Backyard Productions has added directors Mac Eldridge and John M. Lopez to its roster for commercial representation in the U.S. Prior to joining Backyard, both filmmakers were most recently working freelance, independently taking on projects.
Eldridge is a multidisciplinary director with an extensive background in crafting films, branded content, and commercials. Known for bringing his visual style and narrative-driven storytelling to the sporting industry, Eldridge has been sought out by leading agencies and brands–the latter including The PGA Tour, Shell, Pandora, Bridgestone, Avis, and Chobani. He has directed renowned athletes such as Tiger Woods, Ja Morant and John Daly.
In his 16-year directorial career, Lopez has lent his unique vision and immersive style to music videos and feature films, while also producing and directing commercials for brands such as Nike, McDonald’s, Canon, DirecTV, Radio Shack and Michelob.
In addition to directing online documentaries for Cadillac, Glenfiddich, and Heineken, Lopez has written and directed three feature films: The Inquisition of Camilo Sanz, which was acquired and released by HBO Latino; The Hudson Tribes, acquired and distributed by The Orchard and released on Amazon Prime; and most recently Paradise City.
“We work with brands and agencies that continually push the envelope, and that leaves it on us to reinforce their efforts with the top creative talent and directorial firepower,” said Backyard CEO Kevin Allodi. “Mac is incredibly well-versed across formats, and his passion for the craft shines in every project he undertakes. His ability to deliver authentic performances across talent while going above and beyond expectations is second to none.”
Backyard EP, head of sales Rich Schafler described Lopez as “an innovative, vibrant director overflowing with ambition and vision that he brings to the table in every endeavor. He is not only an inspired commercial director who’s worked with some of the most recognizable global brands, but also skilled at creating compelling long-form stories that leave audiences captivated.”
Eldridge and Lopez join a Backyard lineup which also includes Greg Popp, Jeff Aron Lable, Xander Strohm, Julia Ngeow, Paul Stone, Patrick Creadon, Kanyessa McMahon, Jasmin Kuhn, Lorenzo deGuia, and Eric Kiel.
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