Top director: Dave Klaiber

Every fortnight Campaign Brief Asia is turning the spotlight on a hot director that is currently in the news. Campaign Brief Asia speaks to Dave Klaiber, a director with Plaza Films, a young Australian director fresh from directing two spots in Asia, a Mentos spot for BBH China and a Starhub spot for DDB Singapore.

Dave Klaiber started in the industry a decade ago as a runner, signing with Plaza Films five years ago developing his career under the watchful eye of director Paul Middleditch. His big break came when he was working on a “making of” video for Visa Worldwide with Piece Brosnan. Danny Searle, ECD of BBDO Asia asked him if he wanted to direct commercials and his response was ‘of course’. His Thrifty ‘Birthday Girl’ spot for JWT Sydney won a Silver Lion at Cannes 2008 as well as two Golds at London International, a Gold Mobius Award for Direction and various other awards worldwide.

The Thrifty spot ‘Birthday Girl’ has gained a lot of attention globally. Was it a challenging spot to get right?

Thrifty was a joy as soon as I saw the script. I knew the biggest challenge was going to be getting the casting right.  It was the one element that would make or break the whole idea.  Funnily enough, the actors chosen were, as one group, the second guys on the casting tape. Everything just seemed to line up perfectly with that job. It’s awesome that it’s done so well in so many different markets. I guess the real challenge is making something that appeals to everyone.

You’ve recently directed a couple of spots out of Asia. Any funny stories from the shoot? Is this a region where you are actively seeking work?

I really enjoy going to Asia. I see it as a great challenge, and the opportunity to broaden my skills. Things certainly work a little differently there with the obvious cultural differences, but I feel so lucky to have made not only the connections in Asia, but also some great friends. As for funny stories, there are heaps, from being drunk under the table by a three-foot tall production girl, to working a 16-hour day in 40-degree heat in a building without air conditioning. I never thought this would be a market for me, but having been over there a few times shooting I really enjoy the challenges involved – overcoming the language barriers and realising that at the end of the day we all, creatively, speak the same language. The food and the cheap electronics are a close second!

You started as a runner – would you recommend this as a route to directing? Has it given you a unique perspective on the film making process?

It may not work for everyone, but it seemed to work for me. I think being a runner is a great way to see all facets of the industry. You really get to see how the whole process works from ground level. You also come into contact with clients and agencies and gain valuable knowledge of the process and the people. We should always remember that we really are in a personable industry that relies on communication. I was extremely lucky to work with guys like Allen Daviau, (DOP, ET & Close Encounters), Bryan Singer (Director, The Usual Suspects, Superman, X Men), Paul Middleditch, Richard Gibson and Matt Murphy. All of whom have had incredible influences on my career, and have taught me valuable lessons and shaped me as a director.

What was your first big break as a commercials director?

My first big break came while working on a ‘making of’ video for a massive Visa Card campaign with Pierce Brosnan. After the shoot, when I was cutting it together, the creative director, Danny Searle, turned to me at lunch and very casually asked if I would like to start directing ads. I thought he was having a laugh, but soon realised that he was giving me the opportunity of a lifetime! I still remember that day like it was yesterday and I can guarantee that Danny is sick of hearing me tell the story.

You made a feature length documentary, which required living in a snow cave for a month and skiing dangerous terrain. Can you tell us a little about this project?

That was such an awesome project! I do lots of strange sports and people think I’m a little crazy, but I have been doing a lot of backcountry skiing for years and really it was just an opportunity to combine my love of film and my love of adventure skiing. I got to go away, doing what I love, with my best mates, to the middle of nowhere and live in a massive snow cave that took us a week to build. Four bedrooms, three kitchens and a spiral staircase, and that’s the truth! That trip remains one of the most amazing things I have ever done in my life, and I can’t wait to, at some stage, do it all again.

Have you got any other docos or features in the pipeline?

I have a couple of little projects that I’m quietly working on, but if I tell you, I’d have to kill you.

What’s the three most memorable spots you’ve directed?

You know what, even though I haven’t been doing it that long, I have been lucky enough to direct a whole bunch of cool commercials all over the place. I have to say each one is memorable in its own right, be it good or bad. The main thing for me is all about learning new things everyday, I think when you stop learning within this craft you might as well get a new job. I don’t think anyone could ever know everything about the art of directing.  Obviously ‘Thrifty’ because everything came together so well. One of the first spots I ever directed was for Snickers and it was all underwater shot on the Great Barrier Reef, that was a lot of fun. And the Mentos job I just did with BBH China, stinking hot, a long day shooting and because it was only two weeks ago it’s still fresh!

What do you love about directing commercials?

The ability to make different little films all the time, using all the big film toys and working on my skills as a director. People often ask me if I enjoy my job and I can honestly look them in the eye and say I have the best job in the world.

What are your favourite three commercials?

Paul Middleditch’s ‘Big Ad’ would have to be one, Barton Landsman’s ‘Drunken Monkey’ and I really like the Corona ad, ‘Where you’d rather be’, with the surfer in Puerto Escondido, it may not even be Puerto but its just such a great ad – one shot, beautifully lit, with a great sound track and whenever I see it I can’t help but smile. Actually, who shot that?

You can view Dave Klaiber’s reel HERE.

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