Swedish-born animation director Gustaf Lindström has joined the roster of animation studio Somesense for commercial representation in the U.K. Plankton, Lindström’s debut short film, has won multiple awards, including Best Animation at InterFilm Berlin. The short was later developed into the comedy short series Drifters for FX Networks, starring comedians Jamie Demetriou and Charlotte Ritchie. Black Death, Lindström’s second short series for FX and Hulu, is currently awaiting release. Lindström joins Chris Cray, Pencil Bandit, Akvile Magicdust and Matt Partridge on the niche Somesense roster. The five bring their unique, idiosyncratic styles to the Somesense multiverse as animators, directors, illustrators and writers who collectively specialize in character, sketch comedy, webcomics, series and short form content…..
Director Lu Villaca Joins MADRE
Production company MADRE has added Brazilian director Lu Villaça to its talent roster. With degrees in cinema and performance and a master’s in screenwriting, Villaça brings a multifaceted approach to filmmaking. Villaça’s tastes have been shaped by her childhood training in ballet, studying Greek theatre texts, her passion for music, and her contemplative nature. She honed her cinematic skills early on as an AD and creative assistant before becoming a director. Intent on capturing the drama of everyday life as it plays out, Villaça is tuned in to how the bodies in her frame move through their environments and what elements of the story can be extrapolated from these compositions. Her sharp attention to detail in every aspect, from lighting to the final edit, is designed to connect emotionally with her audience. Villaça has been awarded three Cannes Lions for her film “Next Minute Law,” which promoted awareness of a law in Brazil designed to address the rampant epidemic of sexual violence. “Next Minute Law” also garnered Best Direction at El Ojo and the Ciclope Latino Festival, where Villaça also won Best New Talent. Additionally, she has directed assorted commercial campaigns for brands like Johnnie Walker, Huggies Wipes, Nestlé, Amazon, A.C. Camargo Cancer Center, and a spot for Medley featuring Brazilian Olympic gymnast Rebeca Andrade. Prior to joining MADRE, Villaca had been repped by production house LOBO. Recognized in Brazil as a top music video director, Villaca won Best Female Direction for her work on “Nu” by Assucena and “Lovezinho” by Rachel Reis, which also won Best National Music Video at the MVF Awards. Villaça additionally co-directed the documentary Pagliacci, an homage to circus artist Domingos Montagner... Read More