Hot Icarus' journey is one of bold risks, creative evolution, and a relentless passion for collaboration. Co-founded by directors Wij Travers and Giles Rozier, the company thrives on adaptability and a love for the creative process itself — not just the end product. Their story serves as a reminder: the best creative paths are never linear.
Neither Wij nor Giles initially set out to be directors. Giles began with a background in music and a passion for brand storytelling, while Wij's career spanned advertising, film financing, and even the shoe industry. Their first collaboration was an advertising agency, but it didn’t take long for them to realise that directing was their true calling.
Hot Icarus officially launched in 2019, coinciding with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of pulling back, Wij and Giles doubled down. They moved in together, secured a major retainer, and built an in-house content team for a client when most others were hesitating. Their philosophy? Take risks. Try new things. Never repeat the same thing twice.
The name "Hot Icarus" was born from a playful suggestion by Wij's sister: "Everything sounds better with 'Hot' in front of it." But it also encapsulated the duo’s philosophy — daring to fly high even when the risks are daunting.
At the core of Hot Icarus is the dynamic balance between Wij and Giles’ complementary strengths. Giles brings technical expertise and advertising strategy, while Wij offers a more narrative-driven, artistic perspective. Their workflow is intense, collaborative, and often full of creative tension — but it’s this tension that drives them to refine and perfect ideas until the technical and emotional aspects are perfectly aligned. And at the centre of it all is story. Whether in a gritty sports commercial or an abstract visual piece, their signature lies in uncovering the emotional thread and pulling it forward with care and originality. It’s this narrative instinct that makes their work stand out — even in crowded commercial spaces.
Their inspirations are diverse: Nineties culture, arthouse cinema, music, classic French films, old stories, and iconic advertisements. Where Wij gravitates towards visually stunning films that don’t always rely on a strong narrative, Giles prefers emotionally resonant storytelling. This blend of contrasting views defines their unique voice.
One of the key challenges Hot Icarus embraces is balancing artistic aspiration with commercial work. They intentionally carve out time for passion projects alongside client work — protecting their artistic integrity while delivering top-tier commercial content. One passion project in the works? A bold, car-themed script set in Mexico, told through the eyes of a boxer — a fresh, unconventional take on the typical car commercial.
Hot Icarus' partnership with +ep. films wasn’t by chance. The duo was drawn to +ep. films’s commitment to artistic growth, their deep production expertise, and their shared vision of pushing creative boundaries. Their first collaboration, a Samsung shoot in a 14th-century Franciscan monastery, was a high-risk, high-reward project. Through meticulous planning, creative animatics, and mutual trust, the project became a huge success, reinforcing their belief in the power of strong partnerships.
But filmmaking isn’t all glamour. Wij and Giles openly discuss the grind — the exhaustion, the fear of compromise, and the emotional toll of post-production. Yet, they view every setback as a learning opportunity. Each challenge strengthens their vision and deepens their resolve.
Looking ahead, Hot Icarus remains true to what has always fueled their creativity: taking risks, telling original stories, and trusting in their partnership. Future projects include further developing their car-themed film, expanding internationally, and continuing to collaborate with brands who appreciate true storytelling.
In a world that often chases fleeting trends, Hot Icarus reminds us that the real magic happens when we dare to soar — even if it means risking a little burn along the way.
For Hot Icarus, creativity is an act of courage. By embracing risk, imperfection, and passion, they ensure that the journey of filmmaking remains as exhilarating as the first daring leap toward the sun.
