Ridley Scott Creative Group companies RSA Films and Black Dog Films have added Paris-based director/photographer Neels Castillon to their rosters for global representation. RSA Films will handle Castillon for commercials and branded content while Black Dog reps him in the music video arena. Castillon continues to work in France via Motion Palace, a creative studio in Paris which he and producer Ariane Cornic founded. Motion Palace, which produces original content for brands, agencies and the arts, will become a creative partner of RSA Films, collaborating on productions in France.
A 2018 Young Guns/One Club for Creativity alumnus, Neels has a filmmaking signature characterized by marrying a poetic and cinematic aesthetic with new forms of storytelling. His award-winning shorts, music videos, feature documentaries, and commercials have been viewed by millions.
Sought after for his bold visual style, Neels has brought his love of creative challenges to brands including Lacoste, Hermès, Nikon, and Puma. His “F Major” music video for Hania Rani was April’s most-loved video on Nowness. Capturing a magnetic and meditative dance, “F Major” retains a sense of intimacy and contemplation against a backdrop of deserted Icelandic coastline.
“Neels’ work shows progression, care, and attention to detail across a breadth of different subjects and styles. We were all very impressed with ‘F Major.’ It was beautifully executed and a welcome breath of fresh air from life in lockdown. We’re delighted that Neels chose to sign with RSA, and we can’t wait to get started with both Neels and Motion Palace,” said Kai Hsiung, U.K. managing director, RSA Films.
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