Although she’s not the hip-hop star that music video director Anthony Mandler is used to, the helmer has set up his directorial debut with the teenage lead of True Grit, Hailee Steinfeld. The Los Angeles-based director has worked with nearly every major act, including Snoop Dogg, M.I.A., Commonm 50 Cent, Eminem, Rihanna, Beyoncé, Jay-Z, T.I., Tyler, the Creator and yes, even Spice Girls and Justin Bieber.
Now he’s jumping into features with the horror film Dead of Winter, written by Sarah Conradt, which appeared on the 2011 Black List. Originally set up at Lionsgate, the film follows “a teen who heads to a remote cabin in the mountains with her father and new stepmother — an experience he hopes will bring the two ladies closer together. When a dangerous fugitive posing as a park ranger shows up, the trio must put aside the family bonding to fight for survival.” [Variety]
It sounds like a string of other generic horror films, but with a lead like Steinfeld and some script recognition hopefully there is some twists up its sleeve. Mandler’s also working on an ex-F. Gary Gray project The Last Days of American Crime, but this one looks to be gearing up first. To get a taste of his style, check out videos for Young Forever, Run This Town and Disturbia below while we look forward to his transition into features.
Production is looking to kick off early next year.
Are you looking forward to Mandler’s debut?