Gaming organization FaZe Clan has partnered with Sugar23–which is Oscar-winning (Best Picture for Spotlight) producer-manager Michael Sugar’s emerging management and creative platform–to launch FaZe Studios to fuel, produce and source new film and TV projects. Sugar23 will combine its expertise in original, premium entertainment with FaZe Clan’s affinity for connecting with youth culture in the digital space. FaZe Studios plans to bring to fruition movies and television shows that specifically speak to and for youth, helping to shape the cultural zeitgeist. Under the terms of the deal, which was initiated by FaZe Clan’s Xavier Ramos (VP,creative development) and Sugar23’s Brad Foxhoven (head, interactive & gaming), FaZe Studios will operate in Los Angeles with Sugar23 running development operations. Foxhoven will be pointing the initiative for Sugar23, while Ramos and Fami Okusanya (VP, content) will be leading the endeavor on behalf of FaZe Clan….
The film industry supports 2.1 million jobs in the U.S. alone, with millions more around the globe. A large portion of those workers are freelance, and have now gone months without a paycheck. To help those affected, production company Reframe the World has launched KEEPGOING, a virtual gallery selling prints by directors and DPs around the world to support unemployed industry freelancers through the Motion Picture & Television Fund. KEEPGOING is a project created by filmmakers, for filmmakers. It’s a virtual gallery offering 11×17 ($150) and 8.5×11 ($125) semi-gloss archival ink prints including work by a growing list of directors and DPs, including Spike Jonze, Alma Har’el, Mihai Mฤlaimare Jr., Jonas Lindstroem, Gordon Von Steiner, Salomon Ligthelm, Vincent Haycock, Drew Daniels, Rina Yang, and Adam Newport-Berra. For every print sold, KeepGoing will donate 100% of the proceeds to the Motion Picture & Television Fund COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund. This fund supports the millions of industry professionals currently facing financial hardship due to the pandemic. Reframe the World’s partners in KeepGoing are creative director Sarah Bassett, design director for Adidas Originals globally at Johannes Leonardo, and WORKS Studio, creative professionals dedicated to the process of cultural advancement through interdisciplinary design. At the heart of the project are the many directors and DPs who generously support the endeavor by donating their work. Michael Peay is EP of Reframe the World….