Acclaimed director Maureen Hufnagel joins Eleanor’s UK roster, fusing award-winning craft with sharp comedy and the unexpected.
A worldbuilding artisan, a tried and true craftswoman, a storyteller with razor-sharp humour - Maureen Hufnagel’s esteemed body of work astonishes audiences with epic crescendos and intimate details.
In joining Eleanor’s UK office, Maureen steps into the London market, expanding her artful eye and clever humour to connect with a new audience. This thrilling step comes hot off the tails of Maureen’s lauded Intimate Strangers campaign for Coca-Cola, a cinematic, heart-warming ode to the uniting joy of football.
“This story sprung from the idea that, watching football, people that don’t know each other suddenly are the closest,” said Maureen. “That contrast between unfamiliarity and intimacy was the heartbeat of the story.”
Honoured by the Cannes Lions, Clios, Ciclope, the Berlin Commercial Festival, and Diente Awards, Maureen’s accolades speak to her renowned talent for astonishing global audiences. It is Maureens’ dedication to craft that pours vibrant life into the small, human details of even her most epic, most expansive films.
'Launch,' for example, submerges audiences in a running sea of fans, nodding to an array of Max’s distinct cinematic realms with a humorous twist. Maureen’s visionary attention to detail and peppering of comedy is what brings this gargantuan adventure to life.
Maureen explained, “Yes there was this mass of people, but, we really focused on every little detail for this project. We carefully selected the cast to look like characters from each cinematic world.”
Ever on the edge of their seat, audiences watch Maureen’s visual poetry wowed by the compelling narrative momentum she crafts and inspired by her deft use of visual metaphor.
'Point of Departure' explores a train station that brings characters to their destinies, taking audiences on a profound cinematic adventure.
“This project was very metaphorical and very layered,” said Maureen. “The visual storytelling was an expression of the emotions of the characters feel in this moment of decision.”
Maureen rejoices in what her future with Eleanor UK holds, “Eleanor is such a creative force, and I’m excited to work with a team that truly values craft and innovation. I feel a strong connection to Eleanor’s mission of pushing boundaries and championing diverse voices. The UK market is known for its creativity and its openness to new ideas, and I can’t wait to collaborate with brands here to create something that resonates on a global scale. I believe this is just the beginning of a new and exciting journey.”
“Maureen’s mastery of intricate visual storytelling and her ability to weave sharp humour into even the most ambitious projects sets her apart,” said Eleanor UK managing director Kate Elson. “She brings a level of precision and creativity that turns every frame into a captivating moment. I’m beyond excited to welcome her to the Eleanor family.”
With great anticipation, the UK commercial sphere has its eye on Maureen Hufnagel, eagerly awaiting what ambitious craft and witty humour her future in the London market holds.