International production company Epoch Films is delighted to welcome multi-talented director Elle Brooks-Tao, formerly Elle Ginter, to their esteemed UK roster. Elle’s passion for giving voices to the voiceless and pushing them to the forefront of her storytelling makes her an invaluable addition to Epoch.
Elle has the rare gift of elevating the small, ordinary occurrences of everyday life with the same assurance and dedication as she does documenting Olympic athletes. Her work is quintessentially human; it's powerful and makes you think. She uses her voice to break stereotypes, tell stories about real people, and celebrate those who chart their own course through life. Curiosity seeps through Elle’s touch. Weaving between memories, internal monologues, and moments of self-realization, she creates strong visual metaphors through close-up POVs paired with surreal imagination and affecting narrative performance.
Elle doesn’t make films to push ideas; rather, she brings a sense of understanding and empathy to her subject matter that seeks to release emotions. Known to emphasize overlooked or underestimated characters, Elle’s ad work has been recognized by Kinsale Sharks, 1.4, various Cannes Lions, and AICP awards. Her narrative work for the non-profit A21 has been recognized for Best Director, Best Screenplay, and Best Film in over 17 international festivals.
On joining Epoch, Elle says: “I always feel that passionate collaborators who share the same taste and aren't afraid to push boundaries a little make for brave, unique work. I'm definitely trying to break some barriers in this next season of work, and partnering with Epoch UK in their own pushing of boundaries and creative growth sounded, frankly, like loads of fun. We have the same mindset in valuing relationships as well as expertise and I'm sure this will be a side-by-side effort in pursuing greatness. The UK has been the most inspiring market, creatively, to me since I began directing, and it's exciting to be able to humbly dip my toe in the water and join the ranks of so many directors I admire and respect.”
Echoing Elle’s enthusiasm, Epoch Executive Producer Megan Campbell said: “We are so excited to have Elle join Epoch UK. Having had a brief spell working together in the US many years ago this felt somewhat full circle. Elle is a wonderful human being not to mention an incredibly talented director. The authenticity she brings to her work is what stands out most to us, she’s a perfect fit!”
As a formerly home-schooled kid prone to wandering, you can find Elle during her down days running a desert marathon, surfing, or visiting her hometown of Boston.
Epoch Films was founded in 1989 by Mindy Goldberg with a vision of creating a place for talented young directors to gain access to the otherwise restricted commercial marketplace.
Epoch is a leading production company with award-winning credits in all areas of media, including commercials, music videos, web content and feature films. With offices in New York, Los Angeles and most recently the UK.
The transition to Epoch Films UK has been a long time coming with director Martin De Thurah, MD - Nick Fewtrell and EP - Megan Campbell at the helm. Its opening marks a pivotal move in Martin's career. The UK office is only the first step in Epoch’s larger plan to build out opportunities for its talent across branding and content platforms. The company holds a vast wealth of combined industry experience spanning across America and now into the UK/Europe.