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.
“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