Global Managing Partner
Merman
What advice do you have for new directors?
Include whatever you feel will be helpful…
The most important thing for new directors is to not wait for the perfect opportunities to come along; you have to create your opportunities. That means making things that move you, that show the audience how you see the world. In the beginning of your career, this is the time to establish your voice and vision. There will be plenty of time for compromise later. But in the beginning, you have the great privilege of deciding what stories you want to tell. With the ability to self-distribute on YouTube or Vimeo channels, your work will get noticed. The right people will find you if you are true to your voice and vision. The second thing to note is that film is a collaborative medium – you need others to realize your vision. So, if you don’t come from a film school, seek out groups like Women in Film or Film Independent, where you can find support and crew to help you make things.
Any tips on how to balance career and personal life?
Choose projects that are rewarding and fulfilling; that move your career in a direction where you are growing and learning. If you choose projects wisely, where every time you step on set you think: “that was time well spent”, then you won’t be tempted to take every opportunity that comes your way. You have to step away every now and then and fill the tank. Time with family and friends fills your tank, and creates much needed perspective to make your future projects better.
Sinners and Saints Adds Apple Pie To Its Branded Menu
Bicoastal Sinners and Saints--the multidisciplinary studio overseen by managing director/executive producer Heather Heller, and partners/EPs Yann Henric and Thomas Carroll--has added Apple Pie Tabletop to its roster for branded content. Known for its food and beverage content creation, Apple Pie comprises the husband-and-wife team of director/DP Gene Dubin and director/art director Alisa Volodina. In addition to representation, the move expands Apple Pie’s production capabilities through the combination of its centrally located full-service studio in New York and a newly established mobile studio in Los Angeles. Apple Pie recently teamed with Sinners and Saints on a Wienerschnitzel project created by Innocean.
“We believe that our dual studio strategy positions us uniquely in the competitive landscape of food and beverage storytelling,” said Heller. “By blending the artistry of the New York studio with the flexibility of our Los Angeles location, we can tailor our productions to meet the unique demands of each project, regardless of geography.”
“Working with Sinners and Saints in the demanding field of tabletop was an absolute pleasure,” shared Apple Pie Tabletop in a joint statement. “Warm welcome, unwavering support and dedication--everything a director can ask for. The entire experience was both enjoyable and rewarding. We will not miss an opportunity to collaborate with them again.”
“The first thing you notice is that Apple Pie has beautiful work,” Heller observed. “Having worked with them, I can say that Gene and Alisa are extremely meticulous and detail-oriented; their combination of talent and agility appeals to agencies and clients.” Also appealing to Heller is Apple Pie Tabletop’s brisk international... Read More