Creative content company Chromista, with bases of operation in Los Angeles and New York, has added Ella Jones to its directorial roster. This is the first U.S. commercial representation for the award-winning film and television director from London.
Jones has co-created several series in development, including a sci-fi YA drama that won the BAFTA Rocliffe New Writing Award, and a comedy series with NBCUniversal. She is soon to begin as lead director on Sweetpea, a new episodic comedy-drama series for Sky in conjunction with See-Saw Productions. Jones’ short films have played at such international festivals as Aesthetica, Phoenix, LOCO, Cambridge and Encounters. She garnered Best Comedy Director at the Royal Television Society Craft Awards for season two work on BBC3’s comedy series Enterprice in 2020 and was nominated again the following year for her work on Back to Life. Jones’ recent television work includes Pandemonium for BBC1, season two of Back to Life for BBC/Showtime, and HBO’s comedy-horror episodic series The Baby.
A graduate from Cambridge University, Jones began her career as a professional actress and has also worked as a script editor on short films and series, including Hanna, David Farr’s episodic series for Amazon. She was mentored by BAFTA-winning director Becky Martin (Veep, Succession) through BFI Network’s BAFTA Crew initiative, and has also taken part in BFI Network@LFF and Berlinale Talents.
Adina Birnbaum, executive producer/new business development at Chromista, said, “Ella is a unique generational talent and an unstoppable creative force. She is meticulous in every choice she makes as a writer and filmmaker, reinforcing her singular vision. Ella’s voice has been missing in the commercial space, and I’m so excited to share her talent as writer and director with the U.S. market–specifically within comedy.”
Jones said of joining the Chromista family, “From the moment we met, I really connected with Adina and the rest of the team’s passion and commitment–both for creating brilliant content and also for nurturing emerging talent. I am very excited about beginning my journey into the US commercials world with their support and expertise.”
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