Filmmaker Paul Cummings, who works in commercials, music videos and shorts–with a specialty in stop motion–has signed with Los Angeles creative studio DUCK….New York-based Sonic Union has formed an alliance with veteran voice casting director Maria Pappalardo, who’ll be screening talent for television, film, web and radio, working out of the popular Union Square studios. Pappalardo opens the independent casting service, Pappalardo Casting, following 15 years as BBDO N.Y.’s head of voiceover casting where she cast thousands of large-scale campaigns for the likes of Visa, GE, Pepsi and Gillette…..Peepshow Post Productions, London and N.Y., has brought editor Dean Gonzalez, formerly of Final Cut, aboard its roster. Gonzalez is experienced in spots, music videos and is currently working on a documentary feature, The History of Canadian Humor (If It’s Not Too Much Trouble), produced by The Sibs and directed by Rob Cohen who has written for such shows as Saturday Night Live, The Simpsons and Mr. Show….
Robert Eggers and Willem Dafoe Reunite For “Nosferatu”
When Willem Dafoe enjoys working with a filmmaker, he'll often jump at the chance to do it again.
The list of directors with whom the 69-year-old has worked with more than once is extensive, including Wes Anderson,Yorgos Lanthimos,Paul Schrader,Lars von Trier and, now for a third time, Robert Eggers. "If it's good, you come back," Dafoe said plainly.
The pair spoke about Eggers' adaptation of "Nosferatu" that hits theaters Wednesday, some of the challenges they faced making "The Lighthouse" — their first project together released in 2019 — and the unique relationship that exists between actors and directors.
The interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.
Q: Willem, I read that you called Robert after you saw "The Witch." What did you say?
DAFOE: I want to meet you and I want to know who this filmmaker is.
Q: What is it about him that keeps bringing you back?
DAFOE: Well, if it's good, you come back. When I saw "The Witch," I thought, "Wow, this is a film about a period that I'm not particularly knowledgeable about, but I enter it so easily. This is relevant. It's rooted. It's my story. I'm with these people."
That's quite an incredible trick because a lot of period films, they're always pointing to themselves. They're always sending messages. They're always showing. This had a kind of energy and the kind of physicality and sensuality that I thought, "Who does this? I gotta see this guy." And then I had a wonderful experience in "The Lighthouse" and I played a part that was really fun in "The Northman." So, when he wants to do this passion project and offers me this beautiful role of Professor Von Franz, I say,... Read More