The Work That Made Me: Hannah Lehmann
Hannah is a dynamic director celebrated for her ability to infuse character and narrative into every project, from bold commercials to engaging content pieces.
Recognised as a 2022 finalist for Best New Director at the Shots Awards and a Cannes Catalyst Delegate in 2024, Hannah's talent has earned her widespread industry acclaim. Her impressive portfolio includes collaborations with leading brands such as Amex, Vogue, Mardi Gras, Westfield, Coex, ACON, and eBay.
She’s also made her mark by creating compelling short content series for platforms like Snapchat, Instagram, and Facebook.
LBB> The ad/music video from my childhood that stays with me…
Hannah> Good Dancers by The Sleepy Jackson. My dad loved this video clip, and therefore I loved it, but as I have gotten older I've realised it's because it's a really simple and beautifully executed idea, an emotional story told in one long continuous take, and I was always fascinated by that as a kid.
LBB> The ad/music video/game/web platform that made me want to get into the industry…
Hannah> Honestly, it was the remake of the Peter Pan movie directed by PJ Hogan in 2003. I was 11-years-old and there was an open call for the Wendy character which I auditioned for. Didn't get it, but I was addicted to being around sets from then on.
LBB> The creative work that I keep revisiting…
LBB> My first professional project…
Hannah> I directed a campaign for Optus Rockcorps in 2016. I had no idea what I was doing, pretended I did, and made a video clip featuring Whiz Khalifa and The Veronicas. It was fun!
LBB> The piece of work that still makes me jealous…
LBB> The creative project that changed my career…
Hannah> The Out There - a series I made for Instagram in 2016. The first social first series to be made in Australia that jump started my career.
LBB> The work that I’m proudest of…
Hannah> I have some really good scripts lying around that I am hoping will get made. I work as a screenwriter too. But in terms of produced work, Two Sides, a series I created, wrote and directed for Snap Originals.
LBB> I was involved in this and it makes me cringe…
Hannah> So many of my first short films! But they are also beautiful and I love them dearly. We can only grow if we practice.
LBB> The recent project I was involved in that excited me the most…
Hannah> I recently directed a spot for ebay, a social first series told over three episodes, and I'm excited for that to be out in the world. We are starting to see more linear and episodic formats for commercials, and I think it's exciting! They are often more experimental and are always fun to dream up and work on. I love working with CHARACTERS!
