LA-based Morton Jankel Zander has opened operations in London.

The new office opened for business the last month on Brewer Street, with Debbie Turner (former MD at The Artists Company, London) heading MJZ's UK base. The new outpost will represent big name US directors such as Spike Jonze, Dante Ariola and Kuntz & Maguire on the UK market.

"We're interested in doing good quality work while keeping our operation small," says MJZ principal David Zander.

Turner believes that the new office will pay dividends for MJZ: "We already have a solid directorial base while London maintains a unique agency appeal."

"Creative output has been extraordinarily mature, especially of late," continues Turner, who was head of TV at both BBH and Leagas Delaney before heading to the production side of the industry. "London is still delivering good quality work and may it continue to do so."

"We're stepping onto hallowed ground," says director Mike Maguire. "We're entering the London market in a smart way; MJZ isn't going to be the 'ugly Americans' and will treat English advertising with the respect that it deserves. BBH, AMV.BBDO, Mother, St. Lukes...the list of legendary agencies go on and on."