Ilka & Franz

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Ilka & Franz are a German/ Austrian photographer duo based in London (UK). Their work blurs the lines between portraiture and still life and is often humorous with an unexpected twist. While their unmistakable use of colour is vibrant and bold, their conceptual undertones are often subtle and of child-like naivety. Ilka & Franz draw their inspiration from pop culture, kitsch and surrealism as they put a playful spin on the ordinary. The duo work on editorial and commercial commissions in the UK and abroad. 

The dynamic duo have won a string of awards over the years, including prizes in the IPA, PX3, One Eyeland, PDN, Moscow & Tokyo International Foto Awards to name a few.

To see Ilka & Franz stills, click here.

Us...

Be More Than Content

We want to make you more than content. Our award-winning photographers over the road at Horton-Stephens, transformed long ago into award-winning directors, whether for broadcast commercials or online campaigns. 

Stills and Motion?

Film-making is as much a part of our lives as shooting stills but our experience leaves us ideally placed to offer both. Sometimes we shoot film alongside stills, sometimes it’s the other way around. It’s a very cost-effective way to add value for clients whilst we have all the crew, location, models and other resources together. We do a lot of this.

Expensive?

Reassuringly Inexpensive, actually. From the outset we have a lean mean attitude to production, although we don’t skimp on production values.  If we can shoot on a DSLR with a crew of two that’s fine. When we’re shooting broadcast TVC we’ll ramp that up as far as necessary. It’s horses for courses and a recognition that projects come in all shapes and sizes.

Does It Work?

Have a look at the work and see what you think. We won a Gold and two Silver DMA Awards for nine PayPal films, shot and post-produced by us all the way to final delivery. We shot stills on the same shoot and one image won the Sony World Photography Award for portraiture! Oh, and one of our directors picked up a recent Cannes Bronze and our amazing motion graphics team at Revenant are multi-Bafta nominees.

Who do you work with?

We love working with ad agencies and their own motion production departments, but we work with clients direct too offering a full project management service.

And who exactly do we get to work with?

First off you get us, and we’re very well known for project management and having produced just about every shoot imaginable. We're about solving problems rather than creating them... team players!  Second, you get a team of award-winning image creators with proven track records. When it gets to post-production, we have an enormously experienced team we bring into the picture according to the need. Line production through edit and grade with marrying of sound, VFX, music and delivery. Broadcast delivery, not a problem. In the case of Revenant’s motion CG process, the whole process up themselves. Online specification needs and multiple format deliverables no problem. Sometimes our clients prefer to complete their own post... that’s fine too.

Will we End up Hugging and Being Friends?

Advertising and production can be a combative exercise with tighter and tighter schedules and budgets, with the whole process in danger of stressing to breaking point.  Sometimes we’re all looking for reassurance, advice, somebody that’ll stand next to you and say “I am Spartacus”.  Someone that’s going to support through the difficult bits and high-five when it’s all over. That’s us! Lunch afterwards helps too, we are told.