SUPERLATIVE has signed director Connor Carroll for commercials and branded content. Carroll has directed spots for Discover, SONY, Nissan and Amazon. His new film, titled Rayleigh, Scattering, has garnered critical acclaim for its unique approach; a poignant short film propelled by Carroll’s rich music composition and “movie trailer” structure.
“Connor’s instantly familial and jovial personality so clearly translates through all of his work,” said creative manager Stefan Dezil who heads SUPERLATIVE along with EP Pia Clemente and managing director David Kwan. “Our team is devoted to using art to bring positivity with a humanitarian focus into the world and Connor’s commercials and short films showcased that with verve. He brings an exuberance to free-flowing camera work, a naturalistic warmth to each composition, and he has a formidable ability to connect with people on and off set.”
Carroll’s background is grounded in filmmaking. He grew up in front of a camera, first acting in commercials and features into his teen years. He then began to hone his skills as a producer/director, working both agency and production sides out of some creative Nashville-based shops. Adding to his skill set, Carroll is also professional musician, holding a degree in music business from Belmont University.
“I learned a lot as a musician and SAG actor,” said Carroll. “Great storytelling begins with the importance of the small gesture. I was always inspired by the phrase, ‘The Long Walk is Part of the Gift.’ I’m grateful to have this opportunity. I had discussions with other companies but nothing felt right until I talked with David [Kwan] and his team at SUPERLATIVE.”
Carroll’s love for branding and storytelling is evident in his “Small Batch” video series. Each film pairs handmade brands with emerging artists, allowing each to experience heightened recognition in the community. “I had local businesses pick some of their favorite home-grown music artists to do on-site performances,” he said. “It worked for the benefit of both.”
One of Carroll’s favorite spots was directed for Tennessee State Parks. Titled “Open The Door to Adventure,” the piece carries a storyline the director loves. “A family goes camping,” he said. “The first thing the viewer sees is a parental hand confiscating a child’s cell phone. Hiking, swimming, fishing and boating follows. A shared laugh at the picnic table and good moments around the campfire. All those small gestures.”
“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