Susan Neuman has been named to serve in the newly created role of SVP, head of production, at Barkley, an independent agency in Kansas City.
“The creation of the role comes after a year of supernova growth in our production department—not only in size, but the array of things we’re producing and kinds of companies we’re working with,” said Jason Elm, Barkley executive creative director. “Susan has already been instrumental in that growth, and she’s the right person to lead it going forward.”
In her previous role as VP, executive producer, Neuman worked with Barkley leadership to revamp production protocols to support non-traditional marketing efforts.
“I hate to see an amazing idea get killed because it’s not clear how to make it happen,” said Neuman. “In this new role, I’m even better positioned to push forward solutions.”
Neuman joined Barkley in 2014 to head up production efforts for the International Dairy Queen account. Neuman previously served as VP/executive producer at Bernstein-Rein Advertising, another Kansas City independent, working on national broadcast and digital campaigns for Wal-Mart, Time Warner Cable, Hostess, Petsmart, McDonald’s and Ruby Tuesday, among others. Immediately before Barkley, she held a sr. manager role on the client side with Applebee’s Marketing Communications team , on point with then-agency of record CP+B, to produce national broadcast work and other integrated marketing initiatives.
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