Indie agency 22squared has hired Alok Nath in the new role of sr. VP, director of the Maker Studio, reporting to president Brandon Murphy. The new position underscores the importance of the design and maker culture for the agency and clients. Nath will lead content creation and production, across the digital landscape, in 22squared’s Atlanta and Tampa offices. Nath comes directly from BBDO Atlanta, where he was SVP, retail creative director, leading a 25+ person team, in creating content across social, digital, rich media, interactive OOH, experiential, print and video.
Murphy stated, “The continued proliferation of media, technology and social platforms has created a massive need for content of all types, and given rise to our growing design and maker culture. Alok is a special individual and the perfect fit for 22squared’s culture. He is a builder and maker with a can-do attitude, energy, innovation and experience.”
This is the third new director-level position hire since Murphy was named president of 22squared in July, and another key step in his mission to continue to build a more modern agency. In September, Murphy announced the additions of Kris McDermott as SVP, director of technology, and Jim Issa as VP, director of 22Pictures, two new roles bringing technology and creative even closer together.
Nath commented, “22squared is rapidly evolving into the agency of tomorrow, today. It is inspiring to see how the agency is embracing the dynamic nature of our business and recognizing the growing appetite for content across the digital landscape. I love to build and I love to create. My new role at 22squared allows me to do both, with the right team, the right partners and support across the agency.”
Director Dag Johan Haugerud’s “Dreams (Sex Love)” Wins Top Prize At The Berlin Film Festival
A Norwegian film about love, desire and self-discovery won top honors at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival on Saturday.
A jury headed by American director Todd Haynes awarded the Golden Bear trophy to "Dreams (Sex Love)" by director Dag Johan Haugerud.
Haynes called it a "meditation on love" that "cuts you to the quick with its keen intelligence."
The film focuses on a teenager played by Ella Øverbyer, infatuated with her female French teacher, and the reactions of her mother and grandmother when they discover her private writings. It's the third part of a trilogy Haugerud has completed in the past year. "Sex" premiered at Berlin in 2024, and "Love" was screened at the 2024 Venice Film Festival.
The runner-up Silver Bear prize went to Brazilian director Gabriel Mascaro's dystopian drama "The Blue Trail." Argentine director Ivan Fund's rural saga "The Message" won the third-place Jury Prize.
The best director prize went to Huo Meng for "Living the Land," set in fast-changing 1990s China.
Rose Byrne was named best performer for her role as an overwhelmed mother in the Mary Bronstein-directed "If I Had Legs, I'd Kick You." Andrew Scott won the supporting performer trophy for playing composer Richard Rodgers in Richard Linklater's "Blue Moon."
The climax of the festival known as the Berlinale came on the eve of Germany's parliamentary elections after a campaign dominated by migration and the economy.
The national election is being held seven months early, after Chancellor Olaf Scholz's governing coalition collapsed in a dispute about how to revitalize the country's economy.
Efforts to curb migration have emerged as a central issue in the campaign — along with the question of how to handle the... Read More