Chicago-based live action production company Strange Loop Studios has signed Brandon Pico + Amanda Lemiuex of Hapa to handle representation on the East Coast. Strange Loop continues to be repped by SG+Partners in the Midwest, and Yvette Represents on the West Coast. Recent Strange Loop projects include a three-city shoot for Kohler, and work for BASF that entailed filming winter for spring….
Agency Source–an up-to-date, curated list of advertising agencies, brands, production companies (and their personnel) online–has joined forces with the Alliance of Independent Representatives (AIR), creating a pathway for development of Agency Source offerings designed to aid AIR as a group. AIR, a 501(c)6 trade organization, was formed last year to unite, support and elevate independent representatives by creating a platform where community dialogue, resources, and vital guidance are shared…..
Pixotope Technologies, known for live augmented reality and virtual production solutions, has appointed Brian Olson as VP of sales, covering North America. Olson is highly skilled in strategic business development, technical execution, and troubleshooting for an international client base. In his new role at Pixotope, Olson will focus on driving brand awareness and nurturing existing customer relationships on a global scale, helping to bring the next generation of visual storytelling tools to media professionals….
Review: Writer-Directors Scott Beck and Bryan Wood’s “Heretic”
"Heretic" opens with an unusual table setter: Two young missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are discussing condoms and why some are labeled as large even though they're all pretty much a standard size. "What else do we believe because of marketing?" one asks the other.
That line will echo through the movie, a stimulating discussion of religion that emerges from a horror movie wrapper. Despite a second-half slide and feeling unbalanced, this is the rare movie that combines lots of squirting blood and elevated discussion of the ancient Egyptian god Horus.
Our two church members — played fiercely by Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East — are wandering around trying to covert souls when they knock on the door of a sweet-looking cottage. Its owner, Mr. Reed, offers a hearty "Good afternoon!" He welcomes them in, brings them drinks and promises a blueberry pie. He's also interested in learning more about the church. So far, so good.
Mr. Reed is, of course, if you've seen the poster, the baddie and he's played by Hugh Grant, who doesn't go the snarling, dead-eyed Hannibal Lecter route in "Heretic." Grant is the slightly bumbling, bashful and self-mocking character we fell in love with in "Four Weddings and a Funeral," but with a smear of menace. He gradually reveals that he actually knows quite a bit about the Mormon religion — and all religions.
"It's good to be religious," he says jauntily and promises his wife will join them soon, a requirement for the church. Homey touches in his home include a framed "Bless This Mess" needlepoint on a wall, but there are also oddities, like his lights are on a timer and there's metal in the walls and ceilings.
Writer-directors Scott Beck and Bryan Wood — who also... Read More