Director Grant Sputore–whose acclaimed sci-fi feature I Am Mother, starring Hillary Swank and Rose Byrne, premiered at this year’s Sundance Film Festival and as a Netflix Original earlier this month–has signed with Park Pictures for commercials in the U.S. and U.K. This marks his first ad representation in those countries. He continues to be handled in Australia by production house Scoundrel.
Sputore hails from Australia and has won recognition for his work in commercials, including a Cannes Lions finalist nod for “Film Craft: Direction” for his St. John Ambulance “Break the Barrier” spot. Sputore has also directed award-winning film shorts and TV series. The director has a BA in Film and Television from Curtin University of Technology.
I Am Mother, Sputore explained, is a “love letter to sci-fi,” influenced by beloved films in the genre. The feature, set following humanity’s near mass-extinction, follows a teen girl who is raised by a maternal droid. The intelligent young woman has her world turned upside down when she encounters another human for the first time. The feature directorial debut of Sputore, from a script by Michael Lloyd Green, I Am Mother is based on a story by Sputore and Green.
Park Pictures EP Jackie Kelman Bisbee said, “After seeing I Am Mother, we knew we wanted to work with Grant, in short form and long form work. Grant has everything that Park Pictures looks for in a new director. He’s gifted at capturing performance, with impeccable art direction, and is able to tell a captivating story. Because Grant can write and develop films, along with his exceptional execution, he will play an important role at Park as the landscape of our business grows.”
Sputore was recently tapped by Warner Bros. to direct the upcoming sci-fi thriller Augmented, produced by Margot Robbie.
Sputore comes aboard the Park Pictures roster shortly after the production company won 19 awards at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, including the coveted Palme D’Or. Park additionally earned two Grand Prix honors, a Titanium Lion and other accolades for the Nike commercial “Dream Crazy,” featuring Colin Kaepernick.
“I have been a fan of Park Pictures for many years,” Sputore said, “I’m excited to live up to everything that the brand stands for in terms of the caliber of filmmakers, and the scope of work in films and commercials.”
“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