Feature filmmaker Jeff Baena and automotive director/DP Wondo have joined Slim for commercials and branded content.
Baena is currently wrapping the comedy The Little Hours, which is slated for release in 2017. He also recently directed a comedic campaign for Hulu with spokesperson Aubrey Plaza. Slim marks Baena’s first career commercial production house roost.
Following his completion of film school in New York, Baena began his career as a production assistant for director Robert Zemeckis in Los Angeles. Baena later met director David O. Russell while working as an assistant editor, leading the two to co-write the existential comedy I Heart Huckabees. Baena went on to direct Life After Beth (2014) and Joshy (2016), which are notable for their ensemble casts including Plaza, John C. Reilly, Molly Shannon, Thomas Middleditch, Alison Brie and Jenny Slate.
Slim EP Tom Weissferdt said of Baena,. “He comes from the indie film world, so he brings a distinct and fresh perspective to his directing. Plus he has a specific style of comedy that appeals to many audiences.”
Wondo
Director/DP Wondo brings some 20 years behind the camera to Slim. He works fast and with focus, is adept on the Russian Arm and is accomplished at shooting for VFX. His spot credits span such clients as Mercedes-Benz, Chevy (for agency Commonwealth), Kia (David&Goliath), BMW, Porsche (Cramer-Krasselt) and Bugatti. He divides his time between Los Angeles and Berlin, and now lands at Slim which is his first career stateside home for commercialmaking and branded fare.
Weissferdt noted that Wondo wants “to concentrate on sheet metal work. We expect he will become a favored director in the U.S. car market very soon.”
Additionally Slim has secured Mary Eiff and Michelle Stuart of indie firm Hello Tomorrow to handle representation on the East Coast.
“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