During a masterclass in Toronto, celebrated Indian filmmaker Anurag Kashyap openly discussed his filmmaking approach, experiences with big stars and studios, and his latest film “Kennedy.”
Kashyap expressed his strong aversion to authority, underscoring his ongoing issues with authorities. He revealed his practice of basing characters in his films on real people, emphasizing that he has never created a character from his imagination.
Regarding collaborations with major stars and studios, Kashyap voiced concerns about the vanity of stars and the financial focus of studios. He also admitted to occasionally misleading studios about script changes. Despite these challenges, he emphasized his dedication to managing budgets effectively to prevent financial losses for studios.
Kashyap commended Zee Studios, the producer of “Kennedy,” for their ability to support the film, thanks to the success of their previous blockbusters, such as “The Kashmir Files” and “Gadar 2.”
He mentioned how some stars who took risks in his films might later decline similar roles due to concerns about aligning with family-friendly images. Additionally, Kashyap discussed his unique scriptwriting process of creating full scripts before making edits, which deviates from the common development process involving synopses and director’s notes.
Kashyap’s motivation as a filmmaker stems from his desire to stay curious, excited, and engaged, actively avoiding monotony and routine.
In a separate panel discussion led by filmmaker Anup Singh, Kashyap, along with lead cast members Rahul Bhat and Sunny Leone, provided insights into the world of “Kennedy” during the festival.
Daniel Negret, who previously served as Head Gear Films’ Chief Operating Officer, has joined Causeway Films as its CEO. Causeway Films, led by Sam Jennings and Kristina Ceyton, has had an impressive track record, including producing notable films like “The Babadook” and “True History of the Kelly Gang.” Negret’s appointment is seen as a strategic move to further elevate Causeway’s presence and success in the film industry.
Negret has extensive experience in production finance, business development, legal matters, and marketing, having overseen operations at Head Gear Films. His role was instrumental in more than 60 productions, including films like “Talk to Me” and “Bandit.” Negret was also involved in creating Head Gear’s financial packaging and executive producing division.
In his new position, Negret is expected to leverage his financial acumen, industry knowledge, and creative sensibilities to help Causeway Films continue its tradition of producing socially relevant and innovative stories with international appeal. Sam Jennings and Kristina Ceyton, the founders of Causeway Films, have expressed their confidence in Negret’s ability to contribute to the company’s growth and uphold its dedication to original voices and groundbreaking narratives.
Negret is excited about joining the Causeway team and looks forward to building on the company’s tremendous success. His appointment marks a new chapter for Causeway Films as they navigate the evolving landscape of the film industry.
In the 2020-21 period, Causeway Films completed four notable features. Among them, “You Won’t Be Alone” by director Goran Stolevski, “Of an Age” by the same director, and “Blaze” by Del Kathryn Barton, featuring Simon Baker, were significant productions. Additionally, “Good Madam,” a South African psychological horror film by Jenna Cato Bass, was featured at the Toronto festival in 2021 and released on the streaming platform Shudder.
Daniel Negret’s extensive industry experience and his successful film, “Shaman,” produced in Ecuador, position him well to make a meaningful impact on Causeway Films as their new CEO. Causeway Films continues to demonstrate a commitment to creating thought-provoking and successful cinema.
The company’s founders, Sam Jennings and Kristina Ceyton, express their confidence in Daniel Negret’s ability to contribute to the company’s growth and success while staying true to their core values of producing impactful and innovative stories.
Negret, a seasoned industry professional who previously served as the Chief Operating Officer at Head Gear Films, is poised to bring his business and financial acumen, along with a deep understanding of the creative process, to help Causeway Films continue to produce groundbreaking and socially relevant narratives that resonate with audiences worldwide.
With his strong track record and commitment to integrity, Daniel Negret’s appointment as CEO of Causeway Films represents an exciting new chapter for the company. His experience and expertise make him well-suited to navigate the evolving landscape of the film industry and contribute to the company’s continued success.
In 2020-21, Causeway Films completed several notable features, including “You Won’t Be Alone” by director Goran Stolevski, “Of an Age,” “Blaze” starring Simon Baker, and “Good Madam,” a South African psychological horror film. The company has a history of producing thought-provoking and successful cinema, and Daniel Negret’s appointment is expected to further enhance their creative and business endeavors.
Daniel Negret, formerly the Chief Operating Officer at Head Gear Films, has taken on the role of CEO at Causeway Films, a company known for its success in producing impactful and innovative stories. With an impressive track record of over 60 productions, including films like “Talk to Me” and “Bandit,” Negret brings a wealth of experience in production finance, business development, legal matters, and marketing.
Negret’s experience in the industry, combined with his integrity and passion for storytelling, makes him well-suited to lead Causeway Films to new heights. The company, founded by Sam Jennings and Kristina Ceyton, is dedicated to producing socially relevant and groundbreaking narratives that resonate with audiences worldwide.
Negret’s appointment marks an exciting new chapter for Causeway Films, and he is expected to play a key role in the company’s continued success and expansion. His track record and expertise position him as an excellent fit for the role of CEO at Causeway Films.
