London-based production company Spindle has announced that director Sacha Barbin has joined the roster for representation in the UK and Netherlands.

Known for crafting striking, innovative visuals packed with emotion, blending technical prowess with a unique sensitivity and ambition, Paris-based Barbin has a powerful, cinematic style that has been lauded at D&AD, Club des DA, the UKMVAs, Camerimage and more.

His work includes acclaimed music videos for Labrinth, Tshegue, Octavian and M83, and commercials for Unibet and clothing brand Marine Serre. His own original narratives have been shortlisted at the French Academy Awards. 

Arguably Barbin's most notable work to date is the music video he directed for M83's My Tears Are Becoming a Sea. Encapsulating an emotional narrative and high-stakes drama, it follows a pregnant couple on the way to the hospital moments before the birth, where a spectacular car crash plays out with a surreal, unexpected twist. The cinematic promo - made to honour the tenth anniversary of the song’s original release - won a graphite pencil at the D&AD awards.

His 2019 video for Labrinth's Miracle, told a powerful allegorical tale about a lonely young boy with dreams of flying, who eventually makes a pact with the devil to realise his dream. The striking film was nominated at the UKMVAs and Camerimage among others, and received a Vimeo Staff Pick.

Other music video releases include vibrant loop-based promo for Tshegue's M’benga Bila, a stunningly-shot study of faith and morals for Isaac Delusion's The Sinner’ and a hallucinatory helicopter ride over Paris for Octavian ‘No Weakness’.

Barbin has also worked with brands and fashion labels to create distinctive commercial campaigns. His collaboration with fashion company Marine Serre, who pioneer the use of upcycled and recycled materials, has recently seen two visually-arresting releases: Ostal 24 stylistically explores the surreal life of a small community and their rituals, representing artisanal crafts and traditions. This succeeded a science fiction short film, Amor Fati, that highlights an ‘ecofuturist’ clothing line through the visual journey of an android. The two films have received wide acclaim and were featured in The New York Times, Vogue, Vanity Fair, among other publications.

Most recently, Barbin has released a fun, transition-based commercial for Unibet that features football megastars Neymar and Mbappé. He also was the creative director for Rita Ora’s latest album cover shoot.

"We’re so excited to welcome Sacha to the Spindle family," says Mayling Wong, Spindle Executive Producer. "His creative mind led by post integration and surreal, emotional storytelling has always captivated me within his work, and his video for M83 has been one of my favourites from the last decade. Myself and the rest of the Spindle team are looking forward to what we create next with Sacha."

On signing to Spindle, Sacha Barbin adds: "From the first meeting with the Spindle family, a lasting bond was formed, rooted in our shared passion for filmmaking, respect for the craft, and the people behind it. I love their values, their ambition, and their vision for the industry. Spindle is growing, and I’m excited to be part of this journey. Together, we're set to weave stories that resonate!"

• Watch Sacha Barbin's showreel at Spindle here