Director/cameraman Neil Abramson has come aboard Chelsea, the production house headed by partners/executive producers Allison Amon and Lisa Mehling. The move reunites Abramson and Amon who worked together earlier in their careers at the since defunct Palomar Pictures.
Known as a storyteller with well honed visual sensibilities, Abramson over the years has helmed spots for such clients as Nike, McDonald’s, Cadillac, Acura, Merrill Lynch, the Ad Council, Jack Daniels, and Lexus. Along the way his work has garnered assorted awards including recognition from Cannes (a Gold and a Silver Lion), the Clio Awards, and an AICP Show honor.
Abramson also has long-form feature and documentary chops. His latest feature film, American Son, premiered at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival and was distributed nationally by Miramax/Disney. Starring Nick Cannon, the film follows a young Marine during his last 96 hours on leave before having to depart for duty in Iraq.
The film exemplifies the hallmarks of Abramson’s work–sensitivity, powerful emotions, a compelling story, and intimate photography. Abramson’s feature debut, Without Air, also premiered at Sundance. The 1995 release portrayed a singer while taking audiences into the underground drug/music culture of Memphis. On the feature documentary front, Abramson directed Soldier Child, a ’98 film that chronicled the lives of children serving as soldiers in Uganda. The moving film was used by Amnesty International to raise awareness of the problem of children being called into battle.
Abramson, who lives in Los Angeles, was last represented for spots by Savant Film. Prior to that, he spent four years with Park Pictures.
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