Sweetshop has signed director Liz Murphy for global representation.
Murphy’s passion is “to make stuff that gives people the feels.” Prior to joining Sweetshop, she was repped by production house Nice Shirt in the U.K. Her work has been recognized around the globe at Adfest and other competitions.
The Australian-born director moved to London in 2010 with a focus on creating beautifully shot, emotive observational films and narrative. She has worked with brands such as Alpen, Kinder, McDonald’s and The National Trust. Her deeply moving spot “Bear” for the charity Grief Encounter was featured in the prestigious APA show in 2014.
Patrick McElroy, executive producer of Sweetshop USA, said of Murphy, “Her deep understanding of craft is obvious and her warm personality is going to help set her apart from the rest. It is a privilege to have her as part of the team and to help to bring her talent to a US audience.”
Murphy said, “I have admired Sweetshop since I was a little baby director back in Brisbane making coffee. The passion and enthusiasm of everyone there is inspiring and contagious.”
Wilf Sweetland, CEO and partner of Sweetshop, added, “Her work demonstrates an emphasis on sublime craft and emotional intelligence throughout her storytelling.”
“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