Sam Wark joins Kojo in content director role

Home-grown talent Sam Wark (left) has joined the roster of exclusive content directors at national integrated communications company Kojo.

Raised in the cinematic region of the Barossa Valley, Wark brings his acute artistic eye to TVCs and branded content.

With an agency creative background in both art direction and writing, Wark appreciates that the story idea is paramount, no matter what the product.

Kojo senior producer Emily Green is delighted by the appointment.

Says Green: “Sam is an expert storyteller, with a keen eye for gorgeous pictures and great performance. He is a unique talent in regards to his pedigree, coming through the agency ranks to pursue his passion for directing. He will be a real asset to our offering.”

Wark has skills in both art direction and cinematography but his real passion lies in performance direction.

Says Wark: “Performances are the life of a story, if you take away the cameras and FX it is only the raw performance that still has the ability to move you. This is where I like to start.”

His career got off to a fine start when he graduated as top student of AWARD School in South Australia, followed by a decade as a creative in Melbourne, working on accounts including Mazda, Toyota, Western Star, Telstra, Hungry Jacks and Suzuki.

It was early in 2008 that Wark chose to focus on directing, and while freelancing as a creative, he studied courses to hone his craft at AFTRS before joining a production company.

Before long he wrote and directed his poignant short film, Punch Drunk, which moved audiences globally. His film picked up numerous awards and nominations, including Best Actor at the St Kilda Film Festival 2012, Best Film at Young at Heart Festival 2012, Best Film ITB Film Festival 2011.

Wark is a considered filmmaker who is happiest when bringing stories to life in a way that is real with beauty.

Kojo is looking forward to the fresh creativity Wark will bring to the team.