Director Brent Campanelli has signed with Tuff Contender for commercial and music video representation. Tuff Contender becomes the first production company to represent Campanelli who has created work for brands such as H&M, Macy’s, McDonald’s, Pepsi, Aveeno and Red Bull, and directed music videos for artists Audrey Mika, Blackbear, and Phil Good, among others.
“Brent’s work emits a kinetic energy that sticks with you,” said Tuff Contender executive producer Max Rose. “You always hope when a reel hits like his does that you meet the director and their work is matched by their ability to articulate their vision. Brent has that gift to make everyone see exactly where he wants to go.”
Growing up as a musician and in skate/snowboard circles, Campanelli moved from filming action sport videos to sponsorship promos. Developing high-speed, in-your-face content formed his strong connection to the technical side behind the camera and penchant for cinematic exploration. His blended interests in music and cinematography initially led Campanelli to study film, with a concentration in postproduction, at Emerson College.
“Ultimately, connecting with people on set–talent, crews, clients are what led me to focus on directing,” shared Campanelli. “Unraveling intuitions, exploring the languages between brands, and developing a look and feel for clients is where I like to be in the creative process. I am looking forward to growing with Tuff, a team I trust and can build with.”
In 2021, Tuff collaborated with Campanelli to produce Audrey Mika’s “Excuses” music video which has garnered more than a million views on YouTube. The recent release of his “@ My Worst” video from artist Blackbear via Columbia Records has earned more than five million views.
Among his work with record labels Sony, Warner Music Group, Capitol and RCA, Campanelli has filmed experiences and live sessions with Usher, Noah Cyrus, and Ashe. Campanelli’s human-driven instincts and comedic signature have led him to collaborations with celebrity and influencer talent including Harry Shum Jr. (Crazy Rich Asians, Glee), Lil Yachty, and Hennessy Carolina.
Tuff Contender executive producer DJay Brawner said, “Brent and I have had a working relationship and coming from similar music backgrounds has aligned us on a personal level. He has great instincts as a director and always works to elevate any idea or concept that’s in front of him. We look forward to forging this partnership further.”
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