BRIAN L TAN “BLT”
Director & Producer
Featured Projects
method directing for explosive imagery & evocative storytelling
GRAY WHALE GIN
made in the Pacific
When I got offered a chance to direct the Bali segment of Gray Whale Gin's latest spot, I said yes faster than you can say 'gin-tuition'. We shot simultaneously on opposite sides of the Pacific: Malibu and Bali. Both gin-credible places I cherish dearly and also complemented each other nicely on camera in this uniquely international commercial. Let the fun be-gin!
SENSOR
a short film about PTSD
Haunted by his experiences from the war, a Vietnam Veteran has had enough. Placing motion sensors around his property, he’s decided to face his demons once and for all. Unfortunately, he’s in for more than he bargained for. Starring Dana Lee (Dr. Ken, Pineapple Express, Rambo) and Nikki SooHoo (Lovely Bones, Stick It, Bring It On, Heathers).
LSTN: City of Dreams
commercial
We all know music takes us to a different place mentally, but what if they had the power to take us to a whole different place; literally. This kernel of an idea was the genesis of our commercial for the LSTN Headphone Company, which we filmed over a single night in Los Angeles
PORSCHE: BEHIND THE CHASE
documentary + commercial
The third of our three Porsche/Chase Car spots where we take a behind the scenes look at the brand new Porsche Panamera Turbo Camera Crane car by Chase Car Inc. In this behind the scenes docu-commercial, we go through how Chase Car started, their unique features, what it can do, and above all, why they do what they do.
HOLDOUT
a short WW2 film
HOLDOUT is based off the true story of a Japanese WWII Lieutenant who got left behind on an island in South East Asia after the war. Fighting a one-man war against an enemy that no longer exists, he nonetheless takes solace in his patriotism and loyalty to the Empire. However, one day he encounters an American backpacker that leads him to question his entire existence.
KILL JOY
a Iraq War short film
On routine patrol through a small Iraqi hamlet, a convoy of US Army vehicles is suddenly ambushed. Private McKay, the squadron's newest recruit, finds himself thrust unexpectedly into his first ever combat experience. His ears ring from the shrieking of exploding shells, but McKay hesitates to return fire. In a matter of seconds his understanding of warfare is forever changed as he raises his gun and unloads on the target.
SOLESEARCHING
commercial + travel video
What makes us travel? Shot over 5 continents during a virtual reality production, this short 1 minute commercial and travel video that won Condé Nast Traveler’s Best Travel video is a love letter to the traveling soles that push us to see the world in order to nourish our souls too.
MARTIN SCORSESE + CANON
commercial
Imagine getting a call that you’ll be getting to direct one of filmmaking’s most legendary filmmakers for a new Canon Commercial? We had to pinch ourselves to believe it, but sure enough – we were honored to be able to produce this short but sweet Canon commercial highlighting the launch of the brand new C300 camera with none other than Academy Award Winner Marty Scorsese. Despite having directed hit after hit like Raging Bull, The Departed, Taxi Driver, Goodfellas and more, he was humble to a fault and a true gentleman to work with.
Clients and Collaborators
