Global production and experiential studio HELO has added Nik Kleverov to its directorial roster for worldwide representation. Prior to joining HELO, he was represented by Digital Kitchen and Compadre, in addition to developing work for his own hybrid agency and production offering, Native Foreign.
As an immigrant and son of a nonconformist artist who was persecuted by the Soviet government, Kleverov has a layered and unique story to tell. His life story and varied experience inform his diverse approach to creative work, from explorative use of AI within animation, to motion design led title sequence work, and live action commercials. Kleverov’s creative highlights include his Emmy nominated main title sequence for Netflix’s Narcos, commercial work for IMAX’s x Fast & Furious and UFC, and the first animated short 100% designed using AI-generated visuals powered by OpenAI’s DALL-E, Critterz.
Justin Moore-Lewy, founder and president of HELO, commented, “Nik Kleverov’s addition to our roster marks an exciting chapter for HELO as we continue to expand our multidisciplinary roster, allowing us to deliver a combination of top-tier commercial and immersive campaign work for brand clients globally. We are thrilled to have his unique storytelling abilities and creative vision as part of our team, and we look forward to creating outstanding content together.”
HELO is known for its impact-led work that applies creative resources and technology to raise awareness and drive change around social and ecological issues. Their most notable recent projects include; the development and production of Dreamcaster, an AI-led technology and award-winning ad campaign for Michelob Ultra that enabled a man born blind to commentate on a live NBA game; Coors Light’s “Chillboards,” an installation and TVC campaign that tackled growing heat concerns for the citizens of Miami; and the Projecting Change Drone Show, a display of 1000 drones flown over the United Nations Building in New York City during Climate Week to prompt action around climate change.
“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