Stadium Signs Ivan Jurado for US Representation

STADIUM has welcomed Ivan Jurado to their roster for US representation. Ivan’s deep, endless love for the moving image can be felt through his easy, joyous films. His work is contemporary and dynamic, matching a rich cinematic style with a natural, playful warmth. Ivan is a master at making the physicality of his subjects an extension of the film’s narrative, bringing to life each individual character’s innate charm, confidence or irresistible swagger. His background in advertising gives Ivan a uniquely holistic and collaborative approach. His empathy and enthusiasm is a powerful source for the crew and cast on every one of Ivan’s sets. In turn, his films are a visually stimulating, positively delightful viewing experience. 

Ivan recently sat down to tell STADIUM how he went from Photography to Directing, what his perfect day off is, and how he always sees creating as a collaborative effort.

Q> Did you always know you wanted to be a storyteller/director?

Ivan> Not really... I had always wanted to work on something related to photography, art direction, design... and that's what I did at the beginning of my career - I worked as a photographer for many years before becoming a director. Eventually, directing became the organic and natural next step.  

Q> Tell me about your first creative project.

Ivan> Instead of a specific project, my mind goes to a creative moment that was quite significant for me. It was at the very beginning of my career in advertising. I really wanted to be creating all the time, to do more interesting projects... so I started doing a lot of personal work.

That helped me find out how to face challenges, to try new techniques and, most importantly, to create my own visual style.

Q> What was your pathway through the industry? How did you end up here and what's the most important thing you learned along the way?

Ivan> I started as a photographer, and after some years of work some of my clients asked me to direct the campaigns too. Starting to direct opened my mind and gave me the opportunity to be able to explain more things in each project, to be able to make them grow in a way that video and movement can get across… Leaving photography and focusing on directing was the natural step.

There are several important things that I’ve learned over time and that may be difficult to accept or understand when you’re starting out in this business. These are the two most important ones for me:

• This is a collaboration with a client, an agency and, of course, with your entire filming team.
• Find your own visual style that you enjoy creating. Don't get lost in trendy techniques or looks.

Q> What was one of your more creatively challenging projects, and how did you overcome those obstacles?

Ivan> More than just a project, it’s about a situation that has happened many times - weather! Changing weather sometimes affects the pacing of our filming, and you have to look for creative solutions instantly. Last year I was filming a campaign for Weight Watchers. We shot the first day and everything was great, we had sun, good weather… The second day of filming was supposed to start with a beautiful sunrise on the beach and we were shooting for spring/summer, but during the early morning before filming the weather changed radically and it started to snow. It snowed so much that we had to wait more than three hours in a van and had to think of new solutions which we could shoot on the same day without pre-production time. It’s a hectic scenario, but being able to think on my feet creatively, and working with a collaborative and supportive team, allows those challenges to turn into successes. 

Q> Your recent work has a vibrant playful quality to it. How did your filmography develop into that style?

Ivan> It's funny because I think that over the years my work as a director has become closer to my personal projects that I did as a photographer at the beginning of my career. For a while, I fell into a darker aesthetic that felt trendy, but it felt forced. I realised that that specific style did not represent me and I went back to opting for the look I have now. The style of my current portfolio is a style that really represents me and that I feel very comfortable with and excited about.

Q> What is a dream project to you?

Ivan> A project where I’m able to keep growing as a director, to try something new and where the agency and client are able to give me some freedom to influence the idea.

Q> When you get boards in, how do you go about crafting your creative vision? What does your process look like?

Ivan> Normally I start by looking for visual references that help me reflect the look and feel that I imagine for the project. Most of the time it’s an image that shows the type of light I imagine in the scene. Once I have a general idea of what the project is going to look like, I start working on the script. Whenever I’m given creative freedom I like to propose new situations that are in line with the idea of the agency, but that visually and narratively enhance their ideas.

Q> What’s your favourite thing about working as a director?

Ivan> Traveling and working with very passionate people that love their work as much as I do.

Q> Your work exudes strong production design. Why is this so important to you and how do you go about ensuring it shows up well on camera?

Ivan> It's true, I give a lot of importance to art direction in all my projects. I'm a bit obsessed with it because it's an important part of my style. Almost everything is linked to my own personal taste and how I understand beauty in everyday situations, and art direction is a big part of that when creating worlds.

In terms of making sure it shows up well on camera… it all starts with the location. I have to fall in love with it from the first moment and from there I start working on mood boards where I mix textures, furniture, colours, materials… My premise is always that the places feel pleasant, beautiful and exude a certain realism.

Q> Tell us about Ivan outside of work - what's an average weekend look like when you're not pitching or on set?

Ivan> This has changed a bit recently. I moved out of the city and I’m becoming a bit more of a nature lover. I love biking, going out for a good coffee, cooking, seeing some friends… enjoying life!

Q> What's most important to you in life?

Ivan> This question is simple. My family, my happiness and trying to make my day-to-day life as simple as possible.