It is with open arms and a tearful eye that Bikini Films embraces David Hartley as their newest director signing. Distinctive both in his work and in himself, David arrives at the company under the proverbial frog-march of his remarkable reputation, which itself has been cemented in place by a formidable standard of quality work. David’s recent work has included great examples of his succinct, economical style – his spot for UK Living (through TBWA), You’ve Got Mail, has a wry humour and astute humanity expertly expressed through a simple premise and with only minimal dialogue.  

Described (in his own words) as ‘an actor’s director’, Hartley’s work combines a focus on his performers’ relationship to their characters with an often verité-style visual approach. His passion for improvisation and attention to detail when it comes to dialogue, location and casting enable him to give his films a very real, observational feel. In fact, ‘realism’ is a key element in the worlds David creates on the screen, his strong, signature style resulting in several awards over the years. He has built a reputation with consistently remarkable work for brand names as renowned and diverse as Mercedes Benz (Partners BDDH), BT Cellnet (AMV), Mars Bar (Grey), ‘Gremlins’ for the COI and Nestlé’s Maltesers (D’Arcy), as well as highly successful spots for Austrian Airlines and Duracell Batteries.

Prior to directing, David was an editor for eight years, after working his way up from being a runner in an edit house. It was whilst working as an editor at a cable channel that he was approached with an opportunity to make two commercials - on the understanding that if they were ‘any good’ he would be allowed to continue. Suffice it to say he soon found himself contracted to direct six further commercials - his new career direction was off and running to a stunning start.

David spent a year at Academy and followed that with several years at Home. Looking for a fresh way to start 2008, Hartley has decided to leave the house and step out in his new Bikini – a decision which both David and Bikini MD Kate Elson feel will be “a perfect fit.”