Creative agency FIG has promoted its award-winning producer, Jill Landaker Grunes, into a new full-time role as head of production.
Grunes will oversee both the production and business affairs departments as well as the agency’s in-house studio. She will collaborate with the agency’s integrated creative, data, media and strategy offerings to nimbly optimize and refine campaigns in market and will continue to expand the definition of what agencies can own and make for brands.
Grunes began working at FIG in 2016 in a freelance capacity with an extensive background in documentary film and theatre. In this freelance role she led production of the majority of the agency’s output leading to her coming on board full-time to hire a team and set up processes to accommodate growth while maintaining quality. She was promoted to executive producer in early 2018, during which time she helped to establish and expand the agency’s in-house studio offering.
During her time at FIG, she has been instrumental in the production of many campaigns and projects for brands including Vimeo, Spotify, Macy’s, Virgin Atlantic and CNN. Prior to joining FIG, Grunes founded and led Smartypants Pictures where she produced independent award-winning films and branded content, working with brands and agencies.
“I’ve loved growing with FIG these last few years and having the opportunity to work with such an exceptional integrated team,” said Grunes. “I look forward to building on FIG’s reputation as creators of exceptional innovative stories.”
Scott Vitrone, partner and chief creative officer at FIG, said, “Jill is one of the most knowledgeable producers I’ve worked with. She brings a calm clarity to every production and always makes our ideas better.”
“Heretic” and “Maria” Set As Red Carpet Premieres At AFI Fest
The American Film Institute (AFI) has announced that Heretic, the psychological thriller starring Hugh Grant, and Maria, based on the life of opera singer Maria Callas starring Angelina Jolie, will round out the Red Carpet Premieres section at this year’s AFI Fest. The Heretic Gala Screening will take place on Thursday, October 24, and the Maria Gala Screening will be held on Saturday, October 26. The complete Red Carpet Premieres section includes the world premieres of Music By John Williams, Robert Zemeckis’ Here, Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl and Clint Eastwood’s Juror #2. All Red Carpet Premieres will take place at the historic TCL Chinese Theatre. The full lineup for AFI Fest 2024 will be unveiled on October 1.
“At the heart of AFI Fest is an unwavering dedication to celebrating the best in global cinema--together,” said Bob Gazzale, AFI president and CEO. “We look forward to uniting artists and audiences once again to be inspired by the art form in a powerful sense of community.”
Heretic follows two young missionaries (Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East) who are forced to prove their faith when they knock on the wrong door and are greeted by a diabolical Mr. Reed (portrayed by Grant), becoming ensnared in his deadly game of cat-and-mouse. The film is directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods and produced by Stacey Sher, Beck, Woods, Julia Glausi and Jeanette Volturno. The film will be released nationwide by A24 on November 8.
Directed by Pablo Larraín, Maria presents a tumultuous and beautiful depiction of one of the world’s most renowned artists and reimagines the legendary soprano in her final days in Paris, as Callas (Jolie)... Read More