Global entertainment company Alkemy X has signed London-based director Joe Dixon for U.S. commercial representation. His work spans varied brands including Hyundai, Expedia, Aldi and Sainsbury’s.
For Expedia and VisitBritain, he dove headfirst into the interactive web and mobile film world, helming the campaign “The Only Place You Need to Go” that inspired tourists to discover their next Great Britain vacation through digital orienteering. He also eagerly embraced the challenge of crafting a staggering 80 original spots for Argos that aired over 100 days, adding an even more timely edge to the promotion of the British retailer’s same-day shipping offering.
Alkemy X’s VP of business development Eli Rotholz said, “Joe has a unique voice and perspective that’s clearly recognizable in his commercial work. His smart style of storytelling is accentuated by his deft use of interesting transitional elements, visual effects integration and subtle humor.
Dixon added, “Alkemy X’s ability to handle a project from start to finish is something that I’m seeing as an increased asset in the current industry. The team is highly motivated and clear with their vision for their directors, which is very much aligned with my ethos and creative approach.”
After cutting his teeth in music videos, Dixon transitioned into commercials beginning with his well-received Diesel ad, “Dogs in Sunglasses.” His interactive piece for Expedia earned him Gold and a Silver Lions at Cannes, while subsequent work for Baby Banquet, Sainsbury’s, and Argos were met with more accolades from Cannes Lions, APA Show and British Arrow Awards.
Outside of the commercial realm, Dixon directed the short documentary film Mr Fogg, which offers an intimate look at a man reflecting on his life and its glories and losses. He is currently penning his first feature film.
Dixon was previously represented in the U.S. by Psyop. He continues to be repped in the U.K. by London-based production house KODE.
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