Building on its platform for the confluence of talent, CHRLX Beauty reunited with award-winning director Charlie Wan to create “Lean On Me“. nnThe 8-minute fashion film debuted in three sold-out shows at TriBeCa Cinemas during last month’s Fashion Week. It was conceived and directed by Wan, working closely with fellow collective member and Director of Photography Pete Konczal. It features contemporary dancers Lilija Rรบriksdรณttir & Isaies Santamaria Perez dressed in exquisite pieces by Herve Leger, Diane Von Furstenberg and Azzedine Alaia. Loni Landon and Gregory Dolbashian provided the poetic, expressive choreography.nn”Charlie’s approach was fresh and risky,” said Konczal of his first collaboration with Wan. “He wanted to really light the stage, to let the dancers move and exist in this environment. We kept the camera on a dolly, rolling freely with no track, so the dancers could transition through the light and be affected by it. This collective as a whole is very much driven by a like-mindedness, a desire to take chances.”nn
nView and share the Teasernn”This project was an opportunity for CHRLX Beauty to support Charlie and the crew and to show our appreciation for the art of fashion and beauty,” said Executive Creative Director Ryan Dunn, whose previous work with the collective includes the short film “Red Ascent” and films for David Yurman, among others.nn”These collaborations aren’t simply about providing post services,” said Executive Producer Corey Budro, “they are about vision fulfillment, collaboration, and whatever comes along with it. We want to allow artists like Charlie and Pete to focus on artistry, and let the story drive the piece.” “Our new Creative Director, Matt Wilson, will push this agenda even further,” Dunn added. “We want to find a balance between live-action, design and CG, between art and commerce – but above all we’re trying to create stories worth remembering.”nn”Thanks to CHRLX Beauty, I feel I’ve opened a Pandora’s box within myself,” Wan said. “I began as an Art Director in design and post-production, transitioning into fashion and beauty photography and directing. Now I’ve challenged myself to explore dance. We’re going to see more marriages between dance and fashion – it works emotionally and aesthetically.”nnWan also composed and arranged the film’s track, “Waterfall,” another creative first for him. “What an adventure this has been,” Wan concluded. “I’m so honored to have so many talented people contribute to bring this piece to life. It was a group effort, and a milestone for CHRLX Beauty as a collective.”nnView the Full Film HEREn nProject CreditsnDirector: Charlie WannExecutive Producer: CHRLX BeautynProducer: Juan ReinosonDancers: Isaies Santamaria Perez, Lilja R๏ฟฝriksd๏ฟฝttirnDirector of Photography: Pete KonczalnEditor: Duc-Minh NguyennRetouched and Color-Corrected by: Kyle Derleth/CHRLX BeautynChoreographers: Greg Dolbashian, Loni LandonnStylist: Newheart OhaniannHairstylist: Adam MaclaynMake-up Artists: Mari Shten, Francisca Saavedra Von DessauernArt Director: Nicolaas SmithnAssistant Director: Samantha LightnAssistant Camera: John CoopernGaffer: Andrew Tank RivaranBest Boy Electric: Brad ReebnKey Grip: Gary WilkinsnBest Boy Grip: Charles Chip KelknProduction Assistant: Henry HoughanCraft Service: Jo Anne JosephnPhotographer: May Lin Le Goffn
Charlex Corey Budro 212.719.4600 Contact Corey via email
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Who Needs Los Angeles? We Do.
One doesn't have to be a statistician to know that there are fewer commercials being shot in the U.S. today for the American market than ever before, and a dramatic decrease in L.A. in particular. In the last five years, as reported by FilmLA (the office tasked with issuing permits), L.A. commercial production has dipped 31 percent. But hereโs the thing: This doesnโt mean that L.A. has lost its importance as the production center of the world. Production in L.A. is vital. It is the go-to. Itโs where you can count on access to exemplary crews, a support infrastructure second to none, varied location and backlot options, a large population of on-screen talent and (fairly) predictable weather. The fact is, with overall decline and now the devastation of the fires, weโre on the brink of losing this mainstay resource. Without employment opportunities and now many without homes, talented and trained crew are bound to leave either the industry or the LA area for other opportunities, unless there are enough job opportunities to sustainย a solid living. Now is the time when we ALL must support and bolster this community. Production is needed in L.A., now! Of course, advertising is a business, and marketersโ money should be spent as efficiently as possible, BUT we have to think beyond each production and know that if we lose the incredible resource of L.A. production as we know it, then marketers, agencies and the industry loses in the long run. Over the past several days, some agencies have issued directives to production companies that are unilaterally pushing upcoming production options out of L.A. The fact is L.A. is a large area, and many sections of the city and county are not directly impacted... Read More