Pulse Films has taken on commercial representation in the U.S. and U.K. for director WARD whose international work carries a fresh perspective on youth culture and spans such clients as adidas, G-Star, Nike, Puma, Sony, Hyundai and Guinness. For the latter he directed a recent World Cup film for AMV London.
Prior to joining Pulse, WARD did not have representation in the U.S. and U.K. He continues to be repped by Stink in Germany and Giant Films in South Africa.
WARD’s short film “Luck is Alive” for Mami Wata won a Best Visual Style honor at AICP as well as garnering the Ciclope Africa Grand Prix this year. Also in 2022 WARD’s work has picked up Vimeo–Best of Staff Picks and Best of the Year Longlist as well as Loeries Gold for Film Craft, Cinematography. WARD has additionally had his work make the cut at many short film festivals.
WARD began to make his mark as a documentary photographer capturing niche sub-cultures within the South African youth landscape. His keen observational eye allowed for a seamless and honest transition from his documentary aesthetic into a commercial frame. The transition from stills to film was natural, originating from the request of a client to transform his still lens into motion. His unique ability to capture raw humanity within a modern visual lens is now a standout characteristic within his work.
Davud Karbassioun, president Pulse Films, said, “WARD’s work speaks for itself. It creates a feeling that can’t be put into words, bringing a welcome fresh perspective to filmmaking. He is one of the most exciting rising talents out there. We are honored to be in his corner, and excited about the journey ahead.”
WARD commented “I’ve always admired Pulse Films; it was more than just the high quality of work and impressive roster, but the diversity of work, and the way it was communicated that I connected with. After chatting with Dav and the team, it was clear we have shared values and a like minded approach to film making. To be a part of the Pulse family is a dream come true, and I cannot wait to see what we can achieve together.”
Rom-Com Mainstay Hugh Grant Shifts To The Dark Side and He’s Never Been Happier
After some difficulties connecting to a Zoom, Hugh Grant eventually opts to just phone instead.
"Sorry about that," he apologizes. "Tech hell." Grant is no lover of technology. Smart phones, for example, he calls the "devil's tinderbox."
"I think they're killing us. I hate them," he says. "I go on long holidays from them, three or four days at at time. Marvelous."
Hell, and our proximity to it, is a not unrelated topic to Grant's new film, "Heretic." In it, two young Mormon missionaries (Chloe East, Sophie Thatcher) come knocking on a door they'll soon regret visiting. They're welcomed in by Mr. Reed (Grant), an initially charming man who tests their faith in theological debate, and then, in much worse things.
After decades in romantic comedies, Grant has spent the last few years playing narcissists, weirdos and murders, often to the greatest acclaim of his career. But in "Heretic," a horror thriller from A24, Grant's turn to the dark side reaches a new extreme. The actor who once charmingly stammered in "Four Weddings and a Funeral" and who danced to the Pointer Sisters in "Love Actually" is now doing heinous things to young people in a basement.
"It was a challenge," Grant says. "I think human beings need challenges. It makes your beer taste better in the evening if you've climbed a mountain. He was just so wonderfully (expletive)-up."
"Heretic," which opens in theaters Friday, is directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, co-writers of "A Quiet Place." In Grant's hands, Mr. Reed is a divinely good baddie — a scholarly creep whose wry monologues pull from a wide range of references, including, fittingly, Radiohead's "Creep."
In an interview, Grant spoke about these and other facets of his character, his journey... Read More