The multi-disciplined
pro offers the
versatility and
enthusiasm that
have become the
company’s hallmarks
Busy commercial and feature director Ashley Avis has followed Managing Director Roy Skillicorn’s to Backyard Productions. The move complements the support that Skillicorn has shown Avis throughout her career and reinforces Backyard’s climb to the top.
Avis has written and directed for blue chip brands including Mercedes Benz, Pfizer, Red Bull, Coca Cola, Envya, Lone Ones, and most recently, Chevrolet.
“Ashley is a wonderfully talented director who brings the same narrative sensibility to her commercial work as she does to her film projects,” says Backyard President Kevin Allodi. “She edits the vast majority of her commercial work herself — she’s the whole package.”
ASHLEY AVIS | 2017 REEL
Described as “timelessly romantic” (White Lies Magazine) and “elegantly sensual” (Elite Daily), Avis’ work gives a firm nod to the fashion-genre style of longer content spots that are more like short films because she tells a story.
She also possesses a physical presence that, according to Skillicorn, marks “a big step toward building the highly coveted culture that Backyard has always been known for.”
“We seek to cultivate an environment that is supremely conducive for creativity, a place for sharing ideas and mutual learning,” he continues. “With Ashley’s caring attitude, successful track record, and willingness to to whatever the job needs, she sets the stage to help foster that interdisciplinary culture we seek.”
Part of what keeps Avis busy is the demand generated by her versatile experience in TV, commercials, and features.
Her latest film, Adolescence, is expected to hit theaters this fall. Described as “a troubled teen romance,” the feature is being edited by Oscar nominated Douglas Crise (Birdman, Babel) and stars Tommy Flanagan and Elisabeth Rohm.
Avis also recently signed on to write and direct a $20M modern day adaptation of Anna Sewell’s classic novel Black Beauty. In between feature projects, she loves the challenge of the shorter form commercial ad world.
Her enthusiasm for moving to Backyard is as high as Skillicorn’s.
”Backyard’s long-standing presence and experience in the commercial ad world, plus their recent expansion into digital/branded content, are a great fit for the direction I want to pursue,” she explains. “Working with Roy and his highly regarded, talented, and enthusiastic troupe of producers at Backyard, thrills me.”
About Backyard Productions
Headquartered in Culver City, CA, Backyard produces commercials and content for some of the best ad agencies and top brands in the world. The Backyard team of talented directors and seasoned producers deliver a collaborative creative process for clients who’ve come to expect sophisticated production teams and high quality results. East Coast: Schaffer/Rogers (212) 229-0833 West Coast: Options o: 323-297-3239 m: 213-479-8880 Midwest: Heart Brains & Nerve (312-401-8039)
Send your news to Reel Chicago Editor Dan Patton, dan@reelchicago.com.
