Kaboom productions, headed by founder/executive producer Lauren Schwartz, has signed director Michele Atkins who this past May earned inclusion into SHOOT‘s annual New Directors Showcase unveiled at the DGA Theatre in NYC. Atkins garnered her Showcase slot largely on the strength of “Back to Basics,” her winning entry in Levi’s “Show Us The Way” competition for up-and-coming filmmakers.
Atkins joins a kaboom directorial roster consisting of Brandon Dickerson, Kent Harvey, Joe Meade, Erik Moe, Gary Schaffer, Joe Stevens, Ricki+Annie, Reynir, and Doug Werby.
“Michele is a true storyteller who creates beautiful and compelling narratives, but it was when we met in person that I really understood the depths of her talent and passion,” said Schwartz whose kaboom maintains offices in San Francisco and Los Angeles. “She’s come up through the ranks of production, and is a writer, photographer and even edits her projects as needed, all of which is a tremendous asset in today’s market. She’s a perfect complement to our director roster.”
Atkins related that she was referred to Schwartz by an agency friend who praised her work ethic. “I love that she’s intentionally kept the kaboom roster small to best serve her directors and clients, and has a very hands-on approach as an executive producer,” said Atkins whose enthusiasm for TV and film has been a constant companion since she was a child. She was the girl who stayed indoors, watching “oldies” and creating imaginary shows. At university in New York, Atkins studied documentary filmmaking and launched her career shooting and editing news segments. This rapid-fire production served her well as she transitioned into working on indie films, music videos and commercials.
Since 2006, Atkins has produced commercials for national brands such as UPS, Budweiser, Pepsi, Oscar Mayer, Hallmark, McDonald’s, Burger King, and IBM, frequently working with directors Joe Pytka and Zack Snyder. These collaborations provided an unprecedented opportunity to learn from the best in the business, and garner keen insight to serving agency and client needs.
The End of The “Rust” Criminal Case Against Alec Baldwin May Unlock A Civil Lawsuit
The conclusion of a criminal case against Alec Baldwin in the fatal shooting of a cinematographer clears the way for a related civil lawsuit by relatives of the deceased woman and efforts to depose the actor under oath, attorneys for plaintiffs in the civil suit said Tuesday.
At a news conference in Los Angeles, victims' rights attorney Gloria Allred said that the parents and younger sister of deceased cinematographer Halyna Hutchins were disappointed that prosecutors won't appeal the dismissal of an involuntary manslaughter charge against Baldwin. The criminal charge against Baldwin was dismissed halfway through trial in July on allegations that police and prosecutors withheld evidence from the defense.
Hutchins died shortly after being wounded during a rehearsal in the movie "Rust" in October 2021 at a film-set ranch on the outskirts of Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Baldwin, the lead actor and coproducer, was pointing a pistol at Hutchins when it discharged, killing Hutchins and wounding director Joel Souza. Baldwin has said he pulled back the hammer — but not the trigger — and the revolver fired.
Allred said Hutchins' relatives are determined to pursue damages and compensation from Baldwin and "Rust" producers in New Mexico civil court, and want Baldwin to answer questions under oath in the proceedings. Hutchins' widower and son previously reached a separate legal settlement.
"With the withdrawal that was made public yesterday, we are now able to proceed with our civil case," Allred said. "Clearly, the rights of Alec Baldwin were protected, but the due process rights of the victims — Halyna Hutchins and her parents and her sister — were violated."
Allred said she's ready to prove that Hutchins had a close relationship... Read More