We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ofer Yakov. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ofer below.

Alright, Ofer thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

In my 12 years of film-making, I’ve learned that stories can truly make a difference. Film is my language to share what’s essential; I aim to inspire change and bring attention to our planet’s care, human rights, and animal protection.

The recent events, marked by the brutal attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7th, 2023, and the subsequent rise in antisemitism, have steered my focus toward conveying the truths that are often obscured. In collaboration with individuals and organizations who share this mission, we aim to create content that advocates for peace, conveys reality, and dispels falsehoods.

Our creations delve into:

– Expose the brutal realities of the Hamas attack, capturing the raw adversity and indomitable courage of the Israeli people.
– Highlight the unity and ethical fortitude of the Jewish community, as well as the integrity of the Israeli Defense Forces.
– Celebrate the widespread solidarity with Israel, illustrated by support from celebrities, politicians, and nations worldwide.

As an Israeli filmmaker, my work is my vow to deliver our story with heartfelt truth. By capturing our collective endurance and aspirations, I contribute to a narrative of hope and collective progress toward peace.

Ofer, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Ofer Yakov, a 29-year-old commercial director and owner of a media production company based in Los Angeles.

I made the move to LA from Israel five years ago, holding an artist visa, and have since been working with well-known brands to create empowering content for their audiences. Some of our clients include Dolce & Gabbana, Omega, Red Bull, and others.

Our projects often revolve around extreme sports and lifestyles, which aligns with one of my greatest passions. Activities like skateboarding, motocross, biking, surfing, skydiving, and more fill my portfolio. The rush of adrenaline from these pursuits not only fuels my life but also acts as a therapeutic stress reliever. Watching people break their boundaries and demonstrate the achievable in the face of the “impossible” is a constant source of inspiration for me.

Over the years, I’ve gathered a significant following of people who enjoy following my journey, my work, and the messages I share with them. My hope is to continue doing what I love, inspiring and assisting more individuals along the way.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I had been running my production company under my own name for quite a while. However, as we continued to grow, it became evident that despite our exceptional team of creatives, people still perceived it as a one-person operation. Realizing the need for change, I decided to undergo a rebranding process. We chose the name “The Giant Bird,” intentionally eliminating any individual association and emphasizing the strength of our collective team. At the same time, we redesigned our website to prominently feature our team members.

This strategic shift has produced significant results. New clients now exhibit greater confidence, leading to increased investments in each project.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Over the past year, we’ve embraced a range of AI-based features that have significantly enhanced our workflow, enabling us to work with greater speed and efficiency. These features include Generative Titles, Voiceover capabilities, Generative Photoshop AI, and many more.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thegiantbird.co
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/ofer_yakov
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/oferyakov
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@OferYakov

Image Credits
Jake Irish