The directorial duo Peter Martin–consisting of Peter Livolsi and Martin Dix–has joined Imperial Woodpecker. The helming team had been with The Sweet Shop and gained initial recognition back in 2006 with inclusion in SHOOT's New Directors Showcase when they were with harvest….While its feature producing debut–director Errol Morris' critically acclaimed documentary Tabloid–is slated to open in theaters on July 15, Moxie Pictures has broadened its theatrical film scope with its first narrative feature, Austenland, which began filming on location in the U.K. today (7/8). A romantic comedy, Austenland is the big screen adaptation of author Shannon Hale's novel about Jane Austen-obsessed contemporary heroine Jane, played by Golden Globe award-winner Keri Russell. The film marks the directorial debut of Jerusha Hess who co-scripted the indie hit Napoleon Dynamite with her husband and writing/producing partner, director Jared Hess. Austenland is produced by Stephenie Meyer (The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1, Breaking Dawn Part 2, The Host) through Fickle Fish Films, the production company of Meyer and Meghan Hibbett, and Moxie Pictures' Gina Mingacci. Executive producers are Robert Fernandez and Dan Levinson of Moxie Pictures and co-producer is Jane Hooks (Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll, Bronson). Jared Hess (Napoleon Dynamite, Nacho Libre, Gentleman Broncos), Meghan Hibbett, and author Hale are associate producers. Creative talent on board includes cinematographer Larry Smith, BSC (Eyes Wide Shut, Bronson) and Emmy Award winner and BAFTA-nominated production designer James Merifield (Little Dorrit, Brighton Rock)….Definition 6, a unified marketing agency, has hired Bob English to run its motion design group in New York. He will be responsible for branding, design and creative direction for clients in the postproduction and motion design departments at Definition 6, reporting directly to managing partner Rob Ortiz. English most recently served as a design consultant for clients in media and entertainment via a company he founded in 2001 called Thebritpack. Before founding Thebritpack, he acted as executive creative director of the media and entertainment/brand identity group at Razorfish after its merger with Lee Hunt Associates in December 1999. English joined the New York office of Lee Hunt Associates in '97. Back in '85, he co-founded English+Pockett (UK) with broadcast designer Darrell Pockett, building it up to a renowned branding and design agency. Earlier English was head of design at Channel 4 (UK). He began his career in the BBC graphic design department….Design/live action/motion graphics studio Favorite Color has added creative director Steve Weinzierl and art director Brian Finney. This is Weinzierl's second tour of duty with the company; he was an original member of the shop's creative team back in '07. Finney is new to Favorite Color….
“A Complete Unknown,” “The Brutalist,” “Gladiator II,” “Wicked” Among ADG Excellence in Production Design Award Nominees
The Art Directors Guild (ADG, IATSE Local 800) has unveiled the nominees for its 29th Annual Excellence in Production Design Awards. The ceremony, hosted by actress and comedian Rachael Harris, will take place on Feb. 15, at the InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown.
Among the motion picture nominees are the production designers on A Complete Unknown, The Brutalist, Gladiator II, Nosferatu and Saturday Night in the Period Feature Film category; and Alien: Romulus, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Dune: Part Two, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga and Wicked in the Fantasy Feature Film category.
Television nominations span the likes of Bridgerton, Fallout, House of the Dragon, The Lord of the Rings: Pachinko, Rings of Power, Ripley and Shogun.
The ADG Awards celebrate excellence in production design across theatrical motion pictures, television, commercials, music videos, and animated feature films. The 2025 Cinematic Imagery Award will be presented to Academy Award®-nominated director and filmmaker Jason Reitman, whose body of work includes Juno, Up in the Air and Saturday Night.
“This year’s nominees showcase the incredible artistry and vision that define our craft and our industry. We’re thrilled to bring the Guild together to celebrate the achievements of these incredible production designers and their art departments,” shared award show producers Michael Allen Glover, ADG, and Megan Elizabeth Bell, ADG, in a joint statement.
In addition, the ADG will honor Lisa Frazza, Barbara Mesney, Dan Sweetman, and J. Dennis Washington with Lifetime Achievement Awards. Legendary production designer Carl Jules Weyl will be inducted into the ADG Hall of Fame as part of the... Read More