Iconoclast London Signs Director Wes Walker
Production company Iconoclast has announced the addition to their UK roster of London-based Mexican-born director Wes Walker to join the team in London and Amsterdam.
Wes Walker grew up in the border town of El Paso, Texas. Early promise in academics and track brought Wes on a scholarship to Stanford University, California where he graduated with degrees in Psychology and Neuroscience. Upon leaving university and with a video camera in his hands, he applied his high-achieving and curious attitude to filmmaking. Wes created films for Adobe and Tesla, and has since signed bold commercial work for Gatorade, Ford, Under Armour, Nike, Wrangler, Shiseido, BMW, and many others.
Led by his passion for the outdoors, running, and backcountry skiing, Wes’s work in commercials takes on a signature intensity and visceral lens. His Afro-Latin heritage has led him to create work centered on the African diaspora exploring the shared cultural roots of Latin America, the Caribbean, and Africa.
“I’m passionate about channeling uplifting stories, bringing to light the power, beauty and humanity of all people,” Wes said.
Wes also created music videos for Bob Marley, Joey Bada$$, Buju Banton, and Jidenna. His spot for Root Insurance, starring controversial NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace, was hailed as “striking and powerful” by publications including AdWeek, AdAge, ESPN, and Fast Company.
Shots honoured Wes with the 2021 ‘New Director of the Year’ award, along with sound design and cinematography awards for his Root Insurance work. AICP honoured Wes with a ‘2022 Best New Director" Silver award. He was also named in the AdWeek Creative 100 as one of only ten film directors globally this year and featured in the SHOOT 20th Annual 2022 New Director Showcase. Other awards and shortlists include YDA Awards, AICP, ADC, Webby, Clio, Clio Soorts, and Berlin Commercial awards.
Iconoclast managing director and EP Jean Mougin said, “Wes knows what he’s doing and how to do it. He’s extremely hard working, insightful and kind. It makes working with him a real privilege and we’re excited to help shape the next chapter in his career.”
