London-based production studio KODE Media has signed director Liz Unna for commercial representation in the U.K. Growing up between Santa Fe and Brussels, and now based in London, Unna began her career in the creative services department of Discovery Channel. She then moved to Channel 4 as creative director of FilmFour, and subsequently of More4 when it launched. Here, she oversaw all of its on-air identity and scooped up several D&AD awards along the way. Over the course of her career, Unna has directed commercials and short films for numerous clients across the globe, including Samsung, American Airlines, M&S, Age UK, the NSPCC, Google, Dove, Microsoft and Volkswagen. She recently partnered with UK Dementia Research Institute, to focus on raising awareness around how women are disproportionately impacted by dementia. The two campaign films spotlight women who experience dementia by focusing on their most cherished memory, resonating with audiences on a profound level and leaving a lasting impact. Her work on the “Unquiet Film Series” for The Times and Sunday Times saw Unna win two D&AD pencils, several British Arrows and two Cannes Lions. Her work for Age UK, featuring actors Miriam Margolyes and James Bolam, has also been awarded at Cannes Lions….
“Heretic” and “Maria” Set As Red Carpet Premieres At AFI Fest
The American Film Institute (AFI) has announced that Heretic, the psychological thriller starring Hugh Grant, and Maria, based on the life of opera singer Maria Callas starring Angelina Jolie, will round out the Red Carpet Premieres section at this year’s AFI Fest. The Heretic Gala Screening will take place on Thursday, October 24, and the Maria Gala Screening will be held on Saturday, October 26. The complete Red Carpet Premieres section includes the world premieres of Music By John Williams, Robert Zemeckis’ Here, Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl and Clint Eastwood’s Juror #2. All Red Carpet Premieres will take place at the historic TCL Chinese Theatre. The full lineup for AFI Fest 2024 will be unveiled on October 1.
“At the heart of AFI Fest is an unwavering dedication to celebrating the best in global cinema--together,” said Bob Gazzale, AFI president and CEO. “We look forward to uniting artists and audiences once again to be inspired by the art form in a powerful sense of community.”
Heretic follows two young missionaries (Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East) who are forced to prove their faith when they knock on the wrong door and are greeted by a diabolical Mr. Reed (portrayed by Grant), becoming ensnared in his deadly game of cat-and-mouse. The film is directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods and produced by Stacey Sher, Beck, Woods, Julia Glausi and Jeanette Volturno. The film will be released nationwide by A24 on November 8.
Directed by Pablo Larraín, Maria presents a tumultuous and beautiful depiction of one of the world’s most renowned artists and reimagines the legendary soprano in her final days in Paris, as Callas (Jolie)... Read More