OTTO

Chris Balmond

Chris is an outstanding comedy talent who, in the 6 years directing alongside a creative position at Red Bee Media, worked with some of the biggest names in British comedy, including Graham Norton, The Mighty Boosh, Simon Bird (of inbetweeners), Ben Elton, Al Murray, Miranda Hart and Armando Ianucci.

His awards already include a Gold BTAA for PG Tips entitled ‘Queens Speech’, 10 Gold Promax awards including best director 2010 and 2011 plus a D&AD in book for copywriting (BBC2 comedy).

Before he began directing Chris worked in TV production at Euro RSCG London, CHI and Partners and AMV.BBDO, and it’s this exposure to all sides of the creative process that gives him a genuine appreciation for and understanding of collaboration across our industry.

His strength in casting is evident across all his work and is something he is meticulous with, helping to deliver engaging and authentic performances from actors and non-actors alike. His entire reel is a simply brilliant mix of irreverence, charm, idiosyncrasy and the just plain silly.

As well as being a director Chris is a devoted family man. He also plays the guitar badly, but his snowboarding is ever improving, yawn.