CoMPANY Films Signs Arni + Kinski

CoMPANY Films has signed directing duo Arni + Kinski for both spots and branded content. The announcement was made by company executive producer Richard Goldstein. Work by the directors includes campaigns for Volvo, Sealy, Cadillac, Red and Mercedes. Their latest music video work can be seen here.

“I’ve always loved Stefan and Siggi’s work, and have followed them for years.  We are friends, and when we re-connected recently, I was really excited to have them join CoMPANY,” says Goldstein. “Their work is gorgeous, moving and memorable. Their casting is authentic. Great, superior storytelling. Together, they continue to co-direct some of the most amazing work.”

“Car work with people, yes, “ says Arni on a recent Zoom call. “Intimate stories, cool, creative work... we’re open-minded and love a good challenge. Like our audience, we feel the pull towards longer stories, so we love branded content. Stylized hi-end brands and campaigns.”

Arni + Kinski’s path to filmmaking came through music. Forming the music-film collective GusGus, the duo found themselves quickly writing and directing short films and stage shows to go with their music. What followed was an explosion of music video work, this time directing for artists such as Snow Patrol, Iggy Pop and Dave Gahan of Depeche Mode. “We shot our short films in Iceland,” says Kinski. “We recorded music, made music videos, live visuals and toured with GusGus for six years. Afterward we went back to focus on filmmaking, which was always our first priority.” The duo has been working with GusGus again since last year, Siggi Kinski on the music,  both of them (Stefan Arni and Kinski) on music videos, live shows and art direction. It wasn’t long before the commercial world called, tapping Arni+Kinski on advertising campaigns for State Farm, Infiniti, GMC, Macy’s, Acura, Budweiser, Coors, Dockers, Old Navy, Toyota, Nissan, Hummer, Milk, GE and Barnes & Noble.

The duo learned that casting was of utmost importance. “The cast represents the people we are speaking to, so they must embody the brand in one way or another,” Kinski says. “The must be believable and authentic. The more we love what’s in front of the camera the more successful the outcome will be.”