Director Joe Stevens has joined Kaboom productions for his first national representation in spots and branded content.
As content director for experimental optics label Shwood Eyewear, Stevens brought the brand’s ethos to life, both in the fashion world and in support of original makers and brand ambassadors with stories of style and substance. This view from the inside has helped make Stevens an astute partner for brands looking to develop an original voice through filmed narratives. Recent clients include Adidas, Union Wine Co., The James Brand, Louisville Slugger, Pendleton Woolen Mills, Genesis Archery, Widmer Brothers Brewing, Iron & Resin, Lund International, and Progressive Motorcycle Insurance.
In addition to directing, Stevens enjoys shooting, editing, and designing. Even when he’s not employing all disciplines, his work is informed by this wide-ranging skill set, holistic vantage point, and sharp eye.
Kaboom owner/EP Lauren Schwartz initially met Stevens through a twist of fate. She didn't intend to explore the possibility of bringing the Portland-based director onto the company roster. But their conversation quickly expanded to a dialogue about the industry, brand collaborations, and ultimately to working together. They struck up a rapport and Schwartz was impressed by Stevens’ work and work ethic. Schwartz assessed, “Joe directs with the beautiful visuals of a DP while weaving brands and stories effortlessly. He’s the real deal–that so-called millennial voice who is also grounded, engaged, and loves to create.”
Stevens recalled that he was “immediately taken with Lauren’s candor and enthusiasm. The more we dug into what it means to work in the industry today, it just made sense to join forces and see what we could create together.”
Damien Chazelle, Miles Teller, J.K. Simmons On The Return Of “Whiplash” To Theaters After 10 Years
Ten years after " Whiplash " took the film world by storm, Damien Chazelle's breakthrough feature is returning to theaters nationwide Friday.
In 2014, "Whiplash" was the ultimate indie movie Cinderella story — a Sundance discovery made by a 20-something that that would go on to become both a box office hit and an awards darling: It won three Oscars, including for J.K. Simmons ' portrayal of a semi-sadistic and ever quotable jazz ensemble instructor; launched Chazelle's directing career into the A-list stratosphere; and established Miles Teller as a next generation movie star. Now, audiences will get another chance to experience it on the big screen.
Chazelle, Teller and Simmons spoke recently about the re-release, their memories of the 20-day shoot (including when Teller accidentally broke his co-star's rib) and making something with staying power. Remarks have been edited for clarity and brevity.
Q: What has it been like watching "Whiplash" settle into the culture in the past decade?
CHAZELLE: It's very cool, a little surreal. It doesn't feel like 10 years. It's fun to have a moment like this to relive it a little bit.
SIMMONS: It's sobering to know that I'm 10 years older. It's kind of shocking and kind of awesome that the movie actually holds up. I just saw it a few days ago in Toronto: That's a good piece of cinema.
TELLER: This is the first time I've ever had a movie re-released. I'm still fairly young into my career, but it's an incredible movie. The one thing that's frustrating for me is that people just yell out at me all the time, " not my tempo." So that's stuck around well.
SIMMONS: Maybe if you get the tempo... Read More