GO has added director Chris Nelson to its roster for U.S. commercial representation. The filmmaker has fused his writing background with a knack for character-driven comedy for such brands as ESPN, Gatorade, GoDaddy, Reebok and Miller. Prior to joining GO, he was repped by HSI Productions.
Recently Nelson has successfully extended his reach into feature filmmaking. After premiering his first feature Ass Backwards at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival, and having the comedy Date and Switch released by Lionsgate in 2014, he is currently in development on his third theatrical motion picture, the Hilary Swank-produced Liv, for Black Label Media.
Gary Rose, managing director of GO, noted, “I have been a fan of Chris’ work for a long time. He is a great comedic storyteller and fits perfectly into the company roster. He has been working on two feature films over the last year and a half, which are now finished and he is finally available to do work in the commercial and content world again. His film work is beautiful and comedic timing is impeccable.”
Nelson remarked, “Coming from an acting and writing background, I have always been a storyteller by nature and I’m looking forward to returning to my roots. GO and Gary have worked with comedy directors for so long and I’m really excited to join a company that is known for their comedy work.”
Nelson got his start in the industry acting as a teen in Los Angeles, before heading to East to earn a degree in Modern Culture and Media at Brown, where he penned his first screenplay and ignited a passion for writing. Following graduation, he returned to Los Angeles and began working with iconic fashion photographer Herb Ritts, directing and producing commercials and music videos for the likes of Elizabeth Taylor and Justin Timberlake, among others. Nelson moved on to direct a wide range of spots for Little Minx/RSA Films and HSI Productions, ranging from intricately composed visual pieces to expertly timed comedic spots. His short film Cara peers back on his days as an actor, following an awkward teenage girl making her most earnest attempt at succeeding in a looks-obsessed industry. He wrote and directed the short for Little Minx and RSA Films, which screened at numerous international film festivals.
Nelson also had a directorial hand in HBO’s lauded “Voyeur” project, a Cannes Lion Grand Prix winner, in which he teamed with RSA mainstay director Jake Scott for BBDO New York.
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