Commercial and film production company Washington Square Films has signed director/DP/photographer Erik Curtis for his first commercial representation. With a diverse skillset spanning a multitude of on-set roles, Curtis brings a distinct ability to elicit authentic performances in his work, from both actors and real people alike. His directorial credits span such brands as Universal Orlando, Spectrum, Publix, Visit Florida and Hertz, among numerous others. Having previously worked in a freelance capacity with Washington Square Films for a number of years, he officially joins the company’s directorial roster with a number of projects already in production.
Jonathan Schwartz, Washington Square Films’ director of marketing & sales/managing director, said, “You would be hard pressed to find anyone who works harder on set than Erik. Having worked on many projects together over the years there is a strong level of trust. The fact that Erik is a Director/DP/Stills guy–he really brings a lot to every project.”
Curtis added, “Having had the opportunity to work with Washington Square Films many times over the past several years, I could not be more excited to make it my first official home as a director. Jonathan and the entire team are so dedicated to their directors and closely collaborating with them to continue to reach for what’s next, which is something that I truly value.”
Florida native Curtis got the filmmaking itch early on. As a notably enterprising teenager, he cold-called every production company in a 50-mile radius until he got the opportunity to get on set. Ten years later, that same location was where he filmed his first-ever commercial as a director. Eager for any and all on-set experience, he started off in front of the camera picking up work as an extra as well as a youth correspondent for a local news show. Fascinated with the entire production process, he transitioned behind the camera spending stints as a camera assistant and camera operator before finding his groove as a DP. He has worked as a DP across commercial and film projects, including second unit DP roll work on the Harmony Korine-helmed feature Spring Breakers and the dramatic feature Sunlight Jr. starring Naomi Watts and Matt Dillon, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival. Heightened interest from repeat clients ushered in an organic transition to work as a director.
“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