By Ryan Pearson, Entertainment Writer
PARK CITY, Utah (AP) --Richard Ayoade says his connection to Sundance founder Robert Redford runs deeper than most filmmakers.
"I think Robert is grateful that I came. Now he's too proud to say that. But you can see in his eyes," Ayoade joked in an interview. "He doesn't want to focus the whole thing on me at this stage. It's kind of between us."
Ayoade, a British comedic actor, made his feature directing debut with the 2011 Sundance coming-of-age movie "Submarine." He claims a warm welcome from the 77-year-old Redford after returning this year with "The Double," which he directed and co-wrote.
"He's there turning down the beds, making sure everyone's got enough eggs. He's all over it. He's just there. But that's just Robert. He does too much, I tell him. He won't listen. It keeps him busy, that's the thing. Because otherwise the mind goes," Ayoade said in an interview, maintaining a deadpan face while his film's star Jesse Eisenberg giggled beside him.
"And he's pretty much all there still. He's sharp. I mean there's sometimes a delay. He'll drift off. But he'll come back within five minutes. You just stick with it. . But sometimes he just hits the deck and does mess-ups and I'm going, 'I don't know you.' A lot of it is about circulation. You've got to keep the blood moving. And joints. You've got to keep your joints opened. And he's more aware of that than anyone. I mean that's why he's been in the business so long."
As Ayoade kept up his story, Eisenberg was nearly doubled over with laughter.
"He likes a deep stretch. He works on his glutes a lot. But the thing with Robert is that if you stretch him too far he can snap. A little bit like a brandy snap. Because you know there's a straw component to him. You know how he kind of looks a little bit like he's made out of wheat? So if he says 'Sundance kid' you stop that deep stretch."
"Why do you think it's called Sundance? That is his safe word. We're in his safe word," Ayoade concluded.
Mike Pierantozzi joins Movers+Shakers as exec creative director
Creative agency Movers+Shakers has appointed Mike Pierantozzi as executive creative director. In this new role, he will help guide the creative direction of Movers+Shakers’ socially-native campaigns. Pierantozzi will report to co-founder and chief creative officer Geoffrey Goldberg.
With nearly two decades of experience as a copywriter, creative director, and multi-platform storyteller, Pierantozzi brings a wealth of knowledge from his work with major brands including Kraft, Unilever, IBM, and Walmart. He has led the creation of award-winning campaigns for agencies like Red Tettemer, Ogilvy, The Brooklyn Brothers, TAXI, Saatchi & Saatchi, and most recently, Vayner, where he spearheaded culturally iconic work for Planters including “Death of Mr. Peanut.” He led the National Down Syndrome Society and Luvs account, whose “First Kid. Second Kid” campaign was awarded by the Effies, ADC, Clios and LIAs.
Outside of the office, Pierantozzi practices what he teaches brands. He’s gone viral multiple times on his own TikTok account, featuring comedic interactions with his son and a trombone. He’s accumulated 15K followers on TikTok.
“Mike brings a rare and awesome combination of deep social and platform experience, a keen eye for excellent storytelling, and a humble and kind approach to leadership,” said Goldberg. “Mike’s got a knack for turning brand stories into cultural movements, making him the perfect fit for Movers+Shakers. He’s got the kind of bold vision and attention to culture that fits perfectly with our mission to push creative boundaries and drive industry firsts. Plus, as a creator himself he has the innate ability to make people stop, laugh, and share--which is exactly what we’re about.”
“I’ve... Read More