Michele Aboud brings her unique ability to find the heart of a story to Flint

Flint has had a year filled with work and is now looking to grow its roster. One talent chosen is director and photographer, Michele Aboud.

“We had been looking for an amazing female director-photographer to bring more of a feminine touch into our mix,” stated Flint executive producer, Rachel Henderson.

“We’ve watched and admired Michele’s work over the years and knew she must be quite a force to survive this long in a male-dominated industry. Although things are slowly changing, she’s definitely the trailblazer of her time. And it turns out she’s the loveliest, most down-to-earth person, with an unbelievable amount of passion for her craft.”

Michele graduated from the Photographic College of London and has lived and worked in Paris, London, New York and Sydney. Her delicate touch is evident in her work and now in her films. She has a remarkable eye for detail and natural, organic performance, and her relational approach to directing and performance is evident in the films she directs.

Aboud’s documentary film, A Close Shave, has been recognised by eleven local and international film festivals, including Berlin Short Film Festival, ARFF Amsterdam & ARFF Berlin.

Her branded content video, Voices of Relapse, for Saatchi & Saatchi Wellness was a finalist at the NYF Global Awards in both Branded Content & Entertainment and Film Technique. She has also directed films for McCann Health and Ward6, a series of commercials with WhiteGREY for HSBC.

“Being a photographer has heightened my skills of perception. It’s a natural progression to direct and engage with the more sensitive aspects of human nature. When vulnerability is seen, I’m there to hold the space, it’s something you learn by listening to another,” Aboud commented. She also engaged an actor’s coach to learn the language for directing actors.

“For many years I shot fashion in parallel with advertising, it was always of duel interest and inspiration. Moving into directing draws on this experience for the mise en scene that film presents. Every detail is considered, colours become a visual, emotional language along with light and shade. I’ve always had someone in front the camera, reading people became a second nature, with all of this culminating, the best is yet to come!”

“Since my return from overseas three years ago, I’ve been steadily honing my directorial skills, moving beyond the click of a decisive moment in photography to the all-encompassing vision that motion offers. Flint feels like a kid glove, the perfect fit, and subtle enough to roll with all the creative challenges we consider when pulling a shoot together. I know I’m in great hands and the timing is right, so happy to be with them, awesome team and generous beyond,” she added.