National independent agency 22squared has created two new director positions to lead expertise and promote growth in the tech and production arenas. Filling those roles are Kris McDermott and Jim Issa as director of technology and director of 22Pictures, respectively. Both McDermott and Issa will report to 22squared president Brandon Murphy.
McDermott comes directly from the San Francisco headquarters of software company Atlassian, where she led M&A integration. Prior, McDermott managed mobile product development at WalmartLabs and served as an engineer for Moxie. She started her career as a designer at Turner Broadcasting in Atlanta, and holds a degree in Film, Video and New Media from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. As director of technology, McDermott will develop the long-term vision for 22squared’s technology capabilities and increase the velocity of client-driven tech solutions.
McDermott commented, “22squared is always looking to evolve. The next chapter places technology at the center of their business. I’m joining the team to build a roadmap that not only magnifies their existing capabilities, but also helps them compete differently in the market.”
Issa joins from BBDO Atlanta, where he was sr. producer and director. At BBDO he partnered with top leadership to build the agency’s in-house production department. Prior, he was with Turner Studios and Zuma Films, in a variety of top production roles. Issa holds a degree in English and Theater from Georgia State University. As director of 22Pictures, Issa will lead the agency’s internal production house, which for the last year has expanded scope and services as a nimble, innovative and cost-effective resource for quality video content. 22Pictures is a full-service production company, with a separate cost-center and talent. It creates high-caliber video for all channels and a variety of brands and clients.
Issa noted, “With the proliferation of social channels and digital experiences across multiple devices and platforms, agencies need to create much more video content, while maintaining a quality consumer experience. The appetite for social content provides an exciting challenge, which 22squared recognized, and an opportunity, which 22Pictures seized. I am excited to build out 22Pictures and provide clients and brands premium video creative, with speed, smarts and cost-efficiency.”
Eleanor Adds Director Candice Vernon To Its Roster For Spots and Branded Content
Director Candice Vernon has joined production house Eleanor for U.S. representation spanning commercials and branded content. She has already wrapped several jobs at Eleanor, which waited to announce her until they had a body of work together.
Via Eleanor, Vernon made history as the first Black director on a Febreze commercial. The “Small Spaces” campaign marks a major departure from Febreze’s typical blue-and-white world. The home of the “Revolving Door” commercial is a beautiful array of bold sunset hues, African prints, and African art.
Vernon said, “I asked myself, what feels right to me? What feels new? I wanted to bring an essence of not just Black Americans but the full diaspora. I wanted to make a statement that we’re not a monolith.”
Following the success of the “Small Spaces” campaign, Febreze brought Vernon back for a comedy-infused trifecta exploring the hilarious situations that call for an air freshening hero.
Febreze Brand VP Angelica Matthews said, “About two years ago, we realized the consumers that were the most loyal to Febreze were the African American consumers. And the more we learned, the more we realized the richness that we were really missing. So we said we have to go beyond just Black casting, we need to get Black directors that truly understand the culture that truly understand how to bring authentic performances out on screen. We really looked around the industry and noticed there’s actually a shortage of African American directors who have experience doing commercials. When we all saw Candice’s reel, we could all tell the passion for the craft, passion for really trying to help us from where we are to where we’re trying to go.”
Vernon brings a unique lens to... Read More