Directing duo the Docter Twins–consisting of Jason and Matt Docter–has secured its first representation in Canada, signing with Toronto-based commercial studio Westside. Based in L.A., Jason and Matt Docter continue to direct in the U.S. via their production company Thinking Machine. The identical twin brothers are known for their subtle, authentic sensibilities that balance smart performance and a cinematic style with a witty, comedic storytelling flair. The full range of the twins’ style can be seen in their multi-award-winning Xfinity Mobile “Data in Dollars” campaign from Goodby Silverstein & Partners. A series of 6-second contextual pre-roll ads, the campaign quantifies just how much everything from how-to tutorials to music videos and action flicks costs in data charges when not using Xfinity. The campaign was recognized at Cannes Lions, The Clios, The Addys, AICP’s Next Awards and The Webbys, among others. The twins are currently developing an indie feature film inspired by R.E.M.’s Michael Stipe. The Docter Twins made their first directorial splash back in 2008 when they earned inclusion into SHOOT’s New Directors Showcase….
Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck Tell “Freaky Tales,” Look Back On The Impact Of Sundance On Their Careers
When Sean Baker accepted the Best Director Oscar this month for Anora, he made an impassioned plea for the theatrical motion picture. “Where did we fall in love with the movies? At the movie theater,” he affirmed, adding that it’s “a communal experience you don’t get at home.” The shared experience of being in an audience--being moved to tears, laughter, or stunned into silence--is like no other. And it is all the more invaluable in a world where we've become increasingly divided. Writers-directors Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden know all too well the richness of the in-theater experience. Boden recalled last year’s Sundance Film Festival when Freaky Tales--a feature she and Fleck teamed on--was screened before a capacity crowd. Described by Boden as a “crazy, popcorn, fun film,” Freaky Tales elicited a loud, boisterous response from the audience. “The laughter was loud,” as was the applause “when crazy shit went down,” she noted. Now Fleck and Boden, a long-time directing team dating back to their film school days, hope to see and hear that audience reception replicated in theaters across the country as Freaky Tales is slated for wide release by Lionsgate on April 4. Freaky Tales is a genre mashup set in Oakland, Calif., Fleck’s hometown, in the 1980s. Its ensemble cast includes Pedro Pascal, Ben Mendelsohn, Jay Ellis, Dominique Thorne and Normani. The directing team describes it as a personal fever dream fantasy incorporating Fleck’s youthful obsessions from sports, movies and music. The film had been percolating within Fleck for some 30 years, springing from his childhood experience in the 1980s with influences ranging from basketball to hip-hop to punk rock. Fleck at one point called... Read More