Alkemy X has signed Emmy Award-winning director/creative director Anthony Furlong as his exclusive representative for advertising, branded content and related projects in the U.S. market. Furlong brings to his new roost expertise in live action direction, design and animation, which he’s applied to work for such brands as Apple, Ikea, Samsung, Panasonic, Nokia, Ford and IBM.
Furlong had most recently been freelancing prior to joining Alkemy X. He was previously on the roster of production house Harpoon and prior to that, Shilo TV.
Furlong is the founder and executive creative director of BasicNature.TV, a creative content, design and art studio. Through it, he recently produced a broadcast promotional campaign for NBC, serving as creative director, writer, director, editor and visual effects artist. He also produced content for analytics specialist Elesvier, the State of New Jersey and the charity My Social Canvas.
Furlong’s previous background includes posts as a director and creative director with Little Minx TV and 1stAveMachine, and freelance work through Psyop, Method Studios and other shops. Earlier in his career, he served as a creative director and designer at Brand New School and Motion Theory. In 2014 Furlong earned an Emmy in art direction for his work on the NBC’s Sunday Night Football intro starring Carrie Underwood.
“First and foremost, I’m a problem solver,” said Furlong of his approach. “I love using different mediums, styles and techniques to tell the best and most engaging story. I love doing VFX in-camera as much as possible to create real-world magic that inspires awe and wonder. As a former actor, I love bringing out the best in talent and encourage the entire team throughout the process.”
In describing his move to Alkemy X, Furlong cited its deep resources and talented staff. “My strengths as a creator lie in the perfect balance of powerful live action performance with elegantly designed special effects; I love creating the impossible both in and out of the camera,” he said. “For a long time, I’ve had my eye out for a studio with the capabilities necessary to help me with that vision. Not only does Alkemy X provide incredible visuals for major episodic content, but they fully support their roster of directors and have a great footing in the production arena. They have all the tools I need at my disposal.”
“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