ArtClass has added Aisha Schliessler to its roster of directorial talent. This marks the first official U.S. signing for Schliessler, a third-generation filmmaker. She continues to be repped in the U.K. by You Are Here.
Schliessler’s work emphasizes the fascinating characters at the heart of her films, grounding these stories in authentic emotional depth and a sense of playfulness. Schliessler’s experience as an actor has equipped her to thoughtfully guide performances from a place of compassion and understanding for the craft. Her recent commercial projects include large-scale social campaigns for Peloton and Lululemon and the branded short film “Rhinestone Blue,” made in partnership with FUJIFILM. “Rhinestone Blue” earned several accolades, including a Telly Award and a Cannes Corporate Media & TV Award.
Other narrative shorts directed and written by Schliessler include “Sticky,” “The End,” “Don’t Move,” and “The Call” starring Juno Temple. Schliessler has also directed music videos for Liza Owen’s song “Josie,” “The Takeover” by Aimee deBeer, and “Old Cadogan Hotel” by Adrian Glynn.
“It was important to me to join a company that understands me as an artist and where I feel creatively seen,” said Schliessler about signing with ArtClass. “When I first met with [managing director] Kirsten Arongino and rep Nikki Weiss-Goldstein, I felt they truly grasped my style and what I bring to the table as a director, which immediately confirmed that ArtClass was the right fit for me. I’ve long admired the incredible talent on the roster at ArtClass, so being invited to join was both a tremendous compliment and an easy decision. What sets this company apart is its exceptional team and passionate work ethic. Even in the short time we’ve collaborated, I’ve been consistently impressed with their drive, enthusiasm, and supportive attitude.”
Weiss, ArtClass’ Midwest rep, added, “Meeting Aisha through the Free The Work mentoring program was a pivotal moment for me. Her mastery of lighting and art direction is unparalleled, a testament to her upbringing under the guidance of her father, the award-winning DP Tobias Schliessler. She inherited not just skill but a passion for the craft, honed from growing up on film sets. Aisha’s work is distinctive, always exuding a unique vision and an elevated quality that makes it immediately recognizable. ArtClass and I are honored to support her journey and be a meaningful part of her trajectory of what will be a very long successful career.”
“Saturday Night Live,” “Jim Henson Idea Man” Among Big Winners On 1st Night of Creative Arts Emmys
It seemed apropos that Saturday evening (9/7) was big for Saturday Night Live as the stalwart NBC show topped the awards tally on the first night of two Creative Arts Emmy ceremonies this weekend. Saturday Night Live took six Emmy Awards spanning such categories as directing, technical direction, production design, lighting design, makeup and hairstyling. Next with four wins apiece were Blue Eye Samurai (Netflix), The Oscars telecast (ABC), and Jim Henson Idea Man (Disney+). The latter too felt appropriate as the documentary celebrated Henson of Muppets fame for his creativity and impactful contributions to the arts--which dovetailed nicely with a Creative Arts competition. Jim Henson Idea Man, directed by Ron Howard, topped the Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special category while also gaining recognition for its picture editing, music composition and sound editing. Blue Eye Samurai was named Outstanding Animated Program while also picking up three juried awards for its lead character designer, production designer and storyboard artist. Saturday Night Live’s Emmy haul spanned production design, hairstyling, makeup and lighting design. Meanwhile, the first night of the Creative Arts Emmys had some emotional highlights, including Angela Bassett winning her first career Emmy Award--for her narration of the National Geographic show Queens. “Oh my god, wow, my first Emmy,” an emotional Bassett said. “I couldn’t be more thrilled and more grateful.” Bassett was attracted to the documentary project for its subject matter--matriarchs in wildlife--and a women-led production team assembled to do justice to the project. Having a female-dominant crew, she said... Read More