Rakish signs production duo TWIN for US representation
Comprised of brothers Jonathan and Josh Baker, the technically adept directorial team is known for bringing to life ideas that are wildly imaginative yet rooted in real-world emotion.
Production boutique Rakish has signed creative duo TWIN for U.S. representation. Comprised of brothers Jonathan and Josh Baker, the technically adept directorial team is known for bringing to life ideas that are wildly imaginative yet rooted in real-world emotion.
“Rakish aligns with everything we love about commercial production,” comments Josh. “They put the creative first, have a strong level of experience, and carry a hunger to create nice things. We couldn’t be more excited for this next chapter.”
Having previously been signed to Rabbit in New York, then Reset in Los Angeles, TWIN sought a return to the ‘boutique’ sensibility of their early career and being part of a tightly-knit group going after the same goal. In Rakish, TWIN has found a fitting new home to continue honing their commercial chops, while also developing several long-form film and TV projects.
Rakish Executive Producer Brad Johns remarks, “You can’t put TWIN into one box. TWIN understands how to envision and articulate the final product. They can seamlessly blend something fantastical and visually wild with something that feels embedded in the natural world.”
EP Preston Garrett expands upon the creative instincts that TWIN bring to the Rakish roster, saying, “Often it’s the combination of contrasting genres which can be the most enjoyable, and feel the most unique. Regardless of the style they’re exploring, TWIN always aims to move an audience emotionally, even within the most epic of canvases.”
The brothers’ perpendicular journeys landed them where they are today. Starting out independently as motion graphics designers at two of Australia’s most esteemed post houses, they made their own transitions into directing commercials solo before joining forces.
“In 2007, we both wanted to move to New York and do the same thing,” the Baker brothers explain. “Rather than directly compete with each other, it made more sense to Voltron ourselves and walk through the door with twice the amount of work. Plus, the advantages of a duo are numerous – not the least of which is having someone to lean on, or look at with ‘how good is this?!’ eyes.”
TWIN's genre-bending versatility has attracted a wide range of clients including Beats By Dre, Nike, Honda, Powerade, Google, AT&T, Gillette, HP, Nissan, Hyundai, Heineken, and more. In 2018, TWIN released their debut feature film with Lionsgate called KIN, starring Jack Reynor, Zoe Kravitz, Dennis Quaid, and Michael B. Jordan. Adapted from their short film Bag Man, which premiered at SXSW, KIN is a sci-fi thriller with stunning visuals that investigates the bond of chosen family.
With over fifteen years of experience directing together, the brothers have caught Rakish’s attention as creators who have retained the zeal and imagination of fresh young directors, while also embodying the wisdom of veteran filmmakers.
It’s a relationship that is simpatico in every regard, states Jonathan. “It’s rare at this point in your career to find a team that so effortlessly clicks with the way you like to work and create, and specifically how you connect with the people around you. Rakish is that fit for us.”