Biscuit Filmworks UK has signed director David Magnier. An up-and-coming director based in London, Magnier was shortlisted for the Young Director Award at this year’s Cannes Lions for his :60 test for the Road Safety Authority, ”Flashback.” His knowledge of postproduction and visual effects informs his visual style, which incorporates effects to tell stories from distinct and unexpected perspectives.
Originally from Ireland, Magnier was drawn to film and design from an early age. He started his career working in postproduction at Dublin’s Lotus Film, before departing for London to earn a Masters in Screen Design for Film and Television from Kingston University. Joining forces with T.J. O’Grady-Peyton to form directorial duo PONDR, the two created a number of memorable spots and music videos, notably “Amazing Bodies” for HBF Insurance and “See Right Through” for German music producer Tensnake (starring Allen Leech of “Downton Abbey”). Now a solo director, Magnier made a splash at Cannes with the visually striking “Flashback” which uniquely uses shape as a storytelling tool. In addition to his work as a director, Magnier also owns record label The House of Disco, and DJs throughout Europe.
“I was really drawn to Biscuit’s roster and the depth and variety of work that they produce – it really felt like the perfect fit and they immediately understood what my aesthetic is about,” said Magnier. “I’m excited to grow with Biscuit and to have the opportunity to really take my solo career to a new level with their support.”
Magnier joins a Biscuit UK directorial roster which includes Aaron Ruell, Aaron Stoller, Andreas Nilsson, Ayse Altinok, Christopher Riggert, Clay Weiner, Eran Creevy, Jeff Low, Johnny Green, Martin Aamund, Matt Dilmore, Mundo Sisters, Noam Murro, and Tony Barry. Commercial production house Biscuit is based in Los Angeles and London, founded by director Murro and managing director Shawn Lacy. Executive producer Orlando Wood oversees the Biscuit UK office.
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