Looking outside the blockbuster box
By Jake Coyle, Film Writer
NEW YORK (AP) --More exotic creatures thrive in the shadows of summer blockbusters. Here are 10 of the most anticipated indie films due this summer, nary a caped superhero or city-crushing monster among them.
1. "The Rover" (June 13) — David Michod's follow-up to his Aussie crime drama "Animal Kingdom" qualifies as a must-see because of the rare quality of his feature film debut. This one, which will premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, stars Guy Pearce and Robert Pattinson and is set in a near-future Australia where the world economy has collapsed and bandits roam the Outback.
2. "Boyhood" (July 11) — Richard Linklater spent 12 years making this wholly unique film. It charts a fictional family over that time (Ethan Hawke and Patricia Arquette play divorced parents) and, remarkably, shows the maturation of 6-year-old Ellar Coltrane (playing their son) from boy to man.
3. "The Immigrant" (May 16) — Tales of immigrants arriving through Ellis Island are a well-trod genre, but James Gray's 1920s drama is distinct in its portrait of the American Dream as both myth and reality. With Marion Cotillard and Joaquin Phoenix.
4. "Life Itself" (July 11) — Steve James ("Hoop Dreams") presents a documentary and ode to the late film critic Roger Ebert.
5. "Begin Again" (July 4) — Much like John Carney's "Once," this is a naturalistic, street-level drama of musicians. Keira Knightley stars as a British singer-songwriter discovered in New York by a down-on-his-luck music executive (Mark Ruffalo).
6. "Magic in the Moonlight" (July 25) — Woody Allen's annual offering this year is a comedy set on the French Riviera in the '20s starring Colin Firth and Emma Stone. It promises a romantic lightness, but the question will be how audiences respond to Allen following the renewed allegation of sexual abuse.
7. "Tracks" (May 23) — Mia Wasikowska stars as Robyn Davidson, who in 1977 trekked across 1,700 miles of the Australian Ocean to reach the Indian Ocean. Adam Driver ("Girls") stars as the National Geographic photographer who trails her.
8. "A Most Wanted Man" (July 25) — Anton Corbijn's adaption of John le Carre's novel is one of two posthumous releases for Philip Seymour Hoffman. The late actor also stars in "God's Pocket" (May 9), the directing debut of John Slattery ("Mad Men").
9. "Wish I Was Here" (July 18) — Zach Braff took a lot of criticism for his use of Kickstarter to help fund his second directorial effort following 2004's "Garden State." Braff also stars as a struggling actor who homeschools his kids.
10. "They Came Together" (June 27) — David Wain and Michael Showalter deconstruct the romantic comedy with a cast led by Paul Rudd and Amy Poehler.
The Many Hires Jeremiah Wassom As Group Creative Director
Independent agency The Many has added Jeremiah Wassom as group creative director.
Wassom most recently worked a decade at Deutsch LA where, as SVP/creative director, he led the Taco Bell account and won new business for the agency. His agency past also includes AKQA and TBWAChiatDay. His creative work has touched the QSR, video games, automotive, fashion, and culture brand sectors. He also served eight years with the United States Marine Corps.
“Throughout his career, Jeremiah has helmed work that has not only made me personally jealous but has consistently pushed brands to show up in memorable and innovative ways,” said Josh Paialii, head of creative at The Many. “One look at his body of work and you will see his passion for storytelling and craft has raised the bar for entire categories, driving participation with many brands’ most loyal fans. Beyond being a world-class creative director and maker, Wassom is a proven team player and strategic thought leader. He’ll be a great addition to the leadership team at The Many working across all accounts. His role will be immediately felt as he guides and supports each of the creative leads in the department.”
A 20-year creative with agency, brand, and freelance experience, Wassom has forged a creative approach which focuses on crafting engaging connections rather than simply make ads. He sees the need for advertising to mean more, not simply do more.
The Many believes that true business growth is made possible by harnessing the power of participation and partners with brands to forge deeper connections with consumers, cultivate trust and loyalty, and maximize marketing spend and execution. The agency is built around a flexible model that offers a suite of capabilities, including... Read More