Production company Superprime has added Icelandic directing duo Samuel & Gunnar to its roster for U.S. commercial representation.
Samuel Bjarki Petursson and Gunnar Pall Olafsson are award-winning directors with a passionate eye for detail and a holistic approach to filmmaking. Recent work includes “Unstoppable,” a moving and cinematic portrait of a young girl’s passion for soccer in spite of the stereotypes women must overcome in sports. Made for Icelandair’s sponsorship of the Iceland women’s soccer team, the motivational spot received a Bronze Epica award. Additional Samuel & Gunnar clients include Pixar, Audi, NFL, Spectrum and American Express.
Samuel & Gunnar began their career as collaborators as members of their school’s video club in Iceland. Both got their start in film on the postproduction side, working first as editors for commercials, music videos, and features, before transitioning into their work as a director team. This diverse and multidimensional experience deeply informs their approach to filmmaking. Prior to joining Superprime, Samuel & Gunnar were repped by Humble.
Michelle Ross, Superprime’s managing director, said of Samuel & Gunnar, “I was really drawn to the way they capture such beautiful moments through visual storytelling.”
A joint statement from Samuel & Gunnar read, “We are thrilled to find a home on Superprime’s amazing roster of directors. They share our passion for telling stories, it comes through in every part of their personalities and process. We’re looking forward to creating beautiful new work together.”
“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