Global production company Sweetshop has expanded comedy performance director Kate Halpin’s representation to the U.S. This marks her first representation for commercials and branded content in the U.S. market. Sweetshop continues to handle her in Australia.
Halpin has directed TV commercials across Australia and internationally for brands such as LG, TK Maxx, Hyundai, Nintendo, Uber, Arnott’s Tim Tams, P&O Cruises, NSW Health, RAA and UEFA World Cup. She was awarded a Cannes Silver Lion and an Australian Directors Guild “Best Director” award for her work. Halpin’s films have screened at more than 35 festivals worldwide.
George Meeker, co-managing director of Sweetshop USA, said, “Kate is an exciting talent. There’s an increasing demand in the U.S. for female comedy performance and dialogue directors and she is all this and more. She has a unique and bold, aesthetic style, but at the same time is extremely versatile in tackling different genres. She is not afraid to challenge and to put herself out there.”
Halpin added, “I’m beyond excited that Sweetshop wants me to have a crack at the U.S. market. I have loved working with Sweetshop in Australia over the past couple of years and it’s humbling to be offered a new challenge. I can’t wait to collaborate with some of the best in the biz and create some colorful magic together.”
Sweetshop CEO Wilf Sweetland envisions Halpin making a smooth entry into the American ad market, citing her “beautifully irreverent comedic style and collaborative nature with all creatives.”
“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 yearโs 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 Zemeckisโ Here, Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl and Clint Eastwoodโs 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.
โAt the heart of AFI Fest is an unwavering dedication to celebrating the best in global cinema--together,โ said Bob Gazzale, AFI president and CEO. โWe look forward to uniting artists and audiences once again to be inspired by the art form in a powerful sense of community.โ
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 Larraรญn, Maria presents a tumultuous and beautiful depiction of one of the worldโs most renowned artists and reimagines the legendary soprano in her final days in Paris, as Callas (Jolie)... Read More