Creative production partner Tool has added live-action director and motion designer GMUNK to its talent roster for commercials, branded content and experiences. The move marks a return to Tool for GMUNK who’s known for being a visual innovator and using in camera techniques to bring a distinctive look to commercial content,
GMUNK has directed commercial work for clients such as Audi, Apple, Nike, Adidas, Samsung, Microsoft, Coca-Cola, Meta, Mercedes, Sony, Dolby, HP, Adobe, Infiniti and HBO, among others. Recent projects include commercials such as “When Things Go Right” for Uber Freight, “Pure Imagination” for Audi, and “Spark the Next” for Maserati, and the key visual and live-action campaign for the TRON Lightcycle Run attraction at Disney’s Magic Kingdom. In addition to his commercialmaking exploits, GMUNK works in features and is helping create the design look for UI systems that will be featured in the upcoming Tron movie and was responsible for the Windows 10 Desktop Wallpaper, a highly recognized image campaign. Prior to his reunion with Tool, GMUNK had been handled for live-action content by production house JOJX.
“GMUNK brings a unique and immediately identifiable visual flair to his work that brands love,” said Nancy Hacohen, managing director of Tool. “He’s been doing groundbreaking work for years, and we’re excited to connect even more brands with his visionary talent and marry his innovative spirit with Tool’s creative technology department to explore ways to use AI and other tech in the production of commercial content.”
Leveraging creative technology to support his visual storytelling, GMUNK also seeks ways to apply his foundation in motion design to new mediums such as AI, experiential, AR and NFTs. His work has been exhibited at Christie’s, Sotheby’s and in fine-art galleries around the world, and his projection-mapping and robotic video BOX is one of the most viral short films ever made and won prestigious awards including the Cannes Grand Prix and SIGGRAPH’s Best in Show.
“I’m excited to work with Tool, who has a reputation for living at the cutting edge of fusing traditional production with new technologies,” said GMUNK. “Moving forward, I’m looking forward to working with them to connect with brands that want to push the boundaries of what’s visually possible in commercial productions.”
California Gov. Newsom Signs Laws To Protect Actors Against Unauthorized Use Of AI
California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed off Tuesday on legislation aiming at protecting Hollywood actors and performers against unauthorized artificial intelligence that could be used to create digital clones of themselves without their consent.
The new laws come as California legislators ramped up efforts this year to regulate the marquee industry that is increasingly affecting the daily lives of Americans but has had little to no oversight in the United States.
The laws also reflect the priorities of the Democratic governor who's walking a tightrope between protecting the public and workers against potential AI risks and nurturing the rapidly evolving homegrown industry.
"We continue to wade through uncharted territory when it comes to how AI and digital media is transforming the entertainment industry, but our North Star has always been to protect workers," Newsom said in a statement. "This legislation ensures the industry can continue thriving while strengthening protections for workers and how their likeness can or cannot be used."
Inspired by the Hollywood actors' strike last year over low wages and concerns that studios would use AI technology to replace workers, a new California law will allow performers to back out of existing contracts if vague language might allow studios to freely use AI to digitally clone their voices and likeness. The law is set to take effect in 2025 and has the support of the California Labor Federation and the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, or SAG-AFTRA.
Another law signed by Newsom, also supported by SAG-AFTRA, prevents dead performers from being digitally cloned for commercial purposes without the permission of their estates. Supporters said the law is... Read More