Hugo Ramirez and Olivier Patte studied graphics together in Paris, but it was during a spell at Bournemouth Uni that they decided to grow moustaches in trad English style. Several years after working in agencies and directing, they partnered up again to form – what else – Les Freres Moustaches to produce a fab collection of live action, animation and motion graphics and have just signed to London’s Hotspur and Argyle.

We hear you met at graphics school way back but have recently got back together to direct – what drew you together again?

Hugo: We were friends before working together, so once we saw each other and we talked about the future, we knew that we had the same passion for moving graphics, animation and photography. So we just said, ok let’s do it, let’s make something…
Olivier: We spent few months together at Art Institute at Bournemouth during graphic school. Since that time we grow our moustache in the same way.

What did you learn from spending time out in the advertising world?

Hugo: That everything is possible if agencies work close to the directors.
Olivier: Exactly, and everyone got the same goal, make it creative and unexpected.

What’s with the brotherly name? Et moustache??

Hugo: We like the tradition of the handcraft that we have in Europe. It’s an homage to all the small companies often run by familiars, like the grand father, the father, the sons, brothers…
Moustache is the very traditional name but it’s associated to a very contemporary activity, that’s where the interest is in all this. Maybe not to loose in mind, the way we like to work…

We really like the animation style of “Tom Haley”. How did this evolve?

Hugo: Thomas is a friend of the family since long time as his wife and sons. He is photo-journalist. He shared time on conflicts missions with my father that is journalist also. So when Thomas went asking for a film for his website, it was not possible to refuse that. The occasion was too good to use his very strong photographic work in the motion world, and tell a graphic story about conflicts and photographs work.
Olivier: We really wanted to make more graphic novels in the way reporters do. Treat informations and explain the subject in a piece of animation, could create intense attention of audience.

What do you think are the biggest influences on your directing style?

Hugo: It depend on the moments. We have very various influences, from pure photography to stop motion films passing to CG. For my part, i’m really influenced on the work of the dadaists, specially the “photo montages”. Diversions of pictures. The work of Cieslewicz and the Polish designers, precursor russian animators also.
Olivier: It’s a large mix of everything we see, from art to stupid internet videos. I have a science background and I’m fascinated by physics, I love how basic elements become animated by laws of physics. I could spend days looking at snow falling, and nights in front of fire.

What inspires you?

Hugo: My city
Olivier: Next board from agency…

What are you guys watching online?

Hugo: Decadent medias.
Olivier: You could have a look at the internet we like on our blog: http://growmoustachegrow.tumblr.com

What’s your Plan A?

Hugo: For now, make new films that we don’t see elsewhere. Exploring the medium to serve message. And sometimes just form with no message is pleasant. Keep diggin’…
Olivier: And also make films for ourselves, shorts and experimental stuff. Stay connected.

Anything else you’d like to add?
Olivier: Don’t forget your Moustache when we’ll meet.

See more work by Les Freres Moustache at http://www.hotspurandargyle.co.uk