Mark Gilbert is an incredible comedic commercial director and cinematic storyteller, recognized for his precise command of casting, performance, and comedic narrative — often regarded as an “actor’s director” who elevates scripts through nuance, tone, and restraint. His work pairs strong visual storytelling with emotional intelligence, resulting in films that feel sharp, culturally relevant, and intentionally crafted for today’s market. From the iconic IKEA “Start the Car” spot that became a cultural touchstone in Canada, to BMW’s “Twins,” the Cannes Lion–winning “Ladyballs” for Ovarian Cancer Canada, and the refreshingly restrained “No Jingles or Mascots” campaign, Mark consistently delivers comedy that is smart, cinematic, and purpose-driven. With a foundation in award-winning photography and editorial storytelling, his performance-first approach has earned international recognition from Cannes, D&AD, CLIOs, ANDYs, and Saatchi & Saatchi’s New Directors Showcase, cementing his voice as a confident, modern force in relevant comedic commercial storytelling.
Awards
Cannes Lions Shortlist 2025 for Casey House Stigmavir campaign
Gold Winner Health Care Marketing Impact Awards 2024 for Casey House Stigmavir campaign
Ladyballs for Ovarian Cancer was shortlisted for a 2017 Clio Award
Ovarian Cancer Canada 'Ladyballs' campaign won Silver and Bronze Cannes Lions 2016
IKEA ‘Start the Car’ Best Canadian Ad of the 21st Century
'No Jingles or Mascots' campaign wins Gold at the Philadelphia American Advertising Awards (ADDYs)
Little Trees 'Forest/Ocean/New Car' wins Gold for Campaign ADCC Awards November 2012
Little Trees 'Ocean' wins Gold for Broadcast Single Marketing Awards June 2012
Hockey Canada 'Hand' Voted 'Top Spots of the Year' at Globe & Mail, Toronto 2006
Pepsi-Minis Campaign Clios Shortlist 2004
V.I.F.F. 'Hailstorm' Clios Shortlist 2004
CMT 'Window' Clios Shortlist 2004
PLAY
Kia
Mobsters
PLAY
VIFF
Woman Skin
PLAY
LittleTrees
Forest
PLAY
VIFF
Pants I Have Owned
PLAY
Hockey Canada
Hand
PLAY
IKEA
Start The Car
Awards
Cannes Lions Shortlist 2025 for Casey House Stigmavir campaign
Gold Winner Health Care Marketing Impact Awards 2024 for Casey House Stigmavir campaign
Ladyballs for Ovarian Cancer was shortlisted for a 2017 Clio Award
Ovarian Cancer Canada 'Ladyballs' campaign won Silver and Bronze Cannes Lions 2016
IKEA ‘Start the Car’ Best Canadian Ad of the 21st Century
'No Jingles or Mascots' campaign wins Gold at the Philadelphia American Advertising Awards (ADDYs)
Little Trees 'Forest/Ocean/New Car' wins Gold for Campaign ADCC Awards November 2012
Little Trees 'Ocean' wins Gold for Broadcast Single Marketing Awards June 2012
Hockey Canada 'Hand' Voted 'Top Spots of the Year' at Globe & Mail, Toronto 2006
Rodney Lucas knows a thing or two about good work. New stuff coming soon. See here..
New Door
[03.27.2025]
For anyone who’s ever walked in looking for Cozey, this one is for you. See here.
Liane's Birthday
[03.26.2025]
Happy belated to the one keeping this production on schedule! Check it out on our instagram here.
Skin and Bones Jackets
[03.21.2025]
If you know, you know. The 2017 jacket is back—now in red for our anniversary. Get it before it’s gone (again). Check it out on our instagram here.
ROM
[03.14.2025]
In 1944, Robert “Bob” Hanf wrote this letter to his family from Auschwitz. At the time, all communication was censored so the outside world wouldn’t know what was really happening. In this film, light becomes a beacon of knowledge—passed from witness to witness, ensuring history is not forgotten and its mistakes are not repeated. “What will be the end?” Check out Jeremi Durand's new spot with the ROM here.
Our New Identity
[03.01.2025]
We’re getting rid of the old Skin & Bones and starting fresh. It’s more than just a new look (but we love the new look), it’s a new way forward. Give the rebrand a spin on our site.
David Reviews
[02.21.2025]
Always a good day when one of our favourite directors gets a five-star review. “People Watching” Stuart Mcintyre’s gorgeous and artful music video for Sam Fender gets top marks from team at David Reviews check it out here.
New Bathroom Wallpaper
[02.18.2025]
We want to make sure everyone who comes to the office has the best experience, no matter what room they are in. That’s why we’ve got this beautiful new Toronto “Toile du Jouy” in the two rooms where we all spend so much time texting.
Nolan McD’s
[02.11.2025]
Decision fatigue is depicted at its most delicious in this new McDonald’s spot from the lovely Nolan Sarner. It’s inviting and yummy, just like a box of McDonald’s french fries fresh out of the fryer. Are you hungry? Give it a watch.
EyeCandy
[02.04.2025]
The sharp eyes at EyeCandy @eyecannndy have spotted Jeremi Durand’s @_jeremidurand new music video for Nina Chuba @ninachuba. Surreal and simple, artful and wild we’re not surprised to see Jeremi’s work is turning heads. Check out the video here and the eye candy link here.