CoMPANY Films has signed directing duo Arni + Kinski–consisting of Stefan Arni and Siggi Kinski–for commercials and branded content. Arni + Kinski’s body of work on the ad front includes campaigns for Volvo, Sealy, Cadillac, Red, Mercedes-Benz, State Farm, Infiniti, GMC, Macy’s, Acura, Budweiser, Coors, Dockers, Old Navy, Toyota, Nissan, Hummer, Milk, GE and Barnes & Noble.
Arni + Kinski’s path to filmmaking came through music. Forming the music-film collective GusGus, the duo found themselves quickly writing and directing short films and stage shows to go with their music. What followed was an explosion of music video work, this time directing for artists such as Snow Patrol, Iggy Pop and Dave Gahan of Depeche Mode. “We shot our short films in Iceland,” said Kinski. “We recorded music, made music videos, live visuals and toured with GusGus for six years. Afterward we went back to focus on filmmaking, which was always our first priority.” The duo has been working with GusGus again since last year, Kinski on the music, both Arni and Kinski on music videos, live shows and art direction.
“I’ve always loved Stefan and Siggi’s work, and have followed them for years. We are friends, and when we re-connected recently, I was really excited to have them join CoMPANY,” said the shop’s executive producer Richard Goldstein. “Their work is gorgeous, moving and memorable. Their casting is authentic. Great, superior storytelling–together, they continue to co-direct some of the most amazing work.”
Prior to joining CoMPANY Films, the Arni + Kinski duo was repped by Wondros in the ad arena.
“Car work with people, yes, “ said Arni on a recent Zoom call. “Intimate stories, cool, creative work…we’re open-minded and love a good challenge. Like our audience, we feel the pull towards longer stories so we love branded content. Stylized high-end brands and campaigns.”
Casting is of utmost importance to the directing team. “The cast represents the people we are speaking to, so they must embody the brand in one way or another,” Kinski said. “They must be believable and authentic. The more we love what’s in front of the camera, the more successful the outcome will be.”
“Heretic” and “Maria” Set As Red Carpet Premieres At AFI Fest
The American Film Institute (AFI) has announced that Heretic, the psychological thriller starring Hugh Grant, and Maria, based on the life of opera singer Maria Callas starring Angelina Jolie, will round out the Red Carpet Premieres section at this year’s AFI Fest. The Heretic Gala Screening will take place on Thursday, October 24, and the Maria Gala Screening will be held on Saturday, October 26. The complete Red Carpet Premieres section includes the world premieres of Music By John Williams, Robert Zemeckis’ Here, Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl and Clint Eastwood’s Juror #2. All Red Carpet Premieres will take place at the historic TCL Chinese Theatre. The full lineup for AFI Fest 2024 will be unveiled on October 1.
“At the heart of AFI Fest is an unwavering dedication to celebrating the best in global cinema--together,” said Bob Gazzale, AFI president and CEO. “We look forward to uniting artists and audiences once again to be inspired by the art form in a powerful sense of community.”
Heretic follows two young missionaries (Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East) who are forced to prove their faith when they knock on the wrong door and are greeted by a diabolical Mr. Reed (portrayed by Grant), becoming ensnared in his deadly game of cat-and-mouse. The film is directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods and produced by Stacey Sher, Beck, Woods, Julia Glausi and Jeanette Volturno. The film will be released nationwide by A24 on November 8.
Directed by Pablo Larraín, Maria presents a tumultuous and beautiful depiction of one of the world’s most renowned artists and reimagines the legendary soprano in her final days in Paris, as Callas (Jolie)... Read More