Kinka Usher

Kinka Usher is a director of television commercials. He also directed the 1999 feature film Mystery Men.

Kinka Usher
Born1960 (age 60–61)
France
OccupationDirector
Years active1984–present

Early life

Kinka Usher was born in France, one of four children. His mother taught dance and his father was a graphic designer. Growing up he spent his time between Europe (primarily Italy) and the United States (primarily Santa Barbara).[1] During these early years he explored a career in the restaurant business as a sous-chef.

Career

Entering the film industry at 23, he began as a production assistant at Harmony Pictures and gradually worked up to camera assistant, Steadicam operator and eventually a director/cameraman. His big break came though when he was hired as a camera assistant to director Roger Corman on one of his films.[2]

His directorial debut came in 1992 on "Aborigine," a spot for Acura which earned him a Belding Award. Three years later he opened House of Usher and by 1997 he had four Lions from Cannes. The following year he received the Directors Guild of America Award for Best Commercial Director. His extensive list of credits include spots for Taco Bell, Nike, Got Milk?, Nissan, Miller Lite, Polaroid and Pepsi.

In 1999, he crossed over from commercials to features, directing Mystery Men for Universal Studios.[3] He subsequently returned to directing commercials, including a Bridgestone ad featured in the 2011 Super Bowl.[4]

Personal life

He is dedicated to directing in the United States so he can be near his home in Los Angeles. He has a child.[5]

Awards
  • Directors Guild of America - 1998 Best Commercial Director
  • Nine Cannes Lions - Gold, Silver, and Bronze
  • Five AICP Awards
  • Clio Awards - 5 Gold, 1 Silver, and 2 Bronze

References
  1. "Directors - Kinka Usher". Transparent. Archived from the original on February 5, 2013. Retrieved April 5, 2012.
  2. Saunderson, Liz. "Kinkavision". 'Boards. Archived from the original on July 25, 2008. Retrieved April 5, 2012.
  3. Berger, Warren (July 25, 1999). "The Ad Guys Take Charge". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved September 1, 2019.
  4. "Super vfx for the Super Bowl". Superbowlads.com. Archived from the original on February 10, 2011. Retrieved April 5, 2012.
  5. Fera, Rae Ann. "Let him entertain you". 'Boards. Retrieved April 5, 2012.
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