Sebastian Funke is a filmmaker based out of Berlin, Germany. After receiving a law degree from the University of Berlin and studying directing at the New York Film Academy he ventured into the world of filmmaking- his childhood dream. Sebastian mainly works as a commercial director and has written and directed ad campaigns for international clients. He has been awarded by such prestigious entities such as Cannes Lions, New York Festival, LYNX awards, ADC-Deutschland as well as receiving the UN Award for Outstanding for Communication for his work.
Jan Vogel was born 01.09.1973 in Quito, Ecuador. He studied film as a cinematographer at the A.F.I. in Los Angeles. Shortly after film school jan was signed by Believe media, USA and directed numerous commercials and music videos for international clients. He is a DGA member. In 2004 Jan founded the production house Dickes together with two partners. In 2009 he left the company and the contract with believe media to take a break from commercial directing. In 2010 Jan directed his first feature length film “Wasted Youth” in Athens/Greece which opened the 2011 film festival in Rotterdam. Jan has also been the DOP on several other feature films.
Knowing each other since high school Sebastian and Jan decided to join forces under the name of Shootingmonkeys. Besides having directed many TV commercials they collaborated on the documentary “The sacred and the profane” produced by Believe Media which is currently finishing post production.
Travelling all over the world has deeply influenced their outlook on life. They share a passion for a humorous perspective on life. A smile, they believe, is the universal human language. The most powerful weapon. In their films they look for the humanity that resonates within our hearts, they look for the real in the absurd and the absurd in the real. And one thing is for sure: A day without laughter is a wasted one.