Arthur Studholme Joins FINCH Roster for Australia and New Zealand

Acclaimed international comedy director Arthur Studholme has signed with FINCH for representation in Australia and New Zealand.

He recently helmed Droga5 ANZ’s ‘Why Do They Call It -196?’ work for Suntory, starring Japanese actor Akira Sato, and has worked with PRETTYBIRD, Smuggler, Nexus, and Pulse Films.

Signing with FINCH, he told LBB, signals a new focus for the British director on the Australian and Asian markets.

“There’s so much great comedy down under that I’m excited to get my teeth into,” Arthur said.

“The Aussies are an extremely humorous bunch, and their advertising is no different. I’ve always loved the flavour of Aussie comedy, from Aunty Donna to Michael Cusack to Big Lez, so I’ve always felt there’s a little Australian inside me. We just need to let him out. I’m excited to get stuck in and add a few of my dry, occasionally surreal English flavours to the comedy broth.”

Starting out as a “very serious” film director, Arthur described himself as a “very silly” one now after an epiphany about his work style.

“I went to art school in London, which was quite a serious place -- or perhaps I was making the mistake of thinking ‘good art’ had to be serious. Either way, I was making films and really enjoying the craft, but they were probably pretty bloody boring.

“It wasn’t until I stumbled into comedy that years of pent-up stupidity came flooding out and I realised I could apply my love of filmcraft to ideas that felt like me. And that’s where I think it all started -- taking the silly extremely seriously, treating it like an art, and seeing what happens.

“It’s a given that the idea has to be really bloody good. But even a great idea can be squandered if not given the right tonal world. That’s what really gets me out of bed -- building an irreverent world that surprises the audience, tailor-made to the idea.”

It’s a sentiment that’s seen Arthur win Gold at YDA, and direct work for the likes of Adult Swim, Channel 4 UK, Old Spice, Gumtree, TPG, and Jack Link’s.

FINCH managing director and EP Corey Esse said Arthur is a perfect addition to the prodco’s roster.

“Arthur and I first met at the cricket watching the Ashes,” Corey said. “Now that the Ashes are on again, it is the perfect time for him to be back in Australia -- first person to give us a job after this announcement can come to the cricket with us.”

Though his first FINCH project since being signed is yet to be confirmed, Arthur said he is enjoying being immersed in the company’s culture.

“FINCH seems to me to be one of those unusual places that has a real warmth, community and a sense of joy that doesn’t compromise on its ambition and dedication to making the best stuff possible,” he said.

“There’s a good culture there. But I also feel very at home on their roster -- it’s humbling and exciting to be on there with some of the directors I have most looked up to throughout my career, but I also don’t feel like anyone does quite the same thing as me, which is nice.

“There’s a real dedication to craft at FINCH, but also a dedication to humour and not taking oneself too seriously, which sounds a bit like an oxymoron, but really it’s a combination that I think results in the best comedy.

“It’s what I go for in my work, and it’s what FINCH gets right so often.”

He is also the proud owner of a corn snake named Colin Poppshed.