CoMPANY Films, the shop under the aegis of EPs Richard Goldstein and Ron Cicero, has brought the Italian directing duo of Clemente De Muro and Davide Mardegan, aka CRIC, into the fold for U.S. representation spanning commercials and branded content.
Probably best known for high profile, heart-tugging spot work for Nespresso, Pepsi and Nivea, CRIC joins a CoMPANY Films’ roster of filmmaking talent that includes the Coen Brothers, Sam Raimi, David Edwards, Alex Ogus, Axel Laubscher, David McNally, Dewey Nicks, Fred Goss, Harald Zwart, Harry Patramanis, Josh Franer, Mary-Sue Masson, Paul Fox and Sam Hobkinson.
CRIC is currently on location in Morocco shooting a series of spots for an international insurance company. For their part, De Muro and Mardegan said they were looking for the highest level of production and sales support. In a joint statement, the duo related, “We got in touch with Ron (Cicero) and found out that he just joined CoMPANY. We know that with the attention from Richard (Goldstein) and Ron that the sky is the limit.”
De Muro often focuses on the actors and their performances while working with the agency on scripts and dialogue. Mardegan frequently oversees the camera and cinematography. Yet both De Muro and Mardegan noted that the way they work together as CRIC has been a constantly evolving process. Simpatico in terms of taste and vision, the directors play different roles while sharing every decision.
In a recent spot for Nivea, part of a campaign for Germany that was shot in Greece, CRIC worked with two talented boys, letting them explore nature, have fun and in turn that yielded inspiring performances.
In a joint statement, the duo shared, “We love to direct authentic, deep stories. U.S. agencies are an immense source of creativity. America itself is a country with larger than life landscapes and characters. Working stateside is always special, because in many ways it’s the birthplace of modern advertising.”
CRIC made a major initial career splash with a Poste Italiane spot, “Because I Like You,” which won a Bronze Lion at Cannes in 2011.
Cicero said of CRIC, “I come from a filmmaking background and when I saw their work it immediately touched me because of its authenticity. That is so, so difficult to do in a short format. Yes, it’s also gorgeous, so that helps. But a branded piece that can really engage you emotionally? That’s unusual. It’s clear Clem and Davide have something special. We lead off their reel with a piece titled, ‘Kindred.’ And we are beyond excited for people to see the work and know that they will be just as moved by it as we are.”
“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