Director Steve Urbano has joined the roster of Davidis Film, an international media company specializing in producing films and commercials for the automotive industry.
Alexander Davidis, founder of Davidis Film, described Urbano as “a dynamic director who can expertly combine live action with animation or visual effects. He has written, created, directed and produced numerous marketing and branding campaigns including commercials, network promotions and documentaries for such iconic brands as General Motors, Toyota, Discovery’s Velocity Network, Pepsi, Ford, DuPont, NASCAR and DISH Network. But what’s most important for us is that Steve is a fellow car-nut who races himself. That gives him a special insight–the common denominator for all team members at Davidis Film.”
Urbano uses his visual storytelling technique like a driver approaches the track. His precise creative planning enables him to push the boundaries of performance and his automotive experience allows for more emotional discovery during production.
Urbano was named the 2011 Formula Rookie of the Year by Rocky Mountain Vintage Racing. He has directed notable artists and celebrities including Smokey Robinson, Elton John, Beyonce’, Robin Thicke, Giada DeLaurentiis, Bobby Flay, Blair Underwood; and in the car world Jeff Gordon, Mario Andretti, Wayne Carini, Chip Foose and Patrick Dempsey. Urbano’s work has garnered national credits and honors, including Clio Awards, National Addys and numerous Emmys. Urbano has also been honored by the New York Festival for Advertising, the Broadcast Design Association and the Art Directors Club.
“Steve is a creative storyteller and outstanding action director,” stated Paul Babb, executive director of Davidis Film. “He has the ability to generate passion and emotion with all subjects he directs, be it automobiles, performers or artists.”
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