Sequoia Content Welcomes Director Kevin Bolger

Sequoia Content has welcomed director Kevin Bolger to its roster. Here, Kevin sits down with Sequoia to chat about the move and his career.

Q> Why did you decide to make the move to Sequoia?

Kevin> I did a project in Toronto about two years ago, and Sequoia was the service company. I felt so nurtured and taken care of that I kept in touch. I kept thinking about how much I loved the city of Toronto and wanted more there. I also loved how they cared about directors, so I reached out, and we came together. 

Q> What is it about the team and the culture there that clicks for you?

Kevin> Just really sweet people who care about creativity and the people who make it. All the crew there really seemed to connect with Sequoia. I want to be somewhere that takes the time to understand the kind of creative work I do and want to do. It feels like a real empathic and sensitive, creative group of people. 

Q> Where are you from – where did you grow up?

Kevin> I grew up in a sunny suburb in southern California and moved to LA when I was 19. 

Q> How did you first get into the industry? What was your very first job?

Kevin> I started working for NPR and PBS; I wanted to tell stories in that space. I also went to film school, and shortly after graduating, I fell in with a group of really accomplished commercial directors. It never occurred to me to tell stories in commercial form, so they really pulled me along and showed me how to get started making things. 

Q> What was your first creative milestone in the industry – the project you worked on that you were super proud of?

Kevin> I had a very gradual entrance into legitimacy in commercials. There was one moment on a job where we had lit this elaborate beach scene at night and had timed this super legit fireworks display to go off. It just felt for the first time like I was making a real film with support. I had this little moment on the beach where I thought to myself, "How did I get here?"

Q> And what recent projects are you proudest of and why?

Kevin> I just shot a brand relaunch campaign for Andis, a 100-year-old hair clipper brand. We really dove in headfirst and shot all these little stories with artists all over the states. It was a labour of love for me, and the creatives went all in on it together. Very proud of what the film stands for and how it came out. 

Q> Within the industry, who are your creative heroes? And what work makes you jealous?

Kevin> I love the directors who make something new. Many ad films can start feeling the same, and this look works, and I get that. But when someone does something either really challenging or new, I appreciate that. And I appreciate it when someone does something very simply and elegantly. My favourite commercial directors are Martin De Thurah, AG Rojas, and the small sampling of Mike Mills ad work. 

Q> Outside of work, what are you passionate about?

Kevin> I'm really a traveller at heart. Photography and taking pictures while I'm travelling are something that I will always do. Travel is also one of the things that keeps me passionate about the ad world. Outside of that, I'm obviously obsessed with cinema, theatre, and art. I think we need to take in a lot of visual input after we put a lot out visually. My partner & I also have a scruffy little dog, my only son, that we are obsessed with.  

Q> What are your thoughts about the changing role and definition of creativity in the ad world?

Kevin> I think things have always been changing. It is our job to understand that, but most importantly, BE OURSELVES ALWAYS. I believe my job as a director is to be myself and get my work to be as close to who I am as possible. No matter the challenges of production, what the technology or medium that the work is shown in, I will be ok as long as I'm putting myself into it. 

Q> What would be your dream brand to work on, and why?

Kevin> I've always wanted to work with real authentic brands that have a story. Like brands that have a long commitment to doing excellent work. Brands like Dicks sporting goods have this weird, unexpected obsession with making great creative films. I don't care who the brand is as long as they care and want to make something that matters. 

Q> What's exciting you about the industry right now – and frustrating you?

Kevin> What's really exciting right now is how many different types of films are in demand, like longer-form pieces. Everyone is also obsessed with narratives which is so obvious and how it should be, and it can be so satisfying for directors.

View his reel here