Content studio afterhrs.–founded by executive producer Thelonious Brooks and filmmaker Kai Regan in 2022–has unveiled its newly shaped directorial roster for representation in the U.S. advertising market.
The lineup includes Regan and such helmers (several who have freelanced via afterhrs. in the past) as:
- Original Kids (Loïc Grandin and Kevin Andrade), a Paris-based directing duo whose work spans brands, music videos and short films. They have turned out projects for Dior, Louis Vuitton and Moncler which have ushered in new perspectives in fashion advertising, and their short film Roger has proven to be a cult favorite. Connecting with afterhrs. marks Original Kids’ first commercial representation in the U.S.
- Moorhead&Benson–consisting of Aaron Moorhead and Justin Benson)–are known for fascinating and brain-twisting science fiction and horror fables on the TV screen including Marvel’s Loki and Moon Knight, features Synchronic (starring Anthony Mackie, Jamie Dornan) and Spring (Lou Taylor Pucci), along with branded content for Canon. The duo has just been tapped to direct Marvel’s Daredevil: Born Again. Moorhead & Benson were earlier repped in the commercialmaking space by production house brother.
- Hala Matar, whose curatorial background meets stylish visuals for energetic and elevated, but accessible fashion films. The protege of Jeffrey Dietsch is both a visual storyteller and artful curator. Matar gains her first U.S. spot representation via afterhrs.
- Harry Isrealson has brought his directing/creative directing to the realms of design, music, fashion and culture for top brands and clients including Amazon, Levi’s, and Beats by Dre along with music videos for artists like Toro Y Moi. Isrealson was most recently repped by production house alldayeveryday.
- Chelsea Slayter encompasses many vantage points on humanity often delivered in cinematic docu-style and reflecting a passion for sports and the outdoors. Via afterhrs. Slayter garners her first representation in the U.S. advertising space.
- Brooklyn-based writer/director Josh Borock, is known for elevated comedy often with celebrity talent including John Mulaney, Nick Kroll, Key & Peele, Tony Hawk and Brian Cranston. Borock has a talent for elevating concepts and leading hilarious on-screen improv. Borock was formerly at production house Imposter for U.S. commercial representation.
- Hans Emanuel–who continues to be repped by Stadium for the U.S. general market–joins afterhrs. for representation in the Latin/multicultural advertising arena. He has become known for unpretentious yet lavish storytelling in fashion and beauty, along with high-energy films in the arenas of sports and automotive. His work has been for the likes of L’Oréal, Nissan, Honda and the U.S. Navy.
As for company mainstay Regan, he’s been active in the culture of New York and L.A.’s fashion, art and advertising communities for two decades. He began his career by shooting the original iPod campaign, going onto such clients as Nike, Beats, Vans and The North Face.
“Filmmaking and its reflection and imprint on culture–from features to astute brand campaigns–is the force behind afterhrs.” said EP Brooks. “Our role is to unite people with a sense of adventure, to spark discussion and inspire great collaborations. Each of the creators embodies this same spirit–boldly considering how to translate ideas to reach audiences in imaginative ways.”
Regan added, “In just over a year, afterhrs has earned the trust of brands that want to play hard and explore the boundaries of craft and culture. As a director and creative director, this is a place called home–and from a company founder’s perspective, building a creative camaraderie with a roster of contemporary directors is an opportunity to collectively reimagine advertising’s future. The happy medium of art and commerce.”
The sales force at afterhrs. consists of DeVine on the West Coast, Anna Rotholz Management on the East Cost, SG Partners in the Midwest, Momentum for representation in the multicultural and Hispanic market, and Reveur for music/music videos.
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