Creative and production studio Stept has signed director, photographer, and cinematographer Dana Romanoff to its roster for commercials and branded content in the U.S. This marks her first representation as a director in the ad arena.
Romanoff began her career as a photojournalist working with National Geographic, tackling social justice issues through character-driven stories. Prior to this official signing, Romanoff and Stept worked on several projects together, telling unique human-centered stories around the world. Most recently, Romanoff’s short film for Budweiser celebrating Father’s Day documented the heartfelt stories of three real stepchildren as they surprise their dads by asking to be officially adopted. The touching film received over 3.5 Million YouTube views, 278M+ impressions, and almost 700 PR placements.
“Dana is an exceptional filmmaker with a talent for finding the story and an amazing visual sense. Her attention to detail is always impressive, and we are excited to help bring her documentary approach into the commercial space. She loves working with real characters, and we are seeing a lot of brands and agencies embracing authentic content,” said Nick Martini, Stept founder.
Romanoff’s short documentary Noah received a Bronze Award in Online Video/Documentary at the 2017 Telly Awards, an Award of Distinction at the 2017 Communicator Awards, 2017 W³ Awards, and a Special Jury Award at the 2017 Crested Butte Film Festival. Her short documentary, Canyon Song, won the 2017 Director’s Choice Award at Flagstaff Mountain Festival, 2017 Award of Merit in the Best Shorts Competition and the 2017 Social Awareness Award at Wasatch Mountain Film Festival.
“I believe that visual storytelling has the opportunity to break down barriers and build bridges whether across oceans or between backyards,” said Romanoff. “I’m really excited to push myself in this new partnership.”
“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