Tool of North America has added award-winning director, artist, and author Stefan Hunt to its expanding content roster. This marks his first career U.S. representation. Tool will handle him for commercials, branded content and music videos in North America.
Known for his unique sense of comedy and visual punch, Hunt has directed spots for Nike, Google, Ray Ban, Hurley, and Bonds. Hunt’s major creative drive is to “fear less and live more,” a theme he explores in his book, festival and film: “We’re All Going to Die.” Hunt’s work is often framed through the eyes of a child, which gives his films a poignant style of emotional honesty and clarity.
Hunt began his American directing career after borrowing an old ice cream truck, stocking it with surfboards, and filming his epic journey as he rolled across all 50 states. Since then, he has gone on to collaborate with the biggest global brands, directed music videos, documentaries, and TV shows with the hope of inspiring change through creativity.
“I’m currently on a walkabout telling everyone I know about Stefan,” said Nancy Hacohen, managing director of Tool’s Content division. “There aren’t many people who could say ‘We’re all going to die’ and make me laugh out loud in the process. Stefan brings an infectious joy to every project and he works hard to spread that enthusiasm. Like a blend of Wes Anderson with a dash of Monty Python, Stefan’s creations are nothing short of amazing.”
“Tool’s body of work is mind blowing and I’m stoked to combine that production value with my imagination,” said Hunt. “We share the same desire to push creative boundaries and I’m confident we’ll make some magic together.”
California Gov. Newsom Signs Laws To Protect Actors Against Unauthorized Use Of AI
California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed off Tuesday on legislation aiming at protecting Hollywood actors and performers against unauthorized artificial intelligence that could be used to create digital clones of themselves without their consent.
The new laws come as California legislators ramped up efforts this year to regulate the marquee industry that is increasingly affecting the daily lives of Americans but has had little to no oversight in the United States.
The laws also reflect the priorities of the Democratic governor who's walking a tightrope between protecting the public and workers against potential AI risks and nurturing the rapidly evolving homegrown industry.
"We continue to wade through uncharted territory when it comes to how AI and digital media is transforming the entertainment industry, but our North Star has always been to protect workers," Newsom said in a statement. "This legislation ensures the industry can continue thriving while strengthening protections for workers and how their likeness can or cannot be used."
Inspired by the Hollywood actors' strike last year over low wages and concerns that studios would use AI technology to replace workers, a new California law will allow performers to back out of existing contracts if vague language might allow studios to freely use AI to digitally clone their voices and likeness. The law is set to take effect in 2025 and has the support of the California Labor Federation and the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, or SAG-AFTRA.
Another law signed by Newsom, also supported by SAG-AFTRA, prevents dead performers from being digitally cloned for commercial purposes without the permission of their estates. Supporters said the law is... Read More