By Jon Gambrell
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) --Looking for a "vertical city" to stand in for a futuristic world, actors and filmmakers involved in the film "Star Trek Beyond" ended up among the gleaming towers of Dubai.
"We came searching for the future and found it," said Jeffrey Chernov, one of the film's executive producers.
"Star Trek Beyond," the third movie in the reboot of the science-fiction series, is the latest film to be partially shot in the United Arab Emirates.
Others drawn here include filmmakers like J.J. Abrams, who helmed the last two "Star Trek" films and shot parts of the upcoming "Star Wars: Episode VII" in Abu Dhabi. The city was also a location for the most recent "Fast & Furious" sequel.
Chernov also was an executive producer in 2011's "Mission: Impossible — Ghost Protocol," which saw actor Tom Cruise scale parts of Dubai's Burj Khalifa skyscraper for the movie. Speaking Wednesday to journalists with other cast members in Dubai, Chernov said filmmakers found Dubai's skyscrapers and futuristic vistas appealing.
On Friday, authorities in Dubai shut down busy Sheikh Zayed Road for a film shoot. A helicopter filmed along the multi-lane highway cutting through the heart of Dubai, which includes a portion of the Dubai Metro and tall residential towers and office buildings.
Actor Chris Pine, who plays Capt. James T. Kirk in the rebooted films, described opening up the blinds of his hotel room to look out on "such a stunning city."
"It looks like whatever tomorrow will be," Pine said. "It's future land. It's incredible."
Other actors involved in "Star Trek Beyond," directed by Justin Lin, include Idris Elba, Zachary Quinto and Simon Pegg. The film is set for release in July.
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