Marek Losey

Marek Losey (born August 1971 in St Mary's Hospital, Paddington, London) is a British film director and the third generation of film maker in the Losey family.

Background and early life

Marek Losey is the grandson of the film director Joseph Losey and the fashion designer Elizabeth Hawes. He is the son of the film producer Gavrik Losey and the former British ballerina Sally Chesterton Losey, and the nephew of actor Joshua Losey. His older brother, Luke Losey, is also a film director. Marek Losey grew up in Paddington, London, where he attended Hallfield Infants and Junior School in Bayswater. He then attended boarding school at Dartington Hall School in Devon, until the age of 15. Suffering from dyslexia, he left school with no qualifications.

Early advertising career

After leaving school, at the age of 16 he began his career in the film industry as a runner; he then went on to work as a production manager and first assistant director on music videos, short films and television shows.

In 1994, he formed a co-directing partnership with Terence O'Connor under the name 'Trademark'. In 1995, Trademark won gold at the Irish Advertising Awards in Kinsale for "Suburban Bliss", an advertisement for Drum Cider.[1] Accolades followed for work with Dr Pepper,[2] Diesel Jeans,[3] Coca Cola[4] and the 'How will you eat yours?' Cadbury Creme Egg campaign starring Matt Lucas as George Dawes.[5] Trademark also won awards at D&AD, Epica, Creative Circle and The British Television Awards. At Cannes, Trademark were recognised as Best New Directors at the Saatchi & Saatchi sponsored showcase. Throughout this period Trademark directed much of their work through production companies Ridley Scott Associates and The Mob Film Company.

In 2001, Losey and O'Connor ended their directing partnership, but Losey continues to direct commercials on his own.

Feature films

On 5 June 2009, Losey’s debut feature film, The Hide, had its first UK theatrical release at the ICA cinema; its DVD release then followed in January 2010. The Hide, shot at Pinewood Studios and on location in Kent, is the screen adaptation of Tim Whitnall's critically acclaimed play The Sociable Plover, an intense and dark thriller. Losey’s film delves into the dark world of human emotion and power struggles. In a bird hide on the wind-swept Suffolk marshes, lone bird watcher Roy Tunt (played by Alex MacQueen) is attempting to complete his immense list of birds by spotting the elusive Sociable Plover. His day is rudely interrupted with the arrival of Dave John (Philip Campbell), an imposing and mysterious stranger. Their opposing social and ideological views create an intriguingly humorous yet deadly game of cat and mouse ensuring a very unexpected outcome. David Jenkins from Time Out wrote: "Losey is a talent to watch and The Hide makes for one hell of a Hollywood calling card".[6] Tim Robey from The Daily Telegraph described The Hide as "...a thoroughly enjoyable two hander ... the twist has a sick verve."[7] Philip French from The Guardian wrote: "...The Hide, Marek Losey's confident, highly promising feature debut..."[8]

The Hide, festivals and awards

Official selection: Dinard Film Festival, (France), 2008. Sao Paulo Film Festival, (Brazil), 2009. International Filmfest Emden, (Germany), 2009. Marfici Film Festival (Argentina), 2009.

Awards: Best actor: Syracuse Film Festival, (USA), 2009. Best cinematography: Syracuse Film Festival, (USA), 2009. Best cinematography: Monaco Film Festival,(Monaco), 2009. Creative achievement: Monaco Film Festival, (Monaco), 2009. Best film: Swale Film Festival, (UK), 2009. Best actor: Marbella International Film Festival, (Spain), 2009. Best Film: Beaufort Film Festival (USA), 2010.

Personal life

Marek is married to Sophie Losey and has two children, Joachim and Eve Losey. They live in North London, England.

References

  1. ↑ "Suburban Bliss", advertisement for Drum Cider. YouTube upload by Marek Losey. Retrieved 3 December 2015.
  2. ↑ "Unusual Taste", advertisement for Dr Pepper. YouTube upload by Marek Losey. Retrieved 3 December 2015.
  3. ↑ "Alpine Village", advertisement for Diesel Jeans. YouTube upload by Marek Losey. Retrieved 3 December 2015.
  4. ↑ "Life", Coca Cola advertisement. YouTube upload by Marek Losey. Retrieved 3 December 2015.
  5. ↑ "George Dawes", Cadbury's Cream Egg advertisement. YouTube" upload by Marek Losey. Retrieved 3 December 2015.
  6. ↑ David Jenkins (2 June 2009). "The Hide, review". Time Out. Retrieved 3 December 2015.
  7. ↑ Tim Robey (5 June 2009). "The Hide, review". Retrieved 3 December 2015.
  8. ↑ Philip French (7 June 2009). "Observer: The Hide". Retrieved 3 December 2015.

External links

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