Kinka Usher


Kinka Usher is a director of television commercials. He also directed the 1999 feature film Mystery Men.

Early life

Kinka Usher was born in France, one of four children. His mother taught dance and his father was a graphic designer. Growing up he spent his time between Europe and the United States. During these early years he explored a career in the restaurant business as a sous-chef.

Career

Entering the film industry at 23, he began as a production assistant at Harmony Pictures and gradually worked up to camera assistant, Steadicam operator and eventually a director/cameraman. His big break came though when he was hired as a camera assistant to director Roger Corman on one of his films.
His directorial debut came in 1992 on "Aborigine," a spot for Acura which earned him a Belding Award. Three years later he opened House of Usher and by 1997 he had four Lions from Cannes. The following year he received the Directors Guild of America Award for Best Commercial Director. His extensive list of credits include spots for Taco Bell, Nike, Got Milk?, Nissan, Miller Lite, Polaroid and Pepsi.
In 1999, he crossed over from commercials to features, directing Mystery Men for Universal Studios. He subsequently returned to directing commercials, including a Bridgestone ad featured in the 2011 Super Bowl.

Personal life

He is dedicated to directing in the United States so he can be near his home in Los Angeles. He has a child.

Awards