Common People Films (CMN PPL) has appointed Melody Sylvester as managing director/executive producer of commercials. She comes over from TBWALondon where she was chief production officer.
At her new roost, she will work to boost CMN PPL’s TV commercial and branded content business, building its reputation for standout work and expanding the production company’s agency collaborators. Working with CMN PPL co-founders Tony Roberts and Ramy Dance, she will also work across photography and wider business.
Notable accounts she has worked on previously include adidas, Ginsters, McVities and Starbucks. Before joining TBWA, she spent three years as head of film at Engine (now House 337). In 2022 at Engine London, she was part of the team that won a Cannes Lions Titanium Grand Prix for “Long Live the Prince” for The Kiyan Prince Foundation. Prior to Engine, Sylvester was head of design and animation/executive producer at RSA Films for 10 years.
Sylvester is on the British Arrows Board. She is also on the Creative Review Annual Awards Jury 2024, and will chair the emerging talent category for the Kinsale Shark Awards 2024 for the second year running.
Roberts said, “We were always looking for someone to take us to the next level and we honestly couldn’t think of anyone better placed to do this with us than Mel. Not only is she very well respected in the ad agency world, she’s also incredibly creative and really fits into the CMN PPL brand…She gets us perfectly.”
Sylvester said, “I have loved agency life and to walk away from one as great as TBWALondon, the stars needed to align and the chemistry had to be right. Common People Founders Ramy and Tony are committed, passionate and creative people who care so much about their people and the work, we clicked immediately. They also love trainers as much as I do. It was meant to be.
“I have been an executive producer at a number of creative companies during my career, so to be returning as managing director at CMN PPL is super exciting for me. They have a fantastic growing roster of talent and first class production team. Making great work is what motivates me and I’m looking forward to getting back in the midst of that.”
Common People has recently launched its photo division, Common Image, representing a diverse collective of contemporary image makers. Led by head of photo Tom Burns, Common Image offers tailored strategy and management, with an emphasis on nurturing emerging talent spanning across documentary, lifestyle, fashion and still-life photography.
