PRETTYBIRD UK has added emerging Gen-Y writer/filmmaker Josef Bates to its directorial roster. Bates has already developed a signature dark comedy style, which was first showcased in his inaugural short, Meat. The film made waves on the European film festival circuit and won him an award at the British Horror Film Festival in 2018, as well as shortlist recognition at Molins de Rei Horror Film Festival. Bates has kept up the momentum with his second short, TIC, which premiered at the BFI London Film Festival in October 2019. TIC hit the big screen again during the London Short Film Festival on January 11 and is now scheduled for few special screenings at some of London’s top ad agencies. TIC was produced by the BAFTA-winning VAL TV and stars Emma Mackey (Sex Education) and Will Merrick (Skins, Dead Pixels, About Time) in a tense black comedy about a guy trying to hide his Tourette syndrome on a first date with a witty young woman. Bates applies his personal experience of Tourette’s to the script, combined with references to slasher movies, to create a refreshing twist on the stereotypical portrayal of people with Tourette’s in cinema. Laced with dark humor and uncomfortable moments, TIC is an unconventional and original portrayal of a first date, which singles out Bates as one to watch. TIC is currently being written as a TV series for Channel 4 with the same cast…..
Director Kacper Larski Joins RSA Films For Spot Representation
RSA Films has added director Kacper Larski to its roster for commercial representation in the U.S. Larski is known for his work in automotive and sport, and a style of filmmaking which features epic visuals and gripping montage, often combining the real and surreal. Among his most recent commercial films are Garmin’s “Fenix 8” (direct to brand), U.S. Army Reserve’s “Helper” (DDB Chicago) and Bushmills Whiskey’s “Follow No One” (Mekanism). He’s also directed campaigns for Hyundai, Jeep, GMC, Subaru, VW, Mazda and Chevrolet.
Larski’s distinctive aesthetic emerged in one of his first projects, Land Rover’s “68 Years Later,” which won a Cannes Young Directors Award in 2016. Two years later, he directed the “Greatness is Rare” campaign for BBDO Toronto and the Canadian Paralympic Committee which won Cannes Lion Gold. Prior to joining RSA, Larski had most recently been repped in the U.S. market by production house Eleanor.
“The camera and film for me have always been about the ability to live 1,000 lives,” Larski said. “Stylistically, I want to transport viewers in whatever stories I’m telling--a super athlete’s runner’s high, a skier’s dream powder, a giant’s tale, even driving in space.”
“Kacper is one of the most exciting filmmakers I’ve seen over the last several years,” said Luke Ricci, president, RSA Films US. “Whether it’s a character, an emotion, an environment, car or other product, he has a special and distinctive way of capturing and articulating the world around him in all his work. He is a fantastic addition to our RSA family.”
“Joining RSA is a dream come true,” Larski said. “The roster includes some of the best filmmakers in the world, with founder Ridley Scott... Read More