ArtClass has added director and photographer Matthew James Thompson to its roster for U.S. representation spanning commercials and branded content.
Recognized for his distinctive style that seamlessly merges narrative and visual artistry, Thompson has fashioned a diverse portfolio, ranging from high-profile brand campaigns to intimate and powerful portraits. Prior to joining ArtClass, Thompson had been represented in the commercialmaking arena by production house Backyard. Thompson’s clients include BMW, Nike, Google, Jeep, and Oreo. His short film for Field Notes Notebooks won awards at the IAC, Addy and Hatch competitions.
ArtClass managing director Rebecca Niles said that Thompson “brings a wealth of experience and a unique creative perspective to our team. His talent and passion for storytelling align perfectly with our vision of delivering exceptional content for our clients. We are excited to collaborate with Matthew and leverage his expertise to push the boundaries of commercial filmmaking. He strengthens our commitment to providing top-notch creative solutions and emphasizes our dedication to working with the best talent in the industry.”
Thompson said, “ArtClass’ positive momentum and growth over the past few years have been inspiring to watch. And their commitment to creative innovation and authenticity really resonates with my own approach to storytelling. I’ve been lucky to know [ArtClass founders] Vince [director Peone] and Geno [producer Imbriale] since they started and am equally as excited for where ArtClass is now as where we’re heading.”
Juliette Welfling Takes On A Musical, A Crime Thriller, Comedy and Drama In “Emelia Pérez”
Editor Juliette Welfling has a track record of close-knit, heartfelt collaboration with writer-director Jacques Audiard, a four-time BAFTA Award nominee for Best Film not in the English Language--starting with The Beat That My Heart Skipped in 2006, then A Prophet in 2010, Rust and Bone in 2013, and Dheepan in 2017. He won for The Beat That My Heart Skipped and A Prophet.
Welfling cut three of those features: A Prophet, Rust and Bone, and Dheepan. And that shared filmography has since grown to most recently include Emelia Pérez, the Oscar buzz-worthy film from Netflix. Welfling herself is not stranger to Academy Award banter. In fact, she earned a Best Achievement in Film Editing Oscar nomination in 2008 for director Julian Schnabel’s The Diving Bell and the Butterfly.
Emelia Pérez is a hybrid musical/drama/thriller which introduces us to a talented but undervalued lawyer named Rita (portrayed by Zoe Saldana) who receives a lucrative offer out of the blue from a feared drug cartel boss who’s looking to retire from his sordid business and disappear forever by becoming the woman he’s always dreamt of being (Karla Sofía Gascón in a dual role as Manitas Del Monte/Emilia Pérez). Rita helps pull this off, orchestrating the faked death of Del Monte who leaves behind a widow (Jessi, played by Selena Gomez) and kids. While living comfortably and contently in her/their new identity, Pérez misses the children. Pérez once again enlists Rita--this time to return to family life, reuniting with the kids by pretending to be their aunt, the sister of Del Monte. Now as an aunt, Pérez winds up adopting a more altruistic bent professionally,... Read More