When I think of the most gorgeously-shot films of the last decade or so, Lost in Translation and Where the Wild Things Are certainly make a spot on the shortlist. The one common denominator in both is now planning to get behind the camera in a different capacity. Cinematographer Lance Acord, frequent collaborator with directors Spike Jonze and Sofia Coppola, has been hired for directorial debut by DreamWorks. [Variety]

Although he didn’t get to go around the racetrack for Coppola’s Somewhere, Acord will have his chance now. The film is Racing Dreams, a remake of Marshall Curry‘s 2009 acclaimed documentary of the same name (known in my head for music from indie rockers The National). The film follows ”three young racers as they compete in the World Karting Association’s National Pavement Series. Clocking speeds up to 70 mph, the trio chase the National Championship title and move closer to achieving their dream of becoming NASCAR racers.”

There’s no hint at how closely the above synopsis will follow with Acord’s film, but despite the family-friendly nature of most DreamWorks films, we can bet on one thing – it will beautiful. Even if you haven’t seen any films Acord has shot (what are you doing? Get on that.), chances are you’ve seen his work in a number of commercials, from Starbucks to Adidas to Nike and even Volkswagen’s famous Star Wars spots. Check out both the trailer for the original Racing Dreams and the Acord-directed music video for Bright Eyes‘ Jejune Stars below.

Are you looking forward to Acord’s debut?