Martin Villeneuve Explained

Martin Villeneuve
Birth Place:Bécancour, Quebec, Canada
Alma Mater:Université du Québec à Montréal
Occupation:Screenwriter, film producer, film director, actor, art director, writer
Yearsactive:2001–present
Relatives:Denis Villeneuve (brother)

Martin Villeneuve (in French maʁtɛ̃ vilnœv/) is a Canadian screenwriter, producer, director, actor, and art director. He was nominated at the Canadian Screen Award (formerly Genie Award) in 2013 for Best Adapted Screenplay, for Mars et Avril, his feature film debut.[1] He is also known for The 12 Tasks of Imelda, his second feature film released in 2022, in which he portrays his own grandmother,[2] and for his animated series Red Ketchup which premiered in 2023.[3] [4] [5] Villeneuve previously worked for Cirque du Soleil as an artistic director for commercials and films.

Early life

He studied film production at Concordia University and graphic design at Université du Québec à Montréal. In 2002, he received an award from the commercial creativity agency Sid Lee[6] for the quality of his portfolio. In the years that followed, he worked as an artistic director with this agency and created advertising campaigns for several Cirque du Soleil shows, including Zumanity, KÀ and Corteo. He found the name for these three shows, as well as for Guy Laliberté’s One Drop Foundation. When the agency (formerly known as Diesel) changed its name in 2006, Villeneuve had the idea for the anagram Sid Lee. He also directed TV commercials for Cirque du Soleil,[7] in addition to music videos and documentary shorts.[8]

Career

Villeneuve began his career as a writer and graphic artist in 2002. He has created the comic book La voix du tonnerre (Les 400 coups, 2004), as well as the two graphic novels Mars et Avril (Sid Lee & la Pastèque, 2002-2006).[9] In 2012, the feature film adaptation of Mars et Avril which Villeneuve wrote, directed and produced, was brought to the silver screen and released in Canada in Fall 2012.[10] Mars et Avril toured in over 20 international festivals, starting with a world premiere at the 47th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, Czech Republic, and received 10 nominations.[11] [12] [13] [14] Martin Villeneuve was nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay at the 2013 Canadian Screen Awards, and he also won an Imaging the Future Award at the Neuchâtel International Fantasy Film Festival in Switzerland.[8]

On February 27, 2013, Villeneuve gave a TED Talk about Mars et Avril.[15] [16] [17] This event took place in Long Beach, California.[18] Prior to his talk, the opening sequence of the movie was shown,[19] as well as a three minutes overview[20] of the steps leading from the green screen to the final images.[21] [22] [23] Villeneuve's talk, "How I made an impossible film," was released on TED.com on June 7, 2013, and a month later was added to TED's movie magic list, notably featuring directors James Cameron and J. J. Abrams.[24] His talk has been subtitled in 33 languages and viewed more than a million times. Since then, Mars et Avril has been sold to the U.S. and is available online.[25]

In 2014, Villeneuve made his acting debut in his short comedy film Imelda, in the role of his paternal grandmother, for which he won three awards, including the Union des Artistes’ Best Actor Award at the 12th Prends ça court ! Gala (2015).[26]

In 2016-2017, he directed the first episodes of the second season of Real Detective for Investigation Discovery Channel and Netflix.[8]

On August 3, 2020, a 14-minute documentary about filmmaker Martin Villeneuve was released online. Directed by Jean Benoit, it features interviews with stage director Robert Lepage, illustrator François Schuiten and filmmaker Denis Villeneuve.[27]

Martin Villeneuve shot two sequels to his short film Imelda, both released in fall 2020. Imelda 2: The Notary had its world premiere and opened the Quebec City Film Festival on September 16, 2020, and won the Cinémental Award for Best Canadian Short Film 2020.[28] Imelda 3: Simone had its world premiere and opened the Festival du cinéma international en Abitibi-Témiscamingue on October 31, 2020, in front of a real audience despite the Covid crisis.[29]

He gave a one-hour storytelling masterclass for Goalcast, which went live on January 7, 2021.[30]

Villeneuve's second feature film, The 12 Tasks of Imelda, which he wrote, directed, produced and starred in, had its world premiere at the Quebec City Film Festival on September 9, 2022, before going into commercial release in 29 theaters across Quebec on October 28, 2022.[31] It was also screened at the 2022 Whistler Film Festival,[32] where it won the award for "Best Editing" in a Borsos Competition film.[33] [34] On March 26, 2023, Villeneuve won the "Best Actor" award at the Festival du Film Canadien de Dieppe, France, for his role of Imelda, and on August 31, 2023, he won the "Best Director" award at the Canada China International Film Festival.[35]

In 2023, Martin Villeneuve directed Red Ketchup, based on Quebec’s cult graphic novels. Produced by Sphere Animation, this 20-episode animated series aired on Adult Swim in English and on Télétoon la nuit in French. Villeneuve also lent his voice to the character of Bill Bélisle in the French version of the show, which held the top spot on Télétoon la nuit and was part of Bubbleblabber’s “Top 10 Adult Animated TV Series For 2023”.[36] [37] [38] [39]

In March 2024, he was President of the Jury at Dieppe's Canadian Film Festival, in France.[40]

On May 31, 2024, he paid tribute to his brother Denis Villeneuve, recipient of the Icon Award at the 12th Canadian Screen Awards.[41] [42]

On June 15, 2024, he wrote a manifesto in La Presse, regarding the reform of Quebec's public financing system in cinema.[43] [44]

On June 20, 2024, Deadline first reported that Villeneuve was set to direct the supernatural revenge thriller Merciless, starring Jonathan Majors.[45] [46] [47]

Personal life

Martin Villeneuve is the youngest of four siblings, and the brother of filmmaker Denis Villeneuve.[48] [49] However, he has carved his own path in the world of filmmaking, highlighting that being "the brother of" didn’t provide him any special advantages or privileges.[50]

He is in a relationship with Kika Martinez, and they are raising two children.[51]

Selected bibliography

Selected filmography

Awards and mentions

External links

Notes and References

  1. https://variety.com/2012/film/reviews/mars-and-april-1117947906/ Mars and April // Mars & Avril
  2. https://maison4tiers.com/en/product/the-12-tasks-of-imelda/ THE 12 TASKS OF IMELDA - A film by Martin Villeneuve
  3. https://www.bubbleblabber.com/2023/07/english-dub-review-red-ketchup-season-one-part-one/ English Dub Review: Red Ketchup Season One Part One
  4. https://globalnews.ca/video/9638302/new-animated-series-based-on-classic-quebec-comic-strip/ New animated series based on classic Quebec comic strip
  5. https://cmf-fmc.ca/now-next/articles/red-ketchup-the-long-awaited-animated-adaptation/ Red Ketchup, the long-awaited animated adaptation
  6. http://www.sidlee.com/ Sid Lee website
  7. https://vimeo.com/328321474 Cirque du Soleil – Advertising on Vimeo
  8. Web site: Martin Villeneuve on IMDb . . June 30, 2018 . October 13, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20171013221008/http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3884087/ . live .
  9. Festival du nouveau cinéma: Mars et Avril leaps off the page, article from The Gazette, October 5, 2012
  10. http://www.screendaily.com/reviews/the-latest/mars-and-april/5044356.article Mars and April
  11. http://io9.com/spend-the-weekend-watching-the-impossible-and-beautifu-1478078859 Spend the weekend watching the impossible (and beautiful) Mars & Avril
  12. https://www2.bfi.org.uk/news-opinion/sight-sound-magazine/comment/festivals/out-there-down-here-sci-fi-london-2013 Out there down here: Sci-Fi-London 2013
  13. https://screenanarchy.com/2013/05/sci-fi-london-2013-review-mars-et-avril.html Sci-Fi London 2013 Review: MARS ET AVRIL Deserves Greater Attention
  14. http://exclaim.ca/film/article/mars_et_avril-directed_by_martin_villeneuve Mars et Avril directed by Martin Villeneuve
  15. https://www.ted.com/talks/martin_villeneuve_how_i_made_an_impossible_film “Martin Villeneuve: How I made an impossible film”
  16. http://blog.ted.com/2013/06/07/10-jaw-dropping-images-from-the-film-mars-et-avril-and-how-the-magic-was-created/ 10 jaw-dropping images from the film “Mars et Avril,” and how the magic was created
  17. http://blog.ted.com/2013/02/27/a-sci-fi-film-with-a-2-million-budget-martin-villeneuve-at-ted2013/ A sci-fi film with a $2 million budget: Martin Villeneuve at TED2013
  18. https://blog.ted.com/why-translation-matters/ How translation amplifies ideas: TED speakers show appreciation
  19. https://vimeo.com/66697472 Mars et Avril – Opening Sequence (TED2013)
  20. https://vimeo.com/61147709 Mars et Avril – Creating the Visual Effects (TED2013)
  21. https://www.indiewire.com/2013/09/four-ted-talks-every-filmmaker-should-watch-34715/ Four TED talks every filmmaker should watch
  22. https://filmschoolrejects.com/3-things-you-need-to-make-an-impossible-movie-b8680cd17605/ 3 Things You Need to Make an Impossible Movie
  23. http://nofilmschool.com/2013/06/making-an-impossible-film-how-director-martin-villeneuve-brought-his-sci-fi-drama-to-life/ Making an Impossible Film: How Director Martin Villeneuve Brought His Sci-Fi Drama to Life
  24. Web site: 10 talks about the making of movie magic . January 4, 2013 . July 25, 2013 . August 7, 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20130807210439/http://blog.ted.com/2013/01/04/8-talks-about-the-making-of-movie-magic/ . live .
  25. https://www.bulbapp.com/b/unit/528bfd16e4b0083c00010e4f A futuristic tale of fantasy and desire
  26. https://www.bulbapp.com/u/english-a-funny-and-moving-short-film Imelda: A funny and moving short film
  27. https://vimeo.com/386956930 Once Upon A Time Martin Villeneuve (English subtitled) on Vimeo
  28. https://festivalcinema.ca/en/movie/imelda-2-le-notaire/ IMELDA 2: THE NOTARY by Martin Villeneuve
  29. https://festivalcinema.ca/en/film/imelda-3-simone/ Imelda 3: Simone at the FCIAT
  30. https://vimeo.com/495032300 Goalcast Storytelling Mastermind – Martin Villeneuve
  31. https://www.bulbapp.com/u/the-12-tasks-of-imelda-the-feature-film The 12 Tasks of Imelda: The feature film!
  32. Alyssa Noel, "Whistler Film Festival announces film lineup" Pique Newsmagazine, November 2, 2022.
  33. Rachel West, "2022 Whistler Film Festival Online Viewing Guide", December 5, 2022.
  34. Pat Mullen, "River, Coyote Top Whistler Film Festival Awards Winners" Point of View, December 4, 2022.
  35. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3884087/awards/?ref_=nm_awd Martin Villeneuve's Awards page on IMDb
  36. https://www.abacusmediarights.com/programme/4254/1/red-ketchup Red Ketchup
  37. https://www.bulbapp.com/u/trivia-fun-facts-about-the-series Red Ketchup – Trivia & Fun facts about the series
  38. https://www.bubbleblabber.com/2023/12/bubbleblabbers-top-10-adult-animated-tv-series-for-2023-international-comedy/ Bubbleblabber’s Top 10 Adult Animated TV Series For 2023 (International Comedy)
  39. https://www.bubbleblabber.com/2024/01/exclusive-interview-martin-villeneuve-on-finding-the-right-ingredients-for-red-ketchups-gonzo-recipe/ Exclusive Interview - Martin Villeneuve on Finding the Right Ingredients For ‘Red Ketchup’s’ Gonzo Recipe
  40. https://www.paris-normandie.fr/id506072/article/2024-03-22/martin-villeneuve-president-du-jury Martin Villeneuve, président du jury
  41. https://www.bulbapp.com/u/behind-the-scenes-with-martin-villeneuve-a-tribute-to-brother-denis Behind the scenes with Martin Villeneuve: A tribute to brother Denis
  42. https://lametropole.com/2024/06/01/cinema-martin-et-denis-villeneuve-rencontre/ Cinéma : Martin et Denis Villeneuve, rencontre
  43. https://www.bulbapp.com/u/manifesto-for-quebec-cinema Manifesto for Quebec Cinema: Putting Creators at the Heart of Decision-Making
  44. https://www.lapresse.ca/dialogue/opinions/2024-06-15/manifeste-pour-le-cinema-d-ici/placons-les-createurs-au-coeur-des-decisions.php Manifeste pour le cinéma d’ici : Plaçons les créateurs au cœur des décisions
  45. https://deadline.com/2024/06/jonathan-majors-merciless-martin-villeneuve-1235978562/ Jonathan Majors To Star In Supernatural Revenge Thriller ‘Merciless’ From Martin Villeneuve
  46. https://variety.com/2024/film/news/jonathan-majors-movie-role-domestic-assault-conviction-1236043296/ Jonathan Majors Lands First Movie Role After Domestic Assault Conviction
  47. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/jonathan-majors-lands-first-post-conviction-role-in-revenge-thriller-merciless-1235927949/ Jonathan Majors Lands First Post-Conviction Role in Revenge Thriller ‘Merciless’
  48. https://globalnews.ca/news/194482/cronenbergs-son-brandon-villeneuves-brother-martin-debut-in-2012-2/ Cronenberg’s son Brandon, Villeneuve’s brother Martin debut in 2012
  49. https://globalnews.ca/news/170313/denis-villeneuves-brother-martin-imagines-future-montreal-with-mars-et-avril/ Denis Villeneuve’s brother Martin imagines future Montreal with ‘Mars et Avril’
  50. Web site: Trivia & Fun facts about the film (The 12 Tasks of Imelda) . . June 19, 2023 . June 19, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230619233636/https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3884087/bio/?item=nt1004443#trivia . live .
  51. Web site: Martin Villeneuve's Trivia page on IMDb . September 5, 2023 . August 12, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230812134429/https://www.bulbapp.com/u/trivia-fun-facts-about-the-film~1 . live .
  52. https://vimeo.com/325546021 Mars et Avril – Interviews on Vimeo
  53. https://vimeo.com/318535782 Martin Villeneuve – Interviews on Vimeo
  54. https://www.bulbapp.com/u/mars-et-avril-leaps-off-the-pages-of-graphic-novels “Mars et Avril” leaps off the pages of graphic novels
  55. https://www.animationxpress.com/animation/corus-entertainment-announces-200-hours-of-canadian-originals-including-adult-swim-original-red-ketchup/amp/ Corus Entertainment announces 200+ hours of Canadian originals including Adult Swim original ‘Red Ketchup’
  56. https://vimeo.com/ondemand/the12tasksofimelda The 12 Tasks of Imelda with English subtitles
  57. https://vimeo.com/334696665 The Crab: Prelude to Aquarica on Vimeo
  58. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11608280/ Imelda 3: Simone on IMDb
  59. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11608124/ Imelda 2: The Notary on IMDb
  60. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BwWcEgPiI_4 More Of The World by Summersett on YouTube
  61. https://vimeo.com/383148373 It’s Alive! on Vimeo
  62. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5299008/?ref_=nm_flmg_t_12_dr Real Detective on IMDb
  63. https://vimeo.com/76658897 Imelda on Vimeo with English subtitles
  64. https://vimeo.com/319120631 22-minute Making of “Mars et Avril” on Vimeo with English subtitles
  65. Web site: Mars and April on IMDb . . August 22, 2019 . August 12, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200812014334/https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1638277/ . live .
  66. https://vimeo.com/321113367 Mars et Avril on Vimeo with English subtitles
  67. https://vimeo.com/59302941 Deux immortels : Prélude à Mars et Avril on Vimeo with English subtitles
  68. https://vimeo.com/329672368 Jouisseland on Vimeo
  69. Web site: Chrysanthème on IMDb . . August 23, 2019 . February 13, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170213132723/http://www.imdb.com/title/tt5252254/ . live .
  70. https://whistlerfilmfestival.com/wff22-award-winners-announced/ "WFF22 Award Winners Announced"
  71. https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/2391202597 Quebec filmmaker gives a TED Talk
  72. https://www.cbc.ca/allinaweekend/2013/06/02/martin-villeneuve-first-quebecker-on-ted-talks/ Martin Villeneuve on TED Talks
  73. https://www.bulbapp.com/u/ben-charest-how-music-can-set-you-free Benoît Charest: How music can set you free

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