Stept, a creatively integrated production company with offices in Los Angeles and Jackson Hole (Wyoming), has added Michael Parenteau and Leigh Powis to its directorial roster for exclusive commercial representation in the U.S.
Parenteau is a director, producer, DP and editor of films, commercials, and music videos. His films include Free Diving With Perrin James, Ride Of the Dead, and The Search For Freedom. The latter won numerous awards including Newport Beach Film Festival’s Outstanding Achievement Award, Maui Film Festival’s Audience Award, and the London Surf Film Festival’s Best Cinematography award. Parenteau’s creative innovations span far beyond the screen and include immersive storytelling, aerial, and underwater filming. Clients include NBA, Ford, Mercedes, The North Face, and Audi.
Raised in the U.K. and now living in Whistler BC, Powis has become a fixture in the Vancouver film community. With experience as a director, editor, colorist and sound designer, Powis becomes fully immersed in the postproduction process of his projects. His early works followed professional athletes through the mountains of British Columbia, but he quickly found his true calling as he transitioned into artful narrative films and abstract commercials. Powis’ passion for disruptive storytelling and his experience directing scripted films has elevated his commercial work and branded content. Recent projects include “Free Bird” for The North Face as well as Oakley’s “Optical” featuring Daniel Norris.
Originally producers of alpine films, Stept quickly found success in the branded documentary space, directing and finishing short films for top outdoor and athletic clients including The North Face, Under Armour, and Oakley. Stept’s work for these clients also solidified the studio’s reputation in the commercial world, where its endeavors for brands and agencies alike includes broadcast commercials, short films, and digital and branded content. Their work has garnered awards at Tribeca and BANFF as well as recent honors including Vimeo Staff Picks for WC Jameson, The Litas, and Adventure Not War.
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