Emerald Pictures has signed Russian director Alexander Alexandrov for U.S. representation spanning commercials and branded content. Already well-established as a cinematographer, Alexandrov has gained a reputation for a director’s eye that is cinematic yet sensitive. He is repped internationally as a director by Kirameki in Japan and Redorfe in Asia. Iconic Talent Agency handles him for cinematography in the U.S. Prior to joining Emerald Pictures, Alexandrov was repped directorially in the ad arena by Logan Industry.
Alexandrov entered the industry at the emergence of digital cinema and put all of his savings into buying a professional camera. A true self-starter, he dove into freelance work in Los Angeles, focused on continuously honing his craft. Alexandrov grew his portfolio by shooting projects he was passionate about, using the opportunities to showcase his vision and establish himself as a talented filmmaker and photographer.
He has since worked around the world helming ads for clients including Ford, Toyota, Columbia, Uniqlo, Delorean, Asics, Bobbi Brown, Nicopanda, Suzuki, Ocha Green Tea, Harley Davidson, and Logitech. As a cinematographer, Alexandrov has turned out feature films that have premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, Tribeca, SXSW, and the LA Film Festival.
“Not only is Alexander’s visual storytelling aesthetically beautiful, there is also something in his work that gives you the feeling of being in the room with the subjects he is filming. Alexander breaks down walls and connects to his subjects effortlessly. This sense of connection gives his storytelling a unique point of view, with layers of complexity,” said John Duffin, founding partner and managing director at Emerald Pictures.
Alexandrov said, “I have always viewed filmmaking as a challenging and extremely rewarding profession. It has allowed me to see the world, appreciate its diversity, and celebrate humanity. I do this work for the joy of it, more than anything else. At Emerald Pictures, they understand and share that passion for cinema and for life.”
Rom-Com Mainstay Hugh Grant Shifts To The Dark Side and He’s Never Been Happier
After some difficulties connecting to a Zoom, Hugh Grant eventually opts to just phone instead.
"Sorry about that," he apologizes. "Tech hell." Grant is no lover of technology. Smart phones, for example, he calls the "devil's tinderbox."
"I think they're killing us. I hate them," he says. "I go on long holidays from them, three or four days at at time. Marvelous."
Hell, and our proximity to it, is a not unrelated topic to Grant's new film, "Heretic." In it, two young Mormon missionaries (Chloe East, Sophie Thatcher) come knocking on a door they'll soon regret visiting. They're welcomed in by Mr. Reed (Grant), an initially charming man who tests their faith in theological debate, and then, in much worse things.
After decades in romantic comedies, Grant has spent the last few years playing narcissists, weirdos and murders, often to the greatest acclaim of his career. But in "Heretic," a horror thriller from A24, Grant's turn to the dark side reaches a new extreme. The actor who once charmingly stammered in "Four Weddings and a Funeral" and who danced to the Pointer Sisters in "Love Actually" is now doing heinous things to young people in a basement.
"It was a challenge," Grant says. "I think human beings need challenges. It makes your beer taste better in the evening if you've climbed a mountain. He was just so wonderfully (expletive)-up."
"Heretic," which opens in theaters Friday, is directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, co-writers of "A Quiet Place." In Grant's hands, Mr. Reed is a divinely good baddie — a scholarly creep whose wry monologues pull from a wide range of references, including, fittingly, Radiohead's "Creep."
In an interview, Grant spoke about these and other facets of his character, his journey... Read More