DIVISION7 has added director Saam Farahmand to its roster for representation in the U.S. and internationally (except for Germany where he’s handled by Markenfilm). Farahmand will be available for commercials, branded content, music videos and special projects via DIVISION7.
Farahmand’s body of work spans artists and brands alike. He began his directorial work with music videos for such performers as Cheryl Cole, The Last Shadow Puppets, and Janet Jackson. His video “Feedback” for Jackson was cited as one of the most streamed music videos of that year. Farahmand also directed the video for “Prototype” starring Vikoria Modesta, the world’s first amputee pop star.
Soon after, Farahmand began working with brands including Audi, Guinness, Coca-Cola, The Grammys, Absolut, Nike and Apple, maintaining the same tactile aesthetics and bold world-building so characteristic of his prior work. His Lincoln spot “Breathe” with Hudson Rouge displays performance artists unfurling from constrained positions to showcase the massive roominess of the Navigator model. Similarly effective and human in its storytelling techniques, his film “The World is Listening” with TWBAChiatDay for the Grammys captures the sky-high musical dreams of everyday people. Agencies such as adam&eveDDB, M&C Saatchi, Droga5 and BBH have also called upon Farahmand to provide branded content.
Most recently, Farahmand has helmed music videos for pop band the xx and Mick Jagger, including the Brexit-influenced “England Lost” starring Luke Evans, and the edgy “Gotta Get a Grip” featuring Jemima Kirke. Farahmand’s short film “Drama” premiered last year at Frieze London.
“Saam has built an electric body of work over the years, from branded content to music videos to installations”, said Kamila Prokop, executive producer and director of talent at DIVISION7. “I’ve always been creatively drawn towards his keen artistic eye. His bold approach, unique voice, and sense of artistry can truly elevate any concept or film.”
Prior to joining DIVISION7, Farahmand was handled by Furlined.
DIVISION7 is a SMUGGLER Group company focused on finding directors and creatives with a voice and appetite for content creation across all mediums, and with an eye on innovative distribution channels. Current projects include broadcast commercials, music videos, original episodic content across various platforms and media, mixed reality, VR and experiential.
“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