Alex Withers

I’m a freelance director and filmmaker originally from Nottingham, England. While my roots are in the UK, I’ve recently found a new creative home in Vancouver with its vibrant film community and inspiring natural landscapes. Over the past ten years I’ve directed commercials, corporate films, music videos and narrative short films with a diverse range of themes and clients such as Buxton Water and the Wasps RFC rugby team and now I’m looking to put my skills and experiences to use in a new arena. I’m most inspired by creative and visually striking commercial content particularly around sports, the outdoors, products and fashion brands, but I have eclectic tastes and love to try my hand at all kinds of new challenges. In the world of narrative film, I’m proud to have directed short films that have been selected for BAFTA-qualifying film festivals and shown on platforms such as ALTER and Amazon Prime, one of which was supported by BFI Network public funding. My narrative work has given me a great sense of storytelling within limitations and forced me to remain flexible and think on my feet. Outside of directing I’ve worked extensively as a 1st Assistant Director for commercials, music videos and narrative films, managing teams and schedules to deliver above and beyond client and agency expectations, often spinning many plates, working alongside a variety of personalities and empowering other directors to achieve their creative visions. All in all, my previous work has spanned from small teams wearing multiple hats through to large crews and complex setups, requiring me to plan extensively with my team but to be willing to throw plans out the window and change things on the fly (often for the better!) in the face of real-life constraints and challenges. Each new project is a learning curve and I love helping clients to solve their problems while putting my own creative voice to work.

Accomplished and flexible Freelance Director and Filmmaker with diverse experience built over 10 years within a range of formats and genres, from fast turnaround solo filmmaking projects through to large crews and complex setups. Looking to expand and grow as a director in a fresh environment and to form lasting working relationships. Keen sense of narrative structure and well versed in transforming client needs and brand messaging into fun, bold and engaging videos. Skilled and experienced in technical areas including camera, lighting, editing and sound recording/design. Background as an Assistant Director leading the charge in prep and on set for commercials and narrative, alongside a variety of creative professionals and high profile talent.

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.): Film Production

University of Derby, Derby, UK, Jun 2014

Graduated with an A grade. My graduation film made during the program ('Butterfly') went on to be selected for BAFTA and BIFA-Qualifying film festivals in the UK and to be nominated and win awards internationally.

Studied topics including editing, camera work, directing actors, sound and studies in film theory.