By CAROLYN GIARDINA
VIENNA, Va.-ITS, headquartered in Vienna, Va., is actively looking to hire a lobbyist whose primary responsibility would be to seek tax relief for postproduction companies that need to reinvest in equipment for DTV.
The lobbyist would also take on a sort of "watchdog" role, explained ITS chairman Rob Henninger, who is CEO of Arlington-headquartered Henninger Media Services. The association has set aside $30,000 from its fiscal budget to cover the expense.
ITS has also been preparing an industry white paper on the DTV transition to aid in lobbying efforts. Henninger reported that it would likely be completed in June.
Separately, ITS president Terry Rainey offered an association update. ITS will hold board elections at its Annual Forum in July. Henninger is completing his two-year term as board chairman, and board executive vice chair David Case, president of Pittsburgh-based Production Masters, is expected to assume Henninger’s position. Two board seats will also be filled at the Forum. Leaving the board are ITS past chairman Ron Burdett, CEO of Glendale, Calif.-based Sunset Post; and board member Mike Fayette, president of Chicago-based Post Effects.
ITS/UK has changed its name to Image Industry Alliance-or I2A. It has dissolved its relationship with the Producers’ Alliance for Cinema and Television (PACT), a U.K.-based trade association that was acting as ITS/UK’s chapter administrator. I2A is now searching for an executive director. Rainey said the group is also looking to expand its reach to include production companies as members.
Lastly, Philips Digital Video Systems, Salt Lake City, has become an ITS gold sponsor and a member of the ITS manufacturers advisory council.
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.”
Read More