Global content studio Pulse Films and transatlantic comedy production outfit Merman have launched Merman X Pulse. Headquartered in L.A. and London with Pulse’s Kira Carstensen and Merman’s Jeremy Rainbird at the helm as EPs, the new shop will produce branded content, utilizing its roster of comedy filmmakers. Merman X Pulse has access to a roster of leading comedy creators, writers, directors and performers, including David Cross (Arrested Development for Fox, The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret for IFC); Sharon Horgan (Catastrophe for Amazon, Divorce starring Sarah Jessica Parker for HBO); Chris O’Dowd (Moone Boy for BBC, Bridesmaids); comedy creators Upright Citizens Brigade; New Zealand collective The Downlow Concept; and a collection of commercial directors from around the world. Merman X Pulse will work directly with brands and agencies creating branded content and commercials. In addition the company will also offer access to its talent and creative teams through script-development, workshops, brainstorms, appearances and promotion…..Live action production company Traction Ave. Films has launched in the heart of L.A.’s downtown arts district. The new venture opens with a roster of eight directors: Shane Drake, Christopher Leone, Nick Losq, Michael Norman, Jerry O’Flaherty, Toben Seymour, Ben Tedesco, and design collective StarBeast. Their slate of work includes broadcast spots for Toyota, Disney, Nike, Lenovo, and Chevrolet; videogame content for EA, 2K Games, and Facebook Games; music videos for Taylor Swift, Timbaland, and Moby; sci-fi and comedy pilots on Netflix and SyFy; and branded content for Kia Motors and Southern Comfort. Heading up Traction Ave. Films are creative director/director Losq, EPs Scott Gemmell and Lloyd D’Souza, and VFX supervisor Chris Clyne. The partners are launching Traction out of StarBeast, their digital design and production company….
Producers Douglas Wick and Lucy Fisher To Receive Harold Lloyd Award From The Advanced Imaging Society
Producers Douglas Wick and Lucy Fisher will be presented with the 2025 Harold Lloyd Award in recognition of their producing achievement in creating Gladiator II at The Advanced Imaging Society’s (AIS) 15th annual Lumiere Awards luncheon, which takes place Friday, February 7, 2025, at the Beverly Hills Hotel.
Empowering their storytelling with groundbreaking technology and skill, Wick and Fisher have thrilled audiences and driven the film industry forward for three decades. Their steadfast dedication to the highest standards of cinematic excellence have resulted in epic films, including Memoirs of a Geisha, The Great Gatsby, the Stuart Little franchise, the Divergent Series and both Gladiator films. The first Gladiator earned Wick an Academy Award® for Best Picture. In light of their consistent and distinguished contributions over the years, as exemplified by this year’s Gladiator II, the Advanced Imaging Society wished to recognize the team with this year’s esteemed Harold Lloyd Award.
“Doug Wick and Lucy Fisher of Red Wagon Entertainment have revolutionized modern filmmaking with their bold storytelling and ability to elevate large-scale productions to epic levels,” remarked Jim Chabin, AIS president. “Their work has not only captivated audiences but also redefined filmmaking standards, leaving an indelible mark on the art of cinema. At AIS. we deeply admire their visionary contributions and enduring influence on the film industry.”
Suzanne Lloyd, granddaughter of the late, great Harold Lloyd, remarked, “Doug’s artistic vision and Lucy’s dynamic leadership have brought authenticity, beauty and profound emotion to some of our favorite epic films. Together, they are a... Read More