Alkemy X has added director Laurence Thrush to its directorial roster for U.S. representation spanning commercials and branded content. Thrush has crafted work for such clients as McDonald’s, Honda, Subway, Adobe and Mastercard.
Thrush, who now resides in Venice, Calif., made a mark early on in his career. He earned a slot in the very first SHOOT New Directors Showcase in 2003, was short-listed for the Best Young Director Award at the Clios, and earned recognition at the Young Guns Advertising Awards. His first feature film, Left Handed, was awarded Best Feature at The Milan Film Festival, The Rhode Island Film Festival, L’Aquila Film Festival and The Japan Film Festival. Pursuit of Loneliness, Thrush’s second feature film as a director, made its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival.
Originally based in London, Thrush started out writing, producing, directing and editing several award-winning documentaries. He eventually expanded into commercial work and went on to direct a variety of television commercials on a global scale. His campaign work for ESPN was acclaimed at the New York Art Director’s Festival, the Clios Awards, and he won a Bronze Cannes Lion.
Thrush, who has a diverse skillset as a filmmaker, thrives working with non-actors, uncovering authentic human moments and interactions. Prior to joining Alkemy X, he was most recently repped in the advertising sector by production house Durable Goods.
“The broad scope of work that Alkemy X produces at a consistently high level, as well as its diversification of services, is something that really appeals to me as a multidisciplinary filmmaker,” said Thrush. “Their team is truly invested in the growth of their directors.”
Alkemy X head of production Jim Huie added, “We’re really fortunate to be working with Laurence and have been looking for someone like him for a long time. He’s a consummate professional whose experience is evident in his approach to the work. Throughout his career he’s always found new and exciting ways to put a modern take on every project and we’re excited to move forward together.”
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