Bicoastal production house Sanctuary has added Mary Dauterman to its directorial roster. She’s brought silly and stylish commercial films to life for brands including International Delight, Pinterest, Pirate’s Booty, e.l.f., José Cuervo, IHOP, and Casper
Originally from Texas, Dauterman began her journey into directing with her love for film, which flourished during her time as an agency creative at Wieden+Kennedy, Droga5, and Crispin Porter+Bogusky. Her strong narrative background informs an approach that transforms advertisements into entertaining and deliciously unusual stories, often dipping a toe into the surreal and absurd.
Prior to joining Sanctuary, Dauterman had most recently been repped in the commercialmaking space by production house Imposter.
Last year, Dauterman debuted her body horror comedy Booger, which was co-executive produced by Sanctuary alongside Ley Line Entertainment (Everything Everywhere All at Once) and Neon Heart (Shiva Baby). The feature premiered to acclaim at the Fantasia Film Festival and was supported by the Tribeca Creators Market and Film Independent. Dauterman’s short films have been selected for multiple Vimeo Staff Picks and Webbies, and screened at assorted festivals as well as on Adult Swim, Hulu, and Vulture. Dauterman’s other creative collaborations include co-inventing the viral beach accessory, The Tortilla Towel™, authoring and illustrating two children’s books for adults, and directing and writing various projects for Adult Swim. She is currently in development on her second feature, a comedy heist called Thirty Grand, with support from Film Independent.
“Watching Mary make Booger was nothing short of inspiring,” said Preston Lee, Sanctuary’s founder. “She is able to harness the most amazing creative energy while never losing sight of the story. We’re super excited to now work with her on ads and looking forward to making some funny work together.”
Dauterman’s experiences in the vibrant landscape of New York and indie filmmaking have contributed to her expertise in casting talent, especially from the Brooklyn comedy scene. Dauterman’s contributions to film have earned her recognition as an ADC Young Gun along with numerous Webby Awards, D&AD wins, One Show Pencils, and Cannes Lions. She is also an alum of SHOOT’s 2019 New Directors Showcase.
Dauterman said, “The team at Sanctuary are all wonderful collaborators, and I’m thrilled to bridge my passion for independent film and impactful commercial content together. It feels great to nerd out about storytelling across mediums, and I can’t wait to continue making fun and memorable work together.”
“Heretic” and “Maria” Set As Red Carpet Premieres At AFI Fest
The American Film Institute (AFI) has announced that Heretic, the psychological thriller starring Hugh Grant, and Maria, based on the life of opera singer Maria Callas starring Angelina Jolie, will round out the Red Carpet Premieres section at this year’s AFI Fest. The Heretic Gala Screening will take place on Thursday, October 24, and the Maria Gala Screening will be held on Saturday, October 26. The complete Red Carpet Premieres section includes the world premieres of Music By John Williams, Robert Zemeckis’ Here, Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl and Clint Eastwood’s Juror #2. All Red Carpet Premieres will take place at the historic TCL Chinese Theatre. The full lineup for AFI Fest 2024 will be unveiled on October 1.
“At the heart of AFI Fest is an unwavering dedication to celebrating the best in global cinema--together,” said Bob Gazzale, AFI president and CEO. “We look forward to uniting artists and audiences once again to be inspired by the art form in a powerful sense of community.”
Heretic follows two young missionaries (Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East) who are forced to prove their faith when they knock on the wrong door and are greeted by a diabolical Mr. Reed (portrayed by Grant), becoming ensnared in his deadly game of cat-and-mouse. The film is directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods and produced by Stacey Sher, Beck, Woods, Julia Glausi and Jeanette Volturno. The film will be released nationwide by A24 on November 8.
Directed by Pablo Larraín, Maria presents a tumultuous and beautiful depiction of one of the world’s most renowned artists and reimagines the legendary soprano in her final days in Paris, as Callas (Jolie)... Read More