The Directors Bureau has added director Julian Acosta to the filmmaking collective for U.S. representation spanning commercials, branded content, music videos and other short-form fare. Previously represented by RSA, Acosta is known for work that blends visually striking imagery, a sense of exploration, and emotional candor.
Living in a small town in the Wasatch Mountains near Park City, Utah, and working worldwide, Acosta was raised in Bakersfield, Calif., a place that is often overlooked as banal, is a bastion of country music, and an evocative canvas, in one. His original short film What Bitch? is a real life hometown experience that explores identity and screened at a variety of festivals before getting picked up by HBO.
The fertile creative playground of music-driven work including videos and documentaries, has led to collaborations for John Legend, The Roots, Passion Pit, MIA, Foster the People, Ellie Goulding, The Shins and many others. Acosta’s talent for short form storytelling can be seen in commercials for JBL, Delta Airlines, Samsung, Powerade and more.
Last year, Acosta directed a livestream of Aberdeen, the acclaimed first-person musical narrative performance that unfolds via spoken storytelling, song performance, animations and projections. The event benefited live music and theatre venues impacted by COVID-19. In addition to branded content and advertising, he is currently developing a television series.
“One of the many compelling things about directing is having your eyes opened to things you hadn’t previously considered,” said Acosta. “Directing has changed by world-view massively and I look forward to further expanding my narrative work and other horizons with The Directors Bureau.”
The Directors Bureau’s Luke Ricci noted, “What strikes me most about Julian’s work is that it possesses both rich cinematic visuals while never compromising an intimate human aspect which creates an incredibly meaningful emotional connection to his storytelling for audiences. Many filmmakers are expert at one of those facets, but I’m impressed with Julian’s ability to consistently balance both of those elements.”
Oscar and Emmy-Winning Composer Kris Bowers Joins Barking Owl For Advertising, Branded Content
Music, audio post and sonic branding house Barking Owl has taken on exclusive representation of Oscar and Emmy-winning composer Kris Bowers for advertising and branded content.
Bowers’ recent film scores include The Wild Robot and Bob Marley: One Love, alongside acclaimed past works such as The Color Purple (2023), King Richard and Green Book. His contributions to television are equally impressive, with scores for hit series like Bridgerton, When They See Us, Dear White People, and his Daytime Emmy Award-winning score for The Snowy Day.
In addition to his work as a composer, Bowers is a visionary director. He recently took home the Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Subject for his directorial work on The Last Repair Shop. The emotionally touching short film spotlights four of the people responsible for repairing the musical instruments used by students in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). The Last Repair Shop reflects the positive influence that musical instruments have on the youngsters who play them, and the adults in the LAUSD free repair service who keep them working and in tune.
Barking Owl CEO Kirkland Alexander Lynch said of Bowers, “His artistry, diversity of style and depth of storytelling bring an unparalleled edge to the work we create for global brands. His presence on our roster reflects our continued commitment to pushing the boundaries of sound and music in advertising.”
Johanna Cranitch, creative director, Barking Owl, added, “Kris first caught my attention when he released his record ‘Heroes + Misfits’ where he fused together his jazz sensibility with a deeply ingrained aptitude for melody, so beautifully.... Read More