Rakish, the production company under the aegis of co-founders/EPs Brad Johns and Preston Garrett, has signed director Albert Uria for commercials and branded content in the U.S. Garage Films, which was founded by Uria, continues to represent him in Spain, Latin America and the U.S. Hispanic ad market. Uria is also repped by The Family in Italy, Mad Cow in the U.K., Bandits in France, and Nicholas Berglund in several markets.
Barcelona-born and raised, the now L.A.-based Uria studied photography at the prestigious Institut d’Estudis Fotogràfics de Catalunya and started his career traveling the world working as a photographer’s assistant. As Uria’s fascination with all things visual grew into an obsession for telling stories, his creative itch soon had him producing short films before finding his true calling as a director.
Recently, Uria directed several episodes of the TNT and HBO MAX television series La Muchacha Que Limpia, which begins airing in March of 2020. A dark and subtle comedic thriller told from the point of view of the housekeeper in a crime family, the show allowed Uria to apply his versatility in mixing humor, action, romance, and drama–all in one story.
Uria’s body of work as a director, producer and writer has garnered recognition from the Cannes Lions and nominations at the Spanish Academy Awards. His international client base includes Coca-Cola, Audi, Toyota, Axe, McDonald’s, Nike, Ferrari, Corona, Volkswagen, Ikea, and State Farm. Prior to joining Rakish, Uria had been repped in the U.S. by Community Films.
“Albert’s films have an underlying sense of mischief and energy which keeps you glued to the screen,” said Rakish’s Johns. “His style traverses all genres–high-octane adrenaline, romantic, comedic, you name it–while still remaining true to his creative voice. The human condition is the core of the story. That is what motivates Albert and is what we’re all about.”
Garrett added, “Given his global pedigree, there’s no denying that Albert has the ability to transcend into our market. His background as a writer and producer enables him to view a project from an angle that many directors cannot.”
Uria referred to Rakish as “my partner in crime,” noting he was drawn to the company’s “experience, great taste, enthusiasm,” and the professionalism of Johns and Garrett. Uria comes aboard a Rakish directorial roster which includes such notables as Marc Forster and Noah Marshall.
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