Teams with Brian DiLorenzo and Tara DeVeaux in new venture
Linus Karlsson, creative chairman of Commonwealth and former CCO of global brands at McCann-Erickson, has launched MING Utility and Entertainment Group, a strategic, action-based creative company. MING will operate in the “new to next” space focusing on three core areas: design, technology and entertainment, with the ambition to explore the realm of what a modern creative company can and should do.
”We’re living in one of the most creative moments in history. We’re slowly transitioning off almost 60 years of managing messages to a world where doing things and creating experiences is everything. Suddenly, everything is possible. That’s how we feel about things, and that’s inspired us to start MING,” said Karlsson who as CCO/chairman is partnered in the new shop with CEO Brian DiLorenzo, chief production officer of McCann, and president Tara DeVeaux, formerly executive VP/account director at BBDO.
The trio’s collective experience working on global brands is extensive, and includes some of the industry’s most awarded and non-traditional creative campaigns. Among these clients and campaigns are BMW Films, HBO’s “Voyeur” and “Imagine” initiatives, Target’s “Fashion Spectacular,” IKEA Catalogue, and Nature Valley’s “Trail View.”
MING will operate as an independently owned company and partner with McCann Worldgroup on various projects tapping into network resources. MING will be headquartered in downtown New York and also maintain space in McCann Worldgroup’s midtown offices. Karlsson, in addition to his responsibilities for MING, will continue to serve as creative chairman of Commonwealth/McCann, the McCann Worldgroup agency dedicated to the global Chevrolet account, and DiLorenzo will continue to support global production for the agency.
McCann Worldgroup President & CEO Harris Diamond commented, “Linus has proven in his time at McCann that he is a change-maker and starting something innovative and new is what we’ve come to expect from him. MING is a timely addition to the industry and we are pleased to support Linus, Brian and Tara as they seek to create a new, relevant and complementary offer to Worldgroup for clients in today’s marketing and media environment.”
Brand New School Extends Reach Internationally Via Partnership With Animation Studio BRUT
Brand New School (BNS) has entered into a strategic partnership with BRUT, a Barcelona-based animation studio. This collaboration represents a significant milestone in BNS’s expansion strategy, with BRUT serving as its inaugural global outpost.
Under the leadership of executive creative director Martin Allais, who will now be represented by BNS for directorial ventures, BRUT joins BNS as part of its collective roster. This partnership combines BNS’s established reputation for innovative creative work with BRUT’s expertise in diverse artistic techniques, including 2D cel animation, stop-motion, 3D animation, and seamless integration of live action.
With Allais leading BNS Spain, Brand New School is expanding its reach to serve a growing network of global clients. This partnership incorporates BRUT’s fresh methodology of working and diverse pool of talent to create content that resonates across cultures. Located in the heart of the European market, the new BNS location will further support and enhance its work with international clients, broadening its ability to meet their unique needs. This partnership represents a thoughtful blend of creativity and expertise, designed to strengthen and grow Brand New School’s global presence.
BRUT was founded by director Allais as an experimental incubator for innovative ideas and techniques. He is also a multidisciplinary artist of Latinx heritage who brings a wealth of creative experience to the partnership. His portfolio spans commercials for global brands like Oreo, Facebook, Samsung, and Dr. Pepper, earning accolades including Cannes Lions for his work on the Samsung Holiday campaign. Recently, Allais’ animated VR experience capturing New York City’s punk scene in the ‘70s, narrated by... Read More