The Directors Bureau has signed filmmaker and commercial director Sam Holst for U.S. representation. Holst brings a passion for cinematic narratives to the commercial world and has helmed spots for Vodafone, P&G, Wrigley, General Mills, Las Vegas Tourism and Sportsbet, among others. Holst’s work has earned top industry accolades, including a Gold Lion for film and TV campaigns from Cannes Lions, a Silver Clio, an AICP Show honor for music and a Gold Epica Award for film and TV. Earlier in his career, Holst earned a slot in SHOOT’s 2008 New Directors Showcase.
Prior to The Directors Bureau, Holst was handled by production house The Sweet Shop in the U.S. Internationally he’s with Markenfilm, Berlin.
Holst’s short drama Meathead was one of nine films selected to screen in competition at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival. The project also won the Crystal Bear for Best Short Film in Generation at the 62nd Berlin Film Festival. In 2014, Holst was selected to attend the Cinéfondation Residence in Paris, hosted by the Cannes Film Festival, to write and develop his debut feature.
The Directors Bureau managing director/EP Lisa Margulis said, “When I watched Sam’s work for the first time I was instantly pulled in, and watched all of it with true interest to see what transpired with the characters, in his spots and short films. His performances and casting were spot on, as well as the pacing…down to the wardrobe. He just has good taste and the ability to pull you in. And that’s what short content is all about, hooking you instantly.”
The Director’s Bureau director/owner Roman Coppola noted, “Sam’s work is witty and clever, and his executions are imaginative. I always appreciate directors who work in longer formats, but can capture the same character studies in shorter renditions.”
Added Holst, “I have always admired the work of The Directors Bureau–both inside and outside of advertising–as well as the particular directors and artists on their roster. I’m looking forward to shooting projects in the States together.”
Rom-Com Mainstay Hugh Grant Shifts To The Dark Side and He’s Never Been Happier
After some difficulties connecting to a Zoom, Hugh Grant eventually opts to just phone instead.
"Sorry about that," he apologizes. "Tech hell." Grant is no lover of technology. Smart phones, for example, he calls the "devil's tinderbox."
"I think they're killing us. I hate them," he says. "I go on long holidays from them, three or four days at at time. Marvelous."
Hell, and our proximity to it, is a not unrelated topic to Grant's new film, "Heretic." In it, two young Mormon missionaries (Chloe East, Sophie Thatcher) come knocking on a door they'll soon regret visiting. They're welcomed in by Mr. Reed (Grant), an initially charming man who tests their faith in theological debate, and then, in much worse things.
After decades in romantic comedies, Grant has spent the last few years playing narcissists, weirdos and murders, often to the greatest acclaim of his career. But in "Heretic," a horror thriller from A24, Grant's turn to the dark side reaches a new extreme. The actor who once charmingly stammered in "Four Weddings and a Funeral" and who danced to the Pointer Sisters in "Love Actually" is now doing heinous things to young people in a basement.
"It was a challenge," Grant says. "I think human beings need challenges. It makes your beer taste better in the evening if you've climbed a mountain. He was just so wonderfully (expletive)-up."
"Heretic," which opens in theaters Friday, is directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, co-writers of "A Quiet Place." In Grant's hands, Mr. Reed is a divinely good baddie — a scholarly creep whose wry monologues pull from a wide range of references, including, fittingly, Radiohead's "Creep."
In an interview, Grant spoke about these and other facets of his character, his journey... Read More