David Reviews

 "You're not an artist, Peggy. You solve problems." Don Draper.

HUNKYDORY SWOOP FOR DAN CASTELLA.
9 December 2022

Writer and director Dan Castella has joined the talented roster at HunkyDory. Over the years, Castella has shot a bevy of droll short films and commercials that showcase his knack for observational humour.

For example, Castella understands that for rail passengers, getting from A to B provides enough emotional strain. As part of The Guardian and TSB's Relationship Project, he asks viewers to imagine breaking up with your partner on the train to Waterloo… something Miles Jupp did for real.

The comedian charts his chequered history with the opposite sex (seems women can resist a weekend break in Market Harborough), before describing his torrid fortnight-and-a-bit affair with Deborah. Keen for a fresh start, he decides to end things on the train. Alas, an engine fault extends their relationship within feet of Waterloo.


As well as droll cautionary tales, Castella delivers brand messaging with a light touch. When Beco asked him to direct a film about the disability employment gap, he learned about the company's 80% disabled workforce and assembled a cast of characterful workers who take umbrage with the narrator.

Reductive comments are shot down and platitudes are rejected by Beco staff, who the company want other firms to hire for a change. It's a great example of social awareness done right, and a strong calling card for Castella.


His new colleague, HunkyDory managing director John Doris, says: "Dan is a really exciting comedy filmmaker, with an eye for exceptional casting, great timing, and engaging, funny performances." Sounds like his HD debut will be worth a gander.

To discuss Dan Castella further, drop Ronae Rayson a line via ronae@hunkydoryfilms.co.uk or call 020 7267 5000.

Stories

FILM KLAXON: BRIDGE

In 2020, actor Gemma Barnett became a receptionist in a GP practice.


HOPE SOGNI HAS ENTERED THE BEAUTIFUL GAME.

Remember when Fifa’s president, Gianni Infantino, said that women should “pick the right battles” in the fight for equal pay? Hope Sogni does.


INTRODUCING... VANESSA STACHEL

While in Berlin for Ciclope, DAVID REVIEWS editor Jason Stone grabbed the chance to meet young German director Vanessa Stachel, who was recently added to the roster of Curly Films.


ANNEX SWOOP FOR SCOTT CARTHY.

Annex Films have completed the signing of Irish director Scott Carthy on a non-exclusive basis.


NHS BLOOD & TRANSPLANT DOLLS.

Children turned into dolls may sound like an idea for a horror movie, but it's how NHS Blood & Transplant (NHSBT) aim to increase the number of child organ donors.


BANG TV SECURES CHRISTOPHER POOLE

Bang TV have persuaded Christopher Poole to join their carefully curated roster of directorial talent.


HOLLY HUNTER WINS HOMESPUN YARNS

The 2023 edition of Homespun Yarns was won by Holly Hunter for her film 'Banana Boat'.


PRESENCE SWOOP FOR HENRY CROSTON.

Director Henry Croston says he's "thrilled" to be part of the Young Presence roster.


SHIFT POST WELCOME PAUL O'REILLY.

Shift Post have completed the signing of editor Paul O'Reilly, who reckons "something very exciting is happening" at his new home.


LAURA HANCOCK'S NEW HOBBY

Danish-American director Laura Hancock has joined HOBBY for US representation.


NATALJA SAFRONOVA JOINS LOOP TALENT

Director of photography Natalja Safronova calls herself a “part-time nomad” who gets a kick out of travel.


ADJANI SALMON SCREENING THIS THURSDAY

This Thursday, Snapper Films are hosting a special screening of work from their director Adjani Salmon.


SCOTT LYON JOINS ROGUE

Rogue are understandably delighted after adding Scott Lyon to their increasingly impressive roster of talent.


OB42 ENLIST JAMES F COTON.

James F Coton is always happy to talk anime, manga, and hip-hop. Just make sure he's not in the middle of a shot!


IT'S MINDCASTLE FOR STARLING.

Director duo Mindcastle (Danielle Krieger and Casey Warren) have joined STARLING's UK roster.


IT'S A WES WALKER WORLD AFTER ALL FOR ICONOCLAST.

Whip-smart director Wes Walker has joined Iconoclast for representation in the UK and the Netherlands.


JOHN LEWIS PREDICT FESTIVE GROWTH.

John Lewis tap into the 'grow your own' trend with a ten-second teaser for the main event—Saatchi & Saatchi's first Christmas ad for the retailer.


SMUGGLER UK SIGNS JUDITH VEENENDAAL

Judith Veenendaal has joined the roster at Smuggler in London for representation in the UK.


MORTEN TYLDUM JOINS RIFF RAFF

It's not often that a film production company adds an Oscar-nominated director to their roster, but that's what Riff Raff have just done.


IT'S PIP + LIB FOR CAVIAR.

Liberty Papworth and Pip Jay King (or pip + lib) have joined Caviar’s UK roster for commercials and music videos.


SAINSBURY'S UNLEASH THEIR CHRISTMAS OFFER

Sainsbury's have released their Christmas ad, and it's a charming film featuring some lovely performances.


ODELAY FILMS ARRIVE IN THE USA.

The flight was long and baggage claim was a nightmare, but Odelay Films have made it to the US.


CURATE WELCOME BONABART.

American directors Bonnie Dennison and Alison Barton (aka BONAPART) have joined Curate Films for representation in the UK and the Netherlands.


MICHAEL BUBLÉ TEASES ASDA

Within one minute of the start of November, ASDA had released a lengthy teaser ad for this year's Christmas commercial.


IMOGEN HARRISON JOINS STICKER STUDIOS.

Director Imogen Harrison has signed with Sticker Studios for commercial representation.


Stories

Address: Woodbourne House, Seven Sisters, Lenzie, G66 3AW. Telephone: +44 141 776 7766. Editor: Jason Stone.