MPC–a global visual effects and creative production studio known for its work in commercials, feature films, and immersive technology–has set its sr. leadership team in the U.S. for MPC Advertising. Justin Brukman has been appointed managing director of North America with Camila De Biaggi and Robert Owens taking the managing director reins for the New York and Los Angeles ad studios, respectively.
Brukman–previously MD of MPCNY and acting MD of MPCLA–will be responsible for the overall management and direction of the advertising business throughout North America.
De Biaggi has been promoted to Brukman’s previous role of MD of MPCNY.
And Owens, who recently joined MPC, is promoted to the role of MD, Advertising, MPCLA.
All three executives will join sr. management for MPC’s Global Advertising.
“Justin’s deep understanding of the U.S. market, his total command of every aspect of production and his knowledge of MPC and our brand makes him the ideal person to lead our efforts in North America,” said MPC CEO Mark Benson.
Brukman has been with MPC for more than 15 years. He joined the company in London in 2002 and rapidly established himself as a clear leader. In 2010, Brukman relocated to NY and was instrumental in launching the Soho studio and MPC’s presence in America’s largest advertising market.
De Biaggi joined MPCNY as head of production in 2013 and was quickly promoted to EP in 2014. During her time at MPC, she has played a leading role in working with top advertising agencies and directors in the production of award-winning visual effects campaigns. Now as MD, De Biaggi will oversee and continue to grow the vastly talented team in New York.
Owens has recently joined MPC, bringing with him over 14 years of industry experience. During the course of his career Owens has worked closely with many top directors, production companies and agencies, helping to realize their visions through the power of VFX. He came aboard MPC along with creative partners Claus Hansen (Flame artist and creative director) and Noah Caddis (sr. Flame artist).
MPC, a Technicolor company, also maintains VFX studios in London, Vancouver, Bangalore, Montreal, Amsterdam, Shanghai and Paris.
“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