Creative and production house Stept Studios has added Italian filmmaker Gianluigi Carella to its directorial roster. This marks his first U.S. commercial signing.
At the age of 19, Carella moved to New York City and later graduated from the New York Film Academy. While working as an editor at Forager, Carella collaborated with preeminent directors, working to perfect the art of editing. He was first recognized within the industry with his VMA-nominated “Rule The World” music video for Ariana Grande, featuring 2Chainz; a Tommy Hilfiger worldwide campaign; and commercial work for Samsung, T-Mobile, Prada, Gucci, Dior, Tom Ford, Tiffany & Co., and Spotify, to name a few.
Carella made his directorial debut in 2018 with the film The Blind Man’s Ball. With his background in editing and VFX, Carella quickly gained momentum as a director. He has directed music videos for international artists such as Princess Nokia, Rich The Kid, Anna, Sofia Reyes, and Irama, along with commercial work for brands including a global campaign for Alexander Wang x Uniqlo, a series of films for Lux Hotels, Audi, Cartier, and Donna Karan.
Most recently, Carella directed and edited an ad for Riot Games and Mercedes-Benz, produced by Stept. Head of production Mac Hedges, who worked with Carella on the projects, said, “Gianluigi’s deep understanding of the process from production to all aspects of post and VFX, make him uniquely all in one package which is a perfect fit for Stept.”
Additionally, Carella has a forthcoming project, also produced by Stept, for Oakley. He is also currently directing a feature doc for Netflix on Bella Thorne, and is in pre-production for his first scripted feature.
Carella said of the team at Stept, “I have long been seeking out collaborators of this caliber to work with and I’m ready to jump into this exciting opportunity with them.”
“Gianluigi is a stellar filmmaker,” said Nick Martini, Stept Studios founder/CEO/director. “His attention to detail in all levels of a creative venture is second to none. We are eager to pair his talent with our trusted partners and clients.”
Carella is based in Los Angeles. He is represented by Nicholas Berglund worldwide.
Sinners and Saints Adds Apple Pie To Its Branded Menu
Bicoastal Sinners and Saints--the multidisciplinary studio overseen by managing director/executive producer Heather Heller, and partners/EPs Yann Henric and Thomas Carroll--has added Apple Pie Tabletop to its roster for branded content. Known for its food and beverage content creation, Apple Pie comprises the husband-and-wife team of director/DP Gene Dubin and director/art director Alisa Volodina. In addition to representation, the move expands Apple Pie’s production capabilities through the combination of its centrally located full-service studio in New York and a newly established mobile studio in Los Angeles. Apple Pie recently teamed with Sinners and Saints on a Wienerschnitzel project created by Innocean.
“We believe that our dual studio strategy positions us uniquely in the competitive landscape of food and beverage storytelling,” said Heller. “By blending the artistry of the New York studio with the flexibility of our Los Angeles location, we can tailor our productions to meet the unique demands of each project, regardless of geography.”
“Working with Sinners and Saints in the demanding field of tabletop was an absolute pleasure,” shared Apple Pie Tabletop in a joint statement. “Warm welcome, unwavering support and dedication--everything a director can ask for. The entire experience was both enjoyable and rewarding. We will not miss an opportunity to collaborate with them again.”
“The first thing you notice is that Apple Pie has beautiful work,” Heller observed. “Having worked with them, I can say that Gene and Alisa are extremely meticulous and detail-oriented; their combination of talent and agility appeals to agencies and clients.” Also appealing to Heller is Apple Pie Tabletop’s brisk international... Read More