The Rise Guys

The Rise Guys is our in-house directing offering, comprised of the three founders of Rise Media: Mark Lunt, Dan Morbin and Mike Lienard.

Over the last 10 years we have directed and co-directed over 100 projects for high profile clients, including Harper’s Bazaar, Logitech, Bose, Toyota, Esquire, The Times, TikTok, YouTube, National Trust, Women’s Health and many more.

We also manage the wider Rise Media production team, creating a seamless, cost-effective production process. We own a wide-ranging collection of kit, operating in conjunction with our in-house animators, editors and producers on a full-time basis.

We each have independent, unique skillsets to contribute when we direct. We’ve been best mates since school and have a synergy on-set which comes from a lifetime of friendship. When we all work together on a project, it’s a beautiful thing.

Mark Lunt

Mark’s directing resume includes prominent clients such as O2, RayBan, The Times and Victorinox.

He’s an expert in storytelling for brands through cinematic sequences, with a passion for creating content that both inspires and motivates.

Mark has a fantastic knowledge of the filmmaking world and keeps a finger on the pulse of popular content and innovative techniques. He has expertise in all areas of production, with a particular focus on post-production. You’ll find him offering forward-thinking insights whilst shooting, always keeping the final edit in mind.

Mark is a licensed drone operator, providing invaluable aerial knowhow to The Rise Guys productions. He’s also incredibly punctual.

Mark Lunt directing a studio shoot, looking at a video monitor

Rise Media director Mark Lunt checking a camera on a studio shoot

Dan Morbin

With directing projects for Google, Bose, YouTube, Tui and Logitech under his belt, Dan has a wealth of experience in creating content for global brands.

Last year his series of films for St John Ambulance won awards. His particular talent for creative writing, narrative, script, storyboarding and comedy allows him to think outside the box, crafting truly original concepts and fresh ideas from the most minimal briefs.

Dan also brings experience in Live Stream direction and Show Calling to the table. He directed major live streams last year for London Fashion Week, News UK, TikTok and more. These high-pressure events call for Dan’s broad range of skills across practical effects, physical camera techniques and rigging, along with solid experience of managing talent, actors and models on-set.

Rise Media and The Rise Guys Director Dan Morbin, Rise Media news article

Mike Lienard

Mike has directed fashion films and editorial content for major publications such as Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue, Esquire, ELLE and Women’s Health.

He takes pride in both interview and dialogue-based content, going the extra mile to understand the brands he works with to ensure their story, values and messages are effectively captured and conveyed.

Mike’s passion for cinematography, specifically involving camera movement, has led him to work with the UK’s leading property developers, architects and placemakers. His clients include Berkeley Homes, Clivedale, Barratt Homes, St George and Fabrica. He currently heads up the Spaces offering at Rise Media, delivering high-quality real estate marketing films to the UK property sector.

Mike is a skilled communicator, allowing him to bring out the very best in talent on-set, including globally renowned models, actors and athletes. His particular interest in using gimbals, drones and Steadicams lends itself brilliantly to action and shorts shoots. He’s also no stranger to a deadlift – which comes in handy for moving equipment around on set.