Filmmaker made mark at Sundance with documentary bought by Amazon Studios and Open Road Films
Director Clay Tweel–whose feature documentary Gleason debuted at the Sundance Film Festival in January–has joined Community Films for commercials and branded content.
Gleason focuses on former NFL player Steve Gleason and his family’s struggle with his diagnosis of ALS. The film’s U.S. rights were purchased by Amazon Studios and Open Road Films just days after the festival. Tweel is also the co-director (with Bryan Carberry) of Finders Keepers, which was co-produced by Community Films.
Tweel joins a roster of directorial talent at Community Films, which includes Seth Gordon, Jared Hess, Michael Patrick Jann, Matt Smukler, Pam Thomas, The Hoffman Brothers, Clay Williams, and Emil Möller.
Lizzie Schwartz, executive producer/partner of Community Films, described Tweel as “a wonderful storyteller who can take on such powerful subject matter and make it moving, surprising and funny all at the same time. We believe his talent, honed in documentary filmmaking, will make an easy translation to commercial and branded content projects.”
Community EP/partner Carl Swan added, “There was a first wave of documentary filmmakers who applied their talent to commercials and brought about a great deal of reality-style projects. We see Clay representing the second wave of doc filmmakers entering the commercial/advertising space who can bring acute storytelling to brands to make their messaging connect with viewers in a genuine way.”
A native Virginian living in L.A., Tweel made his directorial debut on the documentary Make Believe, chronicling six teenagers battling to become the world’s best teen magician, which won the Grand Jury Prize at the LA Film Fest in 2010 and is currently running on Showtime Networks. Tweel’s next film, Print the Legend, premiered at SXSW and was awarded the Special Jury Recognition for Storytelling and Editing. The film was bought by Netflix Originals and premiered in theaters and online in late 2014. His next film, Finders Keepers, premiered at Sundance 2015 to rave reviews and was bought by the Orchard. Tweel was back at Sundance again this year with Gleason, which will be released later this year both theatrically and on Amazon streaming services. He is currently developing numerous projects in both the scripted and documentary worlds.
“Dune: Part Two” and “House of the Dragon” Win 2 HPA Awards Apiece
Dune: Part Two and House of the Dragon each scored two HPA Awards during a gala ceremony at the Television Academy’s Wolf Theatre in North Hollywood, Calif. on Thursday night (11/7). The HPA Awards honor trailblazing talent in the postproduction industry, celebrating standout achievements in color grading, sound, editing, restoration, and visual effects across theatrical features, commercials, and episodics.
Dune: Part Two topped the Outstanding Color Grading--Live Action Theatrical Feature and the Outstanding Sound--Theatrical Feature categories.
House of the Dragon’s two wins were for “The Red Dragon and the Gold” episode which scored for Outstanding Visual Effects--Live Action Episode or Series Season, and Outstanding Editing--Episode or Non-Theatrical Feature (Over 30 Minutes). In the latter HPA Creative Category, House of the Dragon tied with the “Part Six: Far,l Far Away” episode of Ahsoka.
The HPA’s Judges Award for Creativity and Innovation honored Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour. This recognition celebrates the profound impact on both live and filmed entertainment that defined The Eras Tour, underscoring its exceptional impact on audiences and the industry. The jury issued a statement outlining their choice: “Celebrated as the cultural phenomenon of 2023, Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour set new records in box office sales, tour revenues, and attendance. The tour showcased exceptional artistry and innovation, making a profound impact on both live and filmed entertainment.”
This year, FotoKem was awarded the Charles S. Swartz Award for its role in supporting filmmakers, studios, cinematographers, and artists across diverse film and media landscapes. Also celebrated... Read More