Son&Heir has launched under the aegis of creative director/EP Dilly Gent. The L.A.-based company–which works with brands and music artists whose practices and stories either put the planet first, champion sustainability or bring awareness to social issues–opens with a talent roster that includes Adam Patterson, Giovanni Ribisi, Alex Nazari, Jennifer Juniper Stratford and Bella Monticelli. The agency will develop creative ideas, oversee all stages of production from writing and creative to execution and delivery, and develop partnerships between music artists and sustainable brands, tapping into Gent’s expansive experience in music and advertising. Gent’s credentials include commissioning and executive producing 60 films for Al Gore’s Live Earth in 2007, during which time she scoured through over 300 pitches full of one environmental issue after another. Before a foray into advertising, Gent spent 16 years as Radiohead’s creative director and in 2005 launched From The Basement with music producer Nigel Godrich, a global music TV series featuring artists such as The White Stripes, Beck, Sonic Youth, and Red Hot Chili Peppers. As musicians seek to partner with brands that share socially and ecologically conscious values, Son&Heir will develop these mutually beneficial relationships as a method of expanding reach and spreading awareness. Exemplifying the filmmaking chops at Son&Heir is Patterson whose experience spans years directing and producing for the BBC on topics like the refugee crisis and working as a photo journalist across the globe. Most recently, Patterson directed a film for Facebook’s Beyond The Screen series currently circulating theaters across the UK, celebrating inspirational young people through a series of short films. Patterson’s film, Help Refugees: A voice of Hope, shines a light on Free Movement Skateboarding, an organization that brings mobile skate parks to refugees in Greece….
The Media Kitchen, a full-service, cloud-based media planning and buying agency, has named Bonnie Barest as managing director of its New York office. Barest, who previously served as EVP at Havas Media and most recently headed her own brand, media and marketing consulting company, has worked with clients in beauty/fashion, financial services, luxury goods, travel, CPG, automotive, and more. As managing director at The Media Kitchen, Barest will oversee operations in NY, with an emphasis on building strong client relationships and leading new business efforts. She will report to CEO Barry Lowenthal. Prior to her six years at Havas Media, Barest spent 10 years as EVP, managing director, at Optimedia and before that 15 years as executive principal, executive director of media services, at Publicis. Within the last three years, The Media Kitchen has opened offices in Montréal, Toronto, Minneapolis and London. As a partner with the new Forsman & Bodenfors, The Media Kitchen will continue to offer integrated media planning and buying services to clients as it opens its newest office in Sweden….
New York/LA/San Francisco post boutique Northern Lights has signed Minneapolis-based editor Brett Astor for bicoastal representation. Astor continues to be available for Minneapolis projects at Channel Z. The editor has collaborated with such noted directors as Sasha Levinson, Peggy Sirota, Aaron Ruell, and Danny Clinch on commercial, network promo, and content assignments. Astor’s work spans brands including Target, Gap, Kohl’s, J.C. Penney, Budweiser, and BOOMCHICKAPOP. During her 20+ year career she has cut Super Bowl spots for Target, and has won multiple Clio Awards for her Gap and Kohl’s work. She also won AICE’s Best of Minneapolis Award for her Gap “Holiday” spot and AICE’s Best of Minnesota Award for her BOOMCHICKAPOP “Crush it” job. Her work is featured on Free the Bid, an organization that champions the perspective and inclusion of female directors, editors, colorists, composers and DPs in advertising…..
