Director Pete Henderson, a leading director in Canada who continues to be handled there by Steam Films, has joined Venice, Calif.-based Mechaniks for exclusive stateside representation. Best known for his comedy/performance work, Henderson's spot credits span such clients as Molson's, KFC, the NHL, Budweiser and Rogers Cable…..Director Danny J. Boyle has joined Radar Studios, expanding its West Coast division. He joins Walter Robot as the production house's L.A.-based directors. Already via Radar, Boyle has helmed his first campaign–Playskool for N.Y. agency Uproar. His credits over the years include spots for such clients as McDonald's, IHOP and Nesquik. He has also branched out to direct a 15-webisode series for Disney titled Zeke and Luther: Summer Dash For Cash. Boyle has additionally directed sketch comedy series for Fox Television, Disney Channel and Comedy Central….Production and design studio Superfad has signed Darren Jaffe as head of production. Over the years, Jaffe has led teams to create truly work for clients including Target, Microsoft, Emirates Airlines and artist Barbara Kruger. At Superfad he reunites with partner/exec producer Kevin Batten; the two previously worked together at Brand New School…..Sound Lounge has hired audio engineer Juan Aceves, who will lead a new Hispanic division for the full-service audio production company. Aceves' hire coincides with an expansion of multicultural capabilities for Sound Lounge, as the company gains momentum in account growth for projects tailored to Hispanic audiences. Aceves is a three-time Emmy nominee for “Outstanding Achievement in Sound Mixing” for his work on Dora the Explorer and Go, Diego, Go!, and has worked on major Hispanic-focused campaigns for General Motors, Coca-Cola, and Home Depot….
Disney Pledges $15 million In L.A. Fire Aid As More Celebs Learn They’ve Lost Their Homes
The Pacific Palisades wildfires torched the home of "This Is Us" star Milo Ventimiglia, perhaps most poignantly destroying the father-to-be's newly installed crib.
CBS cameras caught the actor walking through his charred house for the first time, standing in what was once his kitchen and looking at a neighborhood in ruin. "Your heart just breaks."
He and his pregnant wife, Jarah Mariano, evacuated Tuesday with their dog and they watched on security cameras as the flames ripped through the house, destroying everything, including a new crib.
"There's a kind of shock moment where you're going, 'Oh, this is real. This is happening.' What good is it to continue watching?' And then at a certain point we just turned it off, like 'What good is it to continue watching?'"
Firefighters sought to make gains Friday during a respite in the heavy winds that fanned the flames as numerous groups pledged aid to help victims and rebuild, including a $15 million donation pledge from the Walt Disney Co.
More stars learn their homes are gone
While seeing the remains of his home, Ventimiglia was struck by a connection to his "This Is Us" character, Jack Pearson, who died after inhaling smoke in a house fire. "It's not lost on me life imitating art."
Mandy Moore, who played Ventimiglia's wife on "This Is Us," nearly lost her home in the Eaton fire, which scorched large areas of the Altadena neighborhood. She said Thursday that part of her house is standing but is unlivable, and her husband lost his music studio and all his instruments.
Mel Gibson's home is "completely gone," his publicist Alan Nierob confirmed Friday. The Oscar winner revealed the loss of his home earlier Friday while appearing on Joe Rogan's... Read More