By John Carucci
PHILADELPHIA (AP) --While characters wearing eyeglasses – real or as props – are commonplace in movies and TV, hearing aids are seldom seen on the screen – especially on leading ladies.
That's why actress Tessa Thompson was honored to play a strong woman who wears the devices in the upcoming Rocky franchise spin-off, "Creed," in theaters Nov. 25.
Thompson plays Bianca, the love interest of title character Adonis Creed, and we learn early in the film that she has degenerative hearing loss.
"People with disabilities are hugely underrepresented and not talked about enough in culture, particularly film culture," Thompson said in a weekend interview in Philadelphia to promote the movie.
The actress says the lack of these roles speaks to the way a disability is perceived and perhaps contributes to a screen stigma about the wearing of hearing aids.
"We tend to think about it through our own lens as someone who is not disabled, we think of it as something so terrible, because we can't fathom it for ourselves," Thompson suggested.
That's why it was important for the actress to play the character with a blend of confidence in the present and optimism for the future. For example, she openly discusses her hearing loss with Adonis, while learning sign language in preparation for the day when she loses her hearing completely.
"I think it was important for Bianca to tell the story of someone doing the best that she can," Thompson said. "Would she prefer to not be dealing with that at certain points? Yes. But she also maybe sees it as an opportunity, and it in no way makes her feel like she's not capable."
The idea for the character's situation came from director Ryan Coogler, whose fiancee works as a sign language interpreter.
"It makes her character richer and you learn a lot about her," Coogler said. "It's not in a way where she's ashamed of it at all."
In the film, Bianca provides the same support for Adonis as Rocky's love interest, Adrian, gave her man decades earlier. Adonis is the son of Rocky Balboa's rival and eventual friend in the earlier films, Apollo Creed. Adonis sets out to find Rocky to train him. Sylvester Stallone reprises his role as a legendary boxer, with Michael B. Jordan as Creed.
While the film offers the same inspirational punch as others in the Rocky series, Thompson feels this one takes it to another level by addressing the challenge of hearing loss.
"If I was someone that was dealing with this and I got to see that on film, it would make me feel really empowered and proud that my story was served," Thompson said. "I'm hoping that's how people feel about it."
Mike Pierantozzi joins Movers+Shakers as exec creative director
Creative agency Movers+Shakers has appointed Mike Pierantozzi as executive creative director. In this new role, he will help guide the creative direction of Movers+Shakers’ socially-native campaigns. Pierantozzi will report to co-founder and chief creative officer Geoffrey Goldberg.
With nearly two decades of experience as a copywriter, creative director, and multi-platform storyteller, Pierantozzi brings a wealth of knowledge from his work with major brands including Kraft, Unilever, IBM, and Walmart. He has led the creation of award-winning campaigns for agencies like Red Tettemer, Ogilvy, The Brooklyn Brothers, TAXI, Saatchi & Saatchi, and most recently, Vayner, where he spearheaded culturally iconic work for Planters including “Death of Mr. Peanut.” He led the National Down Syndrome Society and Luvs account, whose “First Kid. Second Kid” campaign was awarded by the Effies, ADC, Clios and LIAs.
Outside of the office, Pierantozzi practices what he teaches brands. He’s gone viral multiple times on his own TikTok account, featuring comedic interactions with his son and a trombone. He’s accumulated 15K followers on TikTok.
“Mike brings a rare and awesome combination of deep social and platform experience, a keen eye for excellent storytelling, and a humble and kind approach to leadership,” said Goldberg. “Mike’s got a knack for turning brand stories into cultural movements, making him the perfect fit for Movers+Shakers. He’s got the kind of bold vision and attention to culture that fits perfectly with our mission to push creative boundaries and drive industry firsts. Plus, as a creator himself he has the innate ability to make people stop, laugh, and share--which is exactly what we’re about.”
“I’ve... Read More