudi's Vision 2030 alone injecting over $64bn into entertainment, arts and media. Already, SPANDY talent has been tapped for marquee campaigns across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar and Egypt, including brand films for luxury retail, automotive and high-end hospitality, each crafted to global standards while deeply tuned to local tastes. All talent on the SPANDY roster are exclusively available through the agency, giving clients direct access to exceptional talent that can't be booked anywhere else in the region.
Mid East Info
31-07-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
SPANDY Launches as MENA's First Agency for World-Class Film Directors & Photographers - Middle East Business News and Information
SPANDY, the hub for premier creative talent, is the first agency in the MENA region dedicated to representing a curated roster of world-class film directors and photographers. Headquartered in Riyadh with operations across Dubai and Riyadh SPANDY fills a critical market gap: providing the region with direct access to international creative talent while fostering standout visual storytelling rooted in regional culture. With exclusive regional representation rights for top-tier talent, SPANDY connects brands and creative agencies in MENA with directors and photographers behind campaigns for brands like Neom, Vision 2030, Roshn and Adidas. The current lineup includes globally recognized image-makers, Cannes Lions winners, fashion film pioneers, and music video auteurs, such as: Anthony Mandler – multi-award winning director, including BET, VMA, and Clio Award Lorenzo Agius – celebrated worldwide for his editorial photography work and celebrity portraiture – Colin Tilley – Grammy nominated director, winner of a Cannes Lions Grand Prix, and multiple MTV VMAs SPANDY's creators span all major verticals – commercials, fashion, music, sport, beauty, travel, automotive – and are selected for cultural fluency, regional relevance, and the ability to craft content that resonates both globally and locally. Jo Lurie, Creative Talent Director of SPANDY said: 'SPANDY was born from a simple belief: the MENA region deserves access to the same world-class visual storytellers as any other global market. Our mission is to champion that talent with fierce creative ambition and to create a home where bold, standout work isn't the exception, it's the expectation.' This comes as a response to a surge in demand for higher-quality content in the region. MENA's creative economy is undergoing a transformation. With digital ad spend across the region projected to grow from $8.1 billion in 2023 to $17.3 billion by 2029, and short-form branded content surging across platforms like YouTube and TikTok, brands are racing to meet audience demand with higher-quality storytelling. National visions are backing the shift. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, and others are investing billions into creative industries, with Saudi's Vision 2030 alone injecting over $64 billion into entertainment, arts, and media. Already, SPANDY talent has been tapped for marquee campaigns across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar and Egypt, including brand films for luxury retail, automotive, and high-end hospitality, each crafted to global standards while deeply tuned to local tastes. All talent on the SPANDY roster are exclusively available through the agency, giving clients direct access to exceptional talent that can't be booked anywhere else in the region. The roster is now live at For brands ready to elevate their storytelling, this is the moment to connect. We've got the talent. You get the picture.
Mid East Info
12-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Mid East Info
SPANDY Welcomes a Powerhouse Roster of Visionary Directors - Middle East Business News and Information
London, UK: SPANDY, a creative representation agency known for its carefully curated selection of the world's most dynamic and innovative creative talents, is thrilled to announce the addition of five groundbreaking directors to its ever-expanding roster. Arrad, Colin Tilley, Howard Greenhalgh, Kieran J Edwards, and Phillip Lopez bring with them a wealth of experience and a visionary approach that continues to redefine the creative landscape. Arrad, an Iranian-American filmmaker, has crafted iconic visuals for some of today's most influential artists, including Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne, and Missy Elliott. With over 2 billion views to date, his work has earned VMA nominations and critical acclaim, including GRM Daily's 'Video of the Year.' Colin Tilley is a Grammy-nominated director known for his work with Kendrick Lamar, Justin Bieber, and Nicki Minaj. With a track record that includes multiple BET, MTV, and UKMVA awards, Tilley's distinctive visual style and narrative-driven approach have cemented his status as one of the industry's most sought-after commercial and music video directors. Howard Greenhalgh, a multi-award-winning filmmaker, brings decades of experience in music videos, short films, and TV commercials. His Cannes Gold-winning work and collaborations with top-tier brands and artists showcase his unparalleled ability to create visually stunning, impactful narratives. Kieran J Edwards has carved a name for himself in the commercial space, directing films for global brands, with seasoned celebrities across 10 different countries to date. Recognised for his dynamic and high-energy visual storytelling, Kieran's expertise spans food, sports, and lifestyle brands, making him a perfect fit for SPANDY's creative ethos. Phillip Lopez, a director and photographer, is driven by a deep emotional connection to storytelling. His cinematic and evocative approach to filmmaking has made him a standout talent in both commercial and artistic spaces. Jo Lurie, Director of SPANDY, commented: 'This group of directors represents the best in boundary-pushing visual storytelling. Each of them brings a unique creative energy and a distinct perspective that aligns with SPANDY's vision of shaping the future of content. We're incredibly excited to welcome them to the family.' SPANDY continues to expand its diverse and carefully curated roster of creative talent, collaborating with visionary filmmakers, photographers, and storytellers who are reshaping the future of content creation across industries.
