Alkemy X has promoted Jim Huie to managing director, executive producer to lead the company’s sales efforts across all divisions, with the exception of entertainment visual effects. Huie has been an integral part of the Alkemy X team for more than 10 years. During his tenure he has headed the live-action production department, consistently pushing the boundaries of innovation and nurturing the growth of his team members. Alkemy X president and CEO Justin Wineburgh described Huie as “the perfect candidate” to spearhead the company’s sales department and business development initiatives. While stepping into this new role, Huie will also continue to oversee the growth and integration of the live-action department within the company, working closely with executive producer Nick Pitcavage and producer Isaiah Cary…..
Stuart Russell has joined Belgian mediatech company Limecraft as head of marketing. He has worked in the media and entertainment industry for 13 years, holding senior marketing posts with LED lighting pioneer Litepanels and then Ross Video where he spent almost nine years. A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, published columnist and contributor to several industry committees and councils, he brings extensive experience in brand building, communications and marketing strategy to the business….
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