GLOBALLY LOCAL
I am a storyteller that travels the world, stopping where characters are found.
NATHAN O'BRIEN
A CAFFEINE AND CATNIP SELF PORTRAIT
Globally local is how I live. I am an independent, nomadic, writer and filmmaker from Montreal, pictured here with my Appalachian guide, Firefly.
My career has taken me all over the world. Canada, US, Argentina, Chile, Continental Europe, Northern & South Africa, Hong Kong & China.
As an advertising Creative Director and copywriter I've worked with DDB, Campbell-Ewald, Cramer-Krasselt, McCann and Sidlee, and directly with global brands in North America for over 20 years.
As a filmmaker, I concept, script and direct original commercial, documentary, animation and short films for agencies and corporations with visionary people across Canada and the US.
My past and present clients include, Age of Union, Air Canada, Bombardier, BBR, Bell Canada, BRP, Club Med, Can-Am, Canadian Armed Forces, Le Chateau, Les Evades, McDonald’s, McCann, Molson/Coors, The National Film Board of Canada, The Nature Conservancy of Canada, NASA, Sephora, UBISOFT, The Uncharted Society, Unibroue, Virgin Radio.
Creative Approach
Brilliant creativity in all commercial fields is built on the fundamentals of structure, media and story.
To create for a living, to inspire others, to be an iconoclast, to be consistent — all comes down the immutable laws of structure. Without it, all I have is theory masquerading as art.
If I can’t express it simply and beautifully, so everyone gets it, I haven’t said anything.
Advertising Awards
Cannes Lions / WEBBY / Marketing Awards / ADDY / Communication Arts
Press
The New York Times / CBC / Lürzer's Archive
Film Festivals
TIFF / Tribeca Film Festival / Annecy Festival / Cannes Film Festival