8 bolsters its roster with Sydney based directors Matt Palmer and Eddy Bell joining the team

Sydney based directors Matt Palmer (left) and Eddy Bell (right) have joined 8’s roster.

Says Katie Millington, executive producer: “Matt Palmer’s talent for comedy direction is what impresses us most.  There’s an English subtlety to his work. He’s a master of observational comedy and understated performance, and he rounds our roster out nicely.”

Says Palmer: “My wife describes my work as mildly amusing.”

Palmer is excited to join his old school mate, Josh Frizzell at 8com.  Palmer and Frizzell grew up together in Auckland.

Bell is predominantly a performance director with experience working with actors, kids, non-actors and non-humans including animals and celebrities. He’s recently moved back to Sydney after three years in Melbourne.

Says Bell: “I’m really excited to be back in Sydney and working with a company like 8 who are constantly growing and evolving.”

Bell’s most recent short film Grey Bull uses predominantly non-trained talent unearthed from within Melbourne’s South Sudanese refugee community. Pre-production also involved ten weeks of training for two Brahman bulls.

Grey Bull looks at the theme of identity in an unfamiliar culture and demonstrates what people are often asked to leave at the door when they arrive in a new place. The film has been selected to screen in competition at the 2014 Sydney Film Festival in June.

Says Millington: “Skilled experience meets raw talent. Matt’s really laid back and Eddy’s so full of energy. Their Ying and Yang has brought a great new vibe to the Sydney office.”

Matt Palmer and Eddy Bell’s commercial showreels can be viewed on the 8 website.

For all production inquiries contact Katie Millington. 
NZ phone number +64 (0) 27 5188 825