Director Gillian Zinser has joined London-based production house Lief for commercials and branded content in Europe. A filmmaker, actress, activist and photographer with a background in humanitarian aid and journalism, Zinser is an ideal fit for the company’s #NEWLIEF division where founder Margo Mars and her team discover, introduce and build directing talent. Zinser has directed several short films, each one poignant. Among them are the docu-pieces Kodak Presents: Nightlight and Get Off Your Damn Phone, and the brilliant eight-minute Whoever You Are about a Vietnam vet who finds salvation in a stranger and in which Zinser plays the supporting role. Her talent for capturing authenticity from her subjects and diffused, ethereal style has naturally led her into the commercial space, crafting work for clients such as Chanel, Bode, Datura, Araks, Dôen, Matches Fashion, Free People, and the XP Foundation. Zinser’s current focus is creating documentary films that combat stereotypes, celebrate resilience and which deepen our understanding for one another. One such project focuses on liberation and bravery within the transgender community in Cuba, inspired by Adela Hernández, a trans woman who was elected to public office despite the systemic cultural repression of the LGBTQ+ community there. Zinser’s artistic talent stretches to her career as an actress, most famously for playing Ivy Sullivan in The CW reboot of 90210….
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