Integrated creative company Butler, Shine, Stern and Partners (BSSP) has appointed Lauren King as its new director of digital media and activation. King is tasked with managing and fostering relationships with key industry partners, developing and refining the media department’s processes to streamline efforts and better serve BSSP’s roster of clients, while also staying ahead of rising trends within the digital marketplace. King will report to Kerri Gouveia Stumpo, BSSP’s head of media and communication strategy.
Stumpo said of King, “With her own style of strategizing and creativity, this new role presents much growth opportunity for the agency. Finding the right person that not only flourishes with leading our internal teams, but with our roster of existing and incoming clients, can be tricky. With Lauren’s background, we are fully confident that she will thrive as our new director of digital media and activation.”
A veteran of the media industry, King previously served as the associate media director at Horizon Media where she worked for over four years on the Constellation Beer, Wine and Spirits account. With a primary focus on Modelo Especial, the fastest growing domestically imported beer in the U.S.
“I couldn’t be more eager to join the BSSP team after just our first meeting together. I saw intelligence and passion from each person I met, almost instantly,” said King. “Starting this new position and being a part of a full-service agency where I can hone in on the creative development process with a fully integrated team is important to me. I am beyond ready to get my hands on new business pitches and celebrate a ton of success with team BSSP. It’s going to be a big year.”
This appointment highlights the continued growth and evolution BSSP is undergoing as the shop nears its 30th anniversary this year.
“Heretic” and “Maria” Set As Red Carpet Premieres At AFI Fest
The American Film Institute (AFI) has announced that Heretic, the psychological thriller starring Hugh Grant, and Maria, based on the life of opera singer Maria Callas starring Angelina Jolie, will round out the Red Carpet Premieres section at this year’s AFI Fest. The Heretic Gala Screening will take place on Thursday, October 24, and the Maria Gala Screening will be held on Saturday, October 26. The complete Red Carpet Premieres section includes the world premieres of Music By John Williams, Robert Zemeckis’ Here, Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl and Clint Eastwood’s Juror #2. All Red Carpet Premieres will take place at the historic TCL Chinese Theatre. The full lineup for AFI Fest 2024 will be unveiled on October 1.
“At the heart of AFI Fest is an unwavering dedication to celebrating the best in global cinema--together,” said Bob Gazzale, AFI president and CEO. “We look forward to uniting artists and audiences once again to be inspired by the art form in a powerful sense of community.”
Heretic follows two young missionaries (Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East) who are forced to prove their faith when they knock on the wrong door and are greeted by a diabolical Mr. Reed (portrayed by Grant), becoming ensnared in his deadly game of cat-and-mouse. The film is directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods and produced by Stacey Sher, Beck, Woods, Julia Glausi and Jeanette Volturno. The film will be released nationwide by A24 on November 8.
Directed by Pablo Larraín, Maria presents a tumultuous and beautiful depiction of one of the world’s most renowned artists and reimagines the legendary soprano in her final days in Paris, as Callas (Jolie)... Read More