Stept Studios has added Brendan Varni and Blake Greenbaum as executive producers while promoting EP David Brickel to managing director of production. They are all part of a growing Stept production team led by head of production Mac Hedges. The last two years have been a period of exponential growth for the company, with its team tripling in size to over 80 staffers in the past year.
Brickel will manage the director roster and commercial strategies, in addition to cultivating new relationships in all U.S. markets. After cutting his teeth in myriad on-set roles, Brickel realized his passion lay in partnering with talented right-brained individuals to make their visions a reality. Having developed a well-rounded knowledge of the business of making commercials and films, Brickel first joined the Stept team in 2020 as executive producer.
Varni brings to Stept years working at production companies such as First Media and Whitelist, focused on both short and long form video content. With a degree in Cinema & Television Arts from CSUN and a minor in African American History in South America, Brendan Brendan has a passion for story and unique voices.
As a writer and producer, Greenbaum has worked on nearly 100 commercials and music videos for artists and brands including Google, Samsung, Snapchat, Ariana Grande, RosalÃa, Migos, A$AP Rocky, Nick Jonas, Zayn Malik, and Jack White. His music video work has been nominated for MTV VMAs and screened in competition at SXSW. Greenbaum was previously at PRETTYBIRD, serving as creative executive.
Stept Studios maintains bases of operation in Los Angeles and Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
Jean Smart, Ariana Grande, Michael Keaton among hosts for “SNL” season 50
Fresh off her Emmys win, Jean Smart will kick off the landmark 50th season of "Saturday Night Live."
NBC on Thursday announced the lineup of hosts for the season, which premieres Sept. 28. Joining Smart on the first show will be Jelly Roll as the musical act. He was also at the Emmys, singing during the ceremony's in memoriam segment.
It will be Smart's first time hosting "SNL."
Comedian Nate Bargatze will host on Oct. 5, with Coldplay as the musical guest.
Ariana Grande will host Oct. 12, with musical guest Stevie Nicks.
"Beetlejuice" star Michael Keaton will host on Oct. 19, the last show before Halloween, and Billie Eilish will be that night's musical guest.
The host on Nov. 2 will be "SNL" alum John Mulaney, with breakout sensation Chappell Roan as the music guest.
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