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    Open Swim adds head of production DesMarais, assistant editor Wenzel

    By SHOOTUpdated:No Comments871 Views
    BROOKLYN, NY --

    Open Swim, a full-service production company founded by director/editor Bradley Ross, has added Lian DesMarais as head of production and Jefferson Wenzel as assistant editor to the company’s team. 

    “I love having someone on the team who is dedicated to the production process, and to keeping the quality and experience consistent for everyone,” said Open Swim’s EP Amyliz Pera. “Lian has the right variety of experience for Open Swim to be able to guide our teams–including long-form and documentary experience. Most importantly, she’s a decent person. She’s caring, really fun to have around, and happens to have an incredible sense of style.”

    DesMarais joins Open Swim as no stranger to Ross as the two worked closely in the production industry years ago. With an in-depth knowledge of traditional production, digital media, branded content and live shows, DesMarais founded production service company Ren Kelley Productions in 2011, delivering exceptional work as an EP and line producer for notable clients including Calvin Klein, Nickelodeon, Adidas and Samsung.

    “I’m so happy to be joining Open Swim; It’s rare to have the opportunity to be part of shaping something new and to work with a like-minded team,” offers DesMarais. “We all bring a unique perspective, but share a strong creative drive balanced with a healthy work culture. I take a lot of pride in my work and enjoy facilitating as ideas become fully formed. It’s an honor to bring your values and passions to work every day, and I look forward to what I’ll be able to build with Bradley and Amyliz.” 

    DesMarais’ responsibilities will include overseeing Open Swim’s production and postproduction teams, the latter growing with the addition of Wenzel. Prior to joining Open Swim, Wenzel has worked as 3D modeler and animator on projects for fashion brand Collina Strada and retailer Showfields, and as a VFX compositor and assistant editor on the short film “Slow Pulse,” which debuted at the Tribecca Film Festival in 2021.

    “Jefferson has the experience we need to assist in our editorial and postproduction process, but in filling this position, we’re fortunate that he comes with visual effects skills to be able to offer more capabilities in-house for our clients,” noted Pera.

    Wenzel is another example of Open Swim  growing the team through pre-existing relationships. “Director/owner Bradley Ross’s mom plays in a band with Jefferson’s mom, so when the two started talking about their sons, the job search became much easier; it wasn’t just parental bragging–he really has talent,” added Pera.  

    Tags:Amyliz PeraBradley RossJefferson WenzelLian DesMaraisOpen Swim



    Is “Glicked” The New “Barbenheimer”? “Wicked” and “Gladiator II” Hit Theater Screens

    Thursday, November 21, 2024

    "Barbenheimer" was a phenomenon impossible to manufacture. But, more than a year later, that hasn't stopped people from trying to make "Glicked" — or even "Babyratu" — happen.

    The counterprogramming of "Barbie" and "Oppenheimer" in July 2023 hit a nerve culturally and had the receipts to back it up. Unlike so many things that begin as memes, it transcended its online beginnings. Instead of an either-or, the two movies ultimately complemented and boosted one another at the box office.

    And ever since, moviegoers, marketers and meme makers have been trying to recreate that moment, searching the movie release schedule for odd mashups and sending candidates off into the social media void. Most attempts have fizzled (sorry, "Saw Patrol" ).

    This weekend is perhaps the closest approximation yet as the Broadway musical adaptation "Wicked" opens Friday against the chest-thumping sword-and-sandals epic "Gladiator II." Two big studio releases (Universal and Paramount), with one-name titles, opposite tones and aesthetics and big blockbuster energy — it was already halfway there before the name game began: "Wickiator," "Wadiator," "Gladwick" and even the eyebrow raising "Gladicked" have all been suggested.

    "'Glicked' rolls off the tongue a little bit more," actor Fred Hechinger said at the New York screening of "Gladiator II" this week. "I think we should all band around 'Glicked.' It gets too confusing if you have four or five different names for it."

    As with "Barbenheimer," as reductive as it might seem, "Glicked" also has the male/female divide that make the fan art extra silly. One is pink and bright and awash in sparkles, tulle, Broadway bangers and brand tie-ins; The other is all sweat and sand, blood and bulging... Read More

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