CoMPANY Films–the production company headed by EPs Ron Cicero and Richard Goldstein–has signed British director Chris Fowles, marking his first representation in the U.S. market. Fowles is best known in the U.K. for his poignant storytelling for Google, Land Rover, Xbox and the Alzheimer’s Society.
“I came across Chris’ work and felt it showed a really sophisticated approach to storytelling,” said Cicero. “His spot for Xbox, ‘Beyond Generations,’ was a solid idea clearly elevated by the filmmaker. As Richard and I expand CoMPANY’s offerings, Chris represents an exciting opportunity to dive more into the worlds of emotional storytelling, big visuals and even automotive–worlds in which we’ve shared prior success.”
Fowles added, “I’d been following CoMPANY for a while before Ron [Cicero] reached out to me. After a few calls it was clear to me that he and Richard [Goldstein] really understand my work. Simple stories that resonate with people. Being represented in the U.S. market is a big step in any director’s career, so this is a huge time for me. CoMPANY is a unique place with a great reputation. A rare boutique that doesn’t have a million names on it; every director has a specific place.”
Fowles started his filmmaking career doing documentary-style work before shifting into commercials and promos. He feels it was his psychological bent that brought him great insight into storytelling. “I studied psychology for a few years, having always been fascinated by human emotions and behavior, about why we think and feel the way we do,” said Fowles. “My work can be traced back to a core emotion or motivation. Once I’ve found that anchor, everything becomes clear, how the actors should move, where the camera should be.”
One of Fowles compelling spots–“Hesitation” for PrideinLondon, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting the LGBTQ community–features a lesbian couple debating whether or not to frequent a nightclub, not because of fear of COVID but rather the fear of being harassed. “When you can’t tell if it’s an actor or a real person, you’ve done a pretty good job,” commented Fowles. “I used actors, yes, but they’re also a real couple. This was so important to me, having to believe their humor, chemistry and shared pain.”
In an uplifting spot for “Diabetes UK,” Fowles shows the daily ups and downs of diabetics balancing daily living while managing the chronic condition. “I started working with real people, understanding their stories, then moved into traditional casting. There’s a line a director walks between truth and performance. It’s a delicate balance, but when you get it right, it’s really impactful. I love working with creatives to help tease these moments out in a natural way when writing a treatment.”
“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