Welcome to SHOOT’s fall edition Directors Series, featuring profiles of notable helmers and a look at promising new talent. Our accompanying Cinematographers Series offers DP insights into artistic trends and technological developments.
The directorial profiles encompass a wide range of work. In addition to commercials, this mix includes for several directors such fare as Webisodes, Internet shorts, targeted cable series and viral spots. The latter discipline, for instance, is reflected in director Steve Ayson’s first American ad assignment, Folgers’ “Happy Mornings,” which has taken on a word-of-mouth life of its own, putting him on the U.S. commercialmaking map and infusing the coffee client with a hip viral vibe.
Then there’s Jesse Dylan, an accomplished spot and music video director whose first major branded content endeavor, Snickers’ Instant Def series of Webisodes for BBDO and Atmosphere BBDO, New York, has scored impressively, attracting one million-plus customers to a special Web site.
Similarly Web traffic has been heavy for Sea-Doo’s series of short films, the first being Rusty Dogs directed by Jeffrey Karoff.
Then factor in The Glue Society for its MTV show The Gamekillers for BBH, New York and client Axe deodorant. Furthermore, all the directors in this edition who have diversified into varied forms of content also continue to turn out breakthrough broadcast and/or cinema commercials. The Glue Society for example helmed the lauded “March of the Emperors” for Canal+ out of BETC Euro RSCG, Paris.
In addition, this issue provides a sampling of up-and-coming directors in “From One To Several,” continuing the longstanding SHOOT commitment to identifying and giving exposure to the next generation of directing talent.
And keep in mind that the scope of the Directors and Cinematographers Series goes beyond the pages in this section. Director Terry Gilliam shares his take on filmmaking in our POV column, and this week’s Chat Room features DP Daryn Okada, ASC, who is the new president of the American Society of Cinematographers.
Enjoy the issue and, as always, we welcome your feedback.
The End of The “Rust” Criminal Case Against Alec Baldwin May Unlock A Civil Lawsuit
The conclusion of a criminal case against Alec Baldwin in the fatal shooting of a cinematographer clears the way for a related civil lawsuit by relatives of the deceased woman and efforts to depose the actor under oath, attorneys for plaintiffs in the civil suit said Tuesday.
At a news conference in Los Angeles, victims' rights attorney Gloria Allred said that the parents and younger sister of deceased cinematographer Halyna Hutchins were disappointed that prosecutors won't appeal the dismissal of an involuntary manslaughter charge against Baldwin. The criminal charge against Baldwin was dismissed halfway through trial in July on allegations that police and prosecutors withheld evidence from the defense.
Hutchins died shortly after being wounded during a rehearsal in the movie "Rust" in October 2021 at a film-set ranch on the outskirts of Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Baldwin, the lead actor and coproducer, was pointing a pistol at Hutchins when it discharged, killing Hutchins and wounding director Joel Souza. Baldwin has said he pulled back the hammer — but not the trigger — and the revolver fired.
Allred said Hutchins' relatives are determined to pursue damages and compensation from Baldwin and "Rust" producers in New Mexico civil court, and want Baldwin to answer questions under oath in the proceedings. Hutchins' widower and son previously reached a separate legal settlement.
"With the withdrawal that was made public yesterday, we are now able to proceed with our civil case," Allred said. "Clearly, the rights of Alec Baldwin were protected, but the due process rights of the victims — Halyna Hutchins and her parents and her sister — were violated."
Allred said she's ready to prove that Hutchins had a close relationship... Read More