Director and Photographer Dean Freeman Signs to Johnny Foreigner
Directing and photographic legend, Dean Freeman, has joined the Johnny Foreigner collective of carefully selected freelance directors.
Dean Freeman is a globally renowned photographer turned commercials director specialising in beauty, fashion, and lifestyle. With a talented eye for imagery and perfection in every frame, he has built a reputation as an acclaimed contemporary visual storyteller, blending artistry and emotional depth in equal measure. His images have graced the walls of galleries across the globe, whilst his books for the likes of Beckham, Little Mix, George Michael, and Geri Halliwell have adorned coffee tables far and wide. As well as Funky Town, Dean’s vibrant visual autobiography featuring a forward by Simon Kellner, his published works add depth to his celebrity-focused projects, highlighting the breadth of his artistic vision. “Life and death, sex and celebrity, the outlandish and the mundane, the ugly and the beautiful: these are just some of the strands of modern life that Dean Freeman has woven into an extraordinary career,” writes Simon Kellner.
Rooted in a rich legacy of visual excellence, Dean’s passion for storytelling runs in his blood. His father, Robert Freeman, famously shot the first five album covers for The Beatles, and by the age of sixteen, Dean was already following in those legendary footsteps. Leaving school behind, he pursued his love for photography and filmmaking with relentless dedication, using every opportunity to hone his craft.
Whether directing a high-fashion shoot with a supermodel or capturing the humanity of everyday individuals, Dean’s distinctive approach is one of intimacy, energy, and emotional resonance. His work is renowned for its ability to evoke both sensuality and sincerity, creating unforgettable images with performances that feel personal and universally relatable. His standout black-and-white work for Axis Bank with Deepika Padukone and the famous Häagen-Dazs campaign featuring Bradley Cooper showcases his exceptional versatility. On this project, Dean not only directed the global TVC but also delivered a suite of global key visuals, demonstrating his ability to produce stunning stills that seamlessly complement his film work. This dual expertise in directing and photography is a hallmark of his 360-degree approach to visual storytelling.
At the core of Dean’s work is a strong focus on the human experience. No matter the project, his approach remains consistent: a dedication to uncovering the stories beneath the surface, whether he’s working with A-list stars or an anonymous face in the crowd. As Dean himself says, “I use the same approach with an A-list celebrity that I use with an anonymous kid in the street. People are people - sometimes real, sometimes surreal - but the stories they want to tell never cease to amaze me.”
Johnny Foreigner founder/MD, Olivia Hirschberg comments, “Dean Freeman’s work captivated me from the first time I saw it. I love the perfect blend of visually stunning and emotionally resonant films. His (very) short films are particularly memorable - profiles of modern-day, everyday people shining super bright in their everyday world. Films such as Broken Ballerina and GAZ come to mind as striking examples of his ability to tell profound stories in a short space of time. It feels great to have Dean on board; we’ve not yet had a Director like him, so we’re thrilled we can now offer up an experienced beauty, lifestyle, and fashion director with a fresh and contemporary style.”
To view Dean's work click here. For new business enquiries please contact Olivia or Anna.
