By KATHY DeSALVO
Cutters Inc., a Chicago-headquartered full-service postproduction house with a satellite effects/design studio in Santa Monica, has promoted Steve Stein to editor.
Stein, who joined Cutters as an assistant in April ’97, has edited spots for Noxema via Leo Burnett Co, Chicago, and the Budweiser ad "Billiards" out of DDB Needham, Chicago, which received airplay in certain markets during this year’s pre and post-game Super Bowl broadcast. Directed by Jim Zoolalian of t minus 30 Films, Santa Monica, the spot shows a man who is knocked unconscious by an errant billiard ball and is revived by a "skunky" import beer.
Stein began his career as a producer at Maguire/Reeder, a production company specializing in industrials. During his three years at the Washington-based firm, he was given the opportunity to shoot film projects and soon took an interest in Avid editing. After he left Maguire/ Reeder, Stein worked as a freelance editor and cut numerous independent film projects including Suicide, The Comedy, and the short Zoltar From Zoron. The latter was screened at Slamdance and won the Grand Juror’s prize for Best Short at the AFI International Festival in Los Angeles this year.
Stein has also written, produced, directed and edited a short film, Ouvre La Fenetre, (Open The Window) a French existential comedy that has been screened at some 30 film festivals around the country and abroad. He is currently in production on the first of two planned sequels, which he has titled Close The Door and Pull The Blinds.
Stein joins a Cutters creative editorial roster also composed of company president Tim McGuire, partner/senior editor Chris Claeys, Kathryn Hempel, Ruth Efrati Epstein, Cynthia Cameron, Tom Pastorelle, Steve Morrison and Steve Wood.
Director Jack Begert Joins Biscuit For His First Commercial Representation In U.S. & U.K.
Biscuit Filmworks has added filmmaker Jack Begert to its roster in the U.S. and U.K. This marks Begert’s first representation in advertising, building upon his acclaimed work in music video and film. He is best known for his striking aesthetic and surreal use of visual effects, displayed in his feature film debut Little Death, which won the NEXT Innovator Award at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. The film stars David Schwimmer, Gaby Hoffman, Dominic Fike, and Talia Ryder, and was produced by Darren Aronofsky.
Miami-born and L.A.-based, the USC Film School graduate began his career in VFX and as an editor. Begert has worked with iconic musical artists including Kendrick Lamar, SZA, Flying Lotus, Childish Gambino, and Olivia Rodrigo, and has independently directed international campaigns for brands such as Apple, Converse, New Era, and Reebok.
Shawn Lacy, founding partner of Biscuit Filmworks, said of Begert, “We are such fans of his work--and of him as a creator, thinker, collaborator, and great guy.”
“My creative approach is often about trying to discover something unexpected in the filmmaking process,” said Begert. “Biscuit is a place where I can bring my own perspective to the work and still feel supported. That philosophy is clear from the talent they represent, and I’m excited to join their roster.”
“Jack’s work blew me away the moment I first saw it,” said Rupert Reynolds-Maclean, managing director at Biscuit Filmworks UK. “He is a modern young director who clearly cares deeply about both craft and the necessity for it in his storytelling. Everything always pushes the narrative forward. We’re looking forward to making great work together.”
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