Luke Anderson comes aboard as partner & exec producer
Entertainment production company London Alley has added Lake Bell to its directorial roster for representation spanning commercials, branded content, music videos, film and TV. In addition to director, actress and screenwriter Bell, London Alley is bringing aboard Luke Anderson as partner and executive producer. Anderson is co-founder of Cann, a cannabis-infused beverage and the 2022 Cannabis Clio Brand of the Year.
Bell and Anderson’s combined brand storytelling, talent relationships and deep understanding of the cultural zeitgeist are poised to drive London Alley through its next phase of growth. Bell–who earlier was repped in the ad arena by Epoch Films–joins London Alley on the heels of her partnering with the company on Cann’s short film “Cann-Do Holiday,” which received widespread, positive accolades from several publications including Paper magazine, Nylon, People magazine and Forbes. Bell brings more than 20 years experience in the entertainment industry both in front of and behind the camera through titles including Pam and Tommy, Bless This Mess, and In A World.
“I’m excited to be continuing my relationship with London Alley and officially joining the team as a director,” said Bell. “It’s an exciting opportunity to have a lane to create a new genre of work in ads and creative, and I can’t think of a better collective to join. In working with London Alley for the campaign with Cann this past holiday season, their vision to bridge diverse and authentic storytelling in this industry is what drew me to the opportunity and I look forward to working closely together to further that with my work.”
Partner and EP Anderson will work with Lake and the London Alley executive team to win and produce creative projects, with a focus on diversity and authentic storytelling. Under Anderson's stewardship, Cann has raised more than $40M in funding from major institutional firms and celebrity investors including Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Hudson, Rosario Dawson, Judd Apatow, and more. Anderson is also the brains behind Cann’s marketing campaigns for which he scored 15 wins at the 2022 Clio Cannabis Awards, including the aforementioned Brand of the Year honor. The company was also recognized for its pride campaign and music video “Taste So Good,” also produced by London Alley, which featured Patricia Arquette, Vincint, Sarah Michelle Gellar, MNEK, and several stars from RuPaul’s Drag Race.
“As a long-time client and collaborator with London Alley, I have experienced firsthand their ability to produce world-class creative content that shapes culture. It’s a dream to officially join their team,” said Anderson. “Getting to work directly with Lake on subversive, comedic, and authentically diverse and inclusive storytelling projects is an honor–she truly is one of the best writers and directors in the world and a fantastic addition to our roster.”
London Alley’s recent work includes producing SZA’s “Kill Bill” music video, Pepsi’s “The One That I Want,” and Tiesto & Tate McRae’s “10:35” music video for the Atlantis Hotel.
“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 yearโs 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 Zemeckisโ Here, Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl and Clint Eastwoodโs 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.
โAt the heart of AFI Fest is an unwavering dedication to celebrating the best in global cinema--together,โ said Bob Gazzale, AFI president and CEO. โWe look forward to uniting artists and audiences once again to be inspired by the art form in a powerful sense of community.โ
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 Larraรญn, Maria presents a tumultuous and beautiful depiction of one of the worldโs most renowned artists and reimagines the legendary soprano in her final days in Paris, as Callas (Jolie)... Read More