Three Emerging Directors from Stept Studios Become Young Guns Finalists
Integrated production company Stept Studios is home to three up and coming directors who have been recognised as finalists in the Film category at the One Club for Creativity’s Young Guns 18 competition. Stept’s roster of talent boasts several young creatives, a result of its commitment to, and the distinctive ability for, fostering an environment of exploration, collaboration, and growth.
Jess Colquhoun is an award-winning filmmaker and photographer who uses an emotive and naturalistic eye to tell stories that reflect her curious nature and passion for people, music, and culture. She has collaborated with international brands including Apple Music, Dove, Levi’s, Harley Davidson, and Airbnb; and she has achieved Vimeo Staff Pick recognition for several of her films. Jess’ work has been featured in Vice, National Geographic, and Glamour; and she has collaborated with numerous musical artists including HAIM and Florence and the Machine. Her Webby-nominated documentary 'Sundays at the Triple Nickel', supported by Crown Royal, won a 2020 Branded Content Gold Telly Award and two Silver awards including Craft of Directing.
Michael Parenteau is an award-winning director known for his work in automotive, adventure sports, and luxury brands. With a background as an avid action sports athlete, he was enlisted by Red Bull Media early in his directing career to create content with their athletes traveling around the world. He has directed content for global brands including Samsung, Ford, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Wall Street Journal, NBA, and Mercedes AMG; and his film Ride of the Dead earned him Gold at the Telly Awards. Michael has stayed true to his hard-working and tenacious roots, embodying a first-in last-out mentality, which has consistently elevated his direction.
British-born and Los Angeles-based, Toby Wosskow blends cinematic, narrative techniques with a sense of documentary realism to tell raw, human stories. His highly acclaimed Oscar-qualifying short film, 'Sides of a Horn', was featured in The New York Times and highlights an emotional story about Rhinocerous poaching in Africa. Toby has directed commercials and branded content for BMW, United Nations, Fujifilm, Oakley, Foot Locker, Real Madrid, and Nike, among others. Having worked with a variety of athletes, influencers, and musicians, he has developed the ability to pull strong performances out of both trained actors and non-professionals.
Young Guns recognises the vanguard of creative professionals 30 years of age and under. Founded in 1996, the international cross-disciplinary portfolio-based competition has grown to become one of the most coveted awards for young creatives around the globe. The categories span graphic design, art direction, illustration, copywriting, photography, animation, and filmmaking. Young Guns is an exclusive community comprised of rebels and rising stars, and this year’s 83 global finalists hailing from 19 countries are no exception.
Submissions were received from more than 40 countries and judged by a diverse jury of 82 top creatives, about half of whom are past YG winners from 32 countries. This year’s winners will be announced at a special online event on Wednesday 18th November. The complete list of Young Guns 18 finalists can be viewed here.
