PRETTYBIRD has brought the multi-talented actor/director Bryce Dallas Howard aboard its roster of creatives. Widely known for her on-screen roles in the Jurassic World (Universal Pictures) franchise and the Netflix series Black Mirror, Howard is also solidifying herself as a filmmaker to watch in the TV/film and commercial space. In addition to her directorial debut Dads, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2020, she has also helmed multiple episodes of The Mandalorian for Disney+. Using her veteran experience in front of the camera, Howard brings a unique perspective to her directorial endeavors, which will be fostered at PRETTYBIRD as she sets her sights on the commercialmaking arena.
Kerstin Emhoff, PRETTYBIRD’s co-founder and CEO, said, “I’m so excited to work with a strong female director who continues to transcend mediums. She is an incredible talent and we look forward to a long, successful partnership with Bryce!”
Howard’s directorial exploits on The Mandalorian started with “Chapter 4: Sanctuary” for season one. For the next season, she helmed “Chapter 11: The Heiress.” She is currently shooting a season three episode of The Mandalorian.
The aforementioned Dads marked her documentary directorial debut and was released on Apple TV+ in 2020. Ron Howard, Brian Grazer, and Justin Wilkes produced under Imagine’s new banner, Imagine Documentaries. Dads is a unique and humorous look at what it truly means to be a father across the globe. The documentary features appearances and interviews from Will Smith, Jimmy Fallon, Judd Apatow, and many more. Bryce Dallas Howard’s short film When You Find Me was shortlisted for an Oscar, and her 2016 short Solemates premiered at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival. Howard has also directed campaigns and projects for Moroccan Oil, Vanity Fair, Glamour, MTV, Sony, and Lifetime.
On screen, she portrayed Elton John’s mother in Rocketman opposite Taron Egerton (as John). Rocketman premiered at Cannes in 2019. And Howard can be seen in the upcoming Jurassic World Dominion, set for release on June 10, 2022. Her production company is Nine Muses Entertainment.
“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