Production company Rodeo Show has added director Aaron Kodz to its roster for his first U.S. commercial representation. Kodz began his career on a cinematography trajectory and quickly found himself in the director’s chair after his debut piece, “Reach” for the Van Cliburn Foundation, earned acclaim, landing him a slot in the 2014 SHOOT New Directors Showcase, three Telly Awards and a shortlist for the Young Director Awards at Cannes Lions.
Kodz’s passion for exploring the human condition and challenging prevalent ideals and notions is evidenced in his life-affirming social impact work for brands such as New York Yankees, Peace Corps, Acadia National Park and Green Box Machine.
Over the years, Kodz has developed a highly collaborative creative process, informed by his instinctive ability to distill a creative vision to align with brand goals, taking broad concepts and refining them into dynamic, poignant narratives. He has directed campaigns for such clients as Mountain Dew, Goody, Montblanc, Get Out the Vote, Reebok, Foot Locker, and Payless Shoes. Kodz also has work on the horizon for LA Urban Farms.
“Not only does Aaron’s work stand out because of the stunning visual language, but his ability to articulate his creative vision is unmatched,” said Raphael Leopold, exec producer at the Venice Beach-based Rodeo Show. “His viewpoint on transforming production constraints into enhancements is entirely in line with what we’re doing at Rodeo Show.”
Kodz added, “It’s been impressive to see what Raphael has done with Rodeo Show over the past few years. His ‘get it done’ attitude has led to a noticeable surge in quality of work, while still maintaining a boutique approach and highly curated roster.”
NYC-based Kodz attended the prestigious NYU Tisch School of the Arts, where he studied cinematography and film/video production. He has road-tripped to over 40 states, consistently gathering new perspectives and inspiration for his work.
“Heretic” and “Maria” Set As Red Carpet Premieres At AFI Fest
The American Film Institute (AFI) has announced that Heretic, the psychological thriller starring Hugh Grant, and Maria, based on the life of opera singer Maria Callas starring Angelina Jolie, will round out the Red Carpet Premieres section at this year’s AFI Fest. The Heretic Gala Screening will take place on Thursday, October 24, and the Maria Gala Screening will be held on Saturday, October 26. The complete Red Carpet Premieres section includes the world premieres of Music By John Williams, Robert Zemeckis’ Here, Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl and Clint Eastwood’s Juror #2. All Red Carpet Premieres will take place at the historic TCL Chinese Theatre. The full lineup for AFI Fest 2024 will be unveiled on October 1.
“At the heart of AFI Fest is an unwavering dedication to celebrating the best in global cinema--together,” said Bob Gazzale, AFI president and CEO. “We look forward to uniting artists and audiences once again to be inspired by the art form in a powerful sense of community.”
Heretic follows two young missionaries (Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East) who are forced to prove their faith when they knock on the wrong door and are greeted by a diabolical Mr. Reed (portrayed by Grant), becoming ensnared in his deadly game of cat-and-mouse. The film is directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods and produced by Stacey Sher, Beck, Woods, Julia Glausi and Jeanette Volturno. The film will be released nationwide by A24 on November 8.
Directed by Pablo Larraín, Maria presents a tumultuous and beautiful depiction of one of the world’s most renowned artists and reimagines the legendary soprano in her final days in Paris, as Callas (Jolie)... Read More