Commercial production company Native Content, founded by Tomer DeVito in 2008, has grown its directorial roster, adding Rich Lee, Russ Lamoureux and the sibling duo The Cronenweths. They join a Native lineup which includes directors Ben Jacks, Tom Dey and creative collective The Work.
Lee has an extensive background within art departments and visual effects, and notably served as the previsualization supervisor on features including the first three Pirates of the Caribbean films and I Am Legend. Since transitioning to directing, he has helmed acclaimed music videos for artists such as Eminem and The Black Eyed Peas, commercials for top brands from Hyundai to Carl’s Jr., and he recently made his TV debut with CBS’ Limitless. Prior to joining Native Content, Lee had most recently been with DNA. Back in 2008, he earned a slot in SHOOT’s New Directors Showcase.
Lamoureux got his start as a copywriter at agencies including Goodby, Silverstein & Partners, TBWAChiat Day, BBDO, and Deutsch. He began directing commercials in 2000 and earned inclusion in Saatchi & Saatchi’s 2004 New Directors Showcase at Cannes. He went on to direct assorted commercials, racking up awards including an Emmy for his PBS promos. Lamoureux was previously at production house Partizan.
The Cronenweths, brothers Jeff and Tim, have collaborated for decades as both directors and cinematographers on commercials, music videos, and films. As a duo they are responsible for creating award-winning projects for Gatorade, American Express, Audi, Mini Cooper, Apple, Bud Light, Warner Bros., and many more. The Cronenweths were formerly at L.A. production house Untitled Inc. In addition to their prolific commercial output, Jeff serves as director David Fincher’s longtime DP, and earned Oscar nominations in cinematography for The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo and The Social Network.
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