Great Guns has signed director Charley Stadler for representation in the U.K., U.S., Middle East and Asia.
Describing filmmaking as his life’s playground, Stadler thus far has to his credit more than 400 commercials reflecting his versatility across diverse genres including comedy, horror, drama and action. He is one of the first directors to shoot at Europe’s most advanced virtual production studio, the Hyperbowl. Stadler is known for adding an unusual flavor to his commercial ideas for global brands including Microsoft, Heineken, Vodafone, McDonald’s, adidas, Mercedes, Garnier, and Ikea. Most recently, his work for BRLO’s “Drink Naked” earned him a Silver Cannes Lion and Berlin Commercial Awards shortlist–on top of a D&AD Wood Pencil and Silver Clio.
With an eye for drumming up viral hype for brands, with work like his hilarious spots for Doggy Dog pet food, Stadler has further honed his talents directing celebrities including FC Bayern soccer legends Thomas Müller, Manuel Neuer, and Oliver Kahn, Dortmund`s Marco Reuss, as well as owner of the Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 autosport team, Toto Wolff. Stadler also directed the feature film Dead Fish starring Gary Oldman and Robert Carlyle, and has worked with Oscar-winning actors Sir Sean Connery and Cuba Gooding Jr., as well as Oscar nominee Sharon Stone.
The diversity of Stadler’s portfolio has earned him more than 200 international directing awards at competitions including the Cannes Lions, Epica, ADC, Arab Film Festival, Bessie, ICAD, Effie, LIA, Golden Drum, and New York Festivals.
Stadler commented, “It’s been a while since I’ve had representation in the U.K. and the U.S. I’ve lived in both countries and love their output in terms of creativity, mindset, humor and storytelling. So, for me, it was a no-brainer when Kojo (Abban, producer at Great Guns) reached out to me, and I got to chat to the Great Guns EPs in London, Los Angeles and Asia. I am flattered to be collaborating with such a cool, well-known brand such as Great Guns.”
“Charley is a whirlwind, he doesn’t understand the words we can’t do that,” said Laura Gregory, CEO and founder of Great Guns. “He pushes for creativity with his unique brand of humor and drama and is a trusted partner to many brands. That’s an important asset to have as we navigate the new world.”
Michel Waxman, managing EP of Great Guns in the U.S., added, “Charley is an ideal partner for clients hoping to stand out and make an impact! His expertise and fearlessness allows him to deconstruct comedy, narrative and tech to build back a stronger unique voice that never holds back!”
After Documentaries About Taylor Swift and Brooke Shields, Director Lana Wilson Turns Her Camera To NYC Psychics
Filmmaker Lana Wilson had never thought much about psychics. But the morning after Election Day in 2016, in Atlantic City, New Jersey, she found herself drawn towards a sign that promised "$5 psychic readings" and wandered in.
Much to her surprise, she found it to be a rather profound experience. She can barely even remember what was said, but it was emotional and comforting. And it would set her on a seven-year journey to make a documentary about this strange and misunderstood tradition, "Look Into My Eyes," which expands in theaters this week.
"I think I had totally misjudged the whole psychic tradition," Wilson said. "I had trivialized it and seen it as this silly thing, despite the fact that millions of people around the world engage in it… I'd had this personal experience where I, as a lifelong skeptic, found comfort in a psychic one day. So part of my initial perspective was what if it doesn't matter if it's real or not?
In the years since that fateful encounter, Wilson's own profile has raised significantly for her documentaries about Taylor Swift, " Miss Americana," and Brooke Shields, " Pretty Baby." But the idea of the psychics lingered. The film, unjudgmental, funny and poignant, takes viewers inside the homes, and sessions, of several New York City psychics
Wilson spoke about her process, her revelations and why she decided to not take Shields up on her offer to be one of the subjects in this one. Remarks have been edited for clarity and brevity.
Q: Did you find many of your friends shared your own assumptions about psychics?
WILSON: One of my closest friends is a therapist and she immediately got it. She was like, "This is totally different than therapy. But, also,... Read More