Synthetic Pictures has added NYC-based director Kanyessa McMahon to its roster for worldwide representation. Specializing in sports and entertainment content, McMahon’s longtime clients include sports apparel giants Nike and adidas. She has also worked with MTV, i am OTHER, Billionaire Boys Club, Estรฉe Lauder, (RED), and Paci๏ฌc World Cosmetics.
McMahon is known for her extensive work with Nike and adidas, and she’s among select artisans who have seamlessly navigated between the two competitors to deliver spot on content for both. She’s directed and produced more than 400 international brand films over five years in countries such as the US, Japan, Italy, Austria, and France, featuring athletes and entertainers including Carmelo Anthony, Serena Williams, Kobe Bryant, Big Sean, A$AP Rocky, and Jeremy Scott. Kanyessa also directed the global campaign #mygirls for adidas, featuring young female athletes and empowering women all over the world.
McMahon was featured on the cover of Black Enterprise after starting her own production company at the age of 24. “I’m always trying to get an authentic moment out of the talent, especially when I’m dealing with big brands,” said McMahon. “Finding their voice and maintaining and tapping into that. Even when it’s scripted, I’m really good at pulling authentic moments out of people.”
Synthetic EP Allison Smith said of McMahon, “She’s a strong and creative voice for women and athletes in the media, and her projects resonate so well with those who love an empowering, energetic and unique journey.”
Founded in 2002, Synthetic Pictures has offices in Los Angeles, Austin, and New York City.
Droga5 Appoints Emma Montgomery As Global Chief Strategy Officer
Creative agency network Droga5 has appointed Emma Montgomery as global chief strategy officer. She is the third global appointment for the agency this year, with Pelle Sjoenell named worldwide chief creative officer this past March, and global CEO Mark Green recently appointed this fall. Montgomery will be responsible for connecting and supercharging Droga5โs strategy and creative offerings globally. She will be based in its headquarters in New York City.
โEmma is a world-class strategic leader and authority that Iโve long admired and dreamt of being partners-in-crime with,โ said Sjoenell. โHer work inspires the creativity that connects people and brands in ways that move business and culture forward, so Iโm excited to finally be able to work with her alongside Mark, and to see her lead and further strengthen our leadership and strategy teams around the world.โ
Montgomery joins Droga5 after serving as CEO of DDB Chicago. Sheโs been in the industry for over 20 years, and has served in several high-level leadership positions throughout her career, including as president and CSO of Leo Burnett Chicago, global CSO of TBWA, and CEO of Leo Burnett Australia. Sheโs also worked across a breadth of categories and multiple global clients such as Kraft, Aldi, Diageo and Molson Coors, among many others, including challenger brands and startups.
โIโm excited to join Droga5 and have the opportunity to help carve out a new path for the brand globally, building on its tremendous legacy of creative leadership,โ said Montgomery. โThe potential of Droga5, combined with the possibilities of Accenture Song, was too exciting to pass up. No other agency has what they have, and as marketing shifts, the chance to make creativity a genuine... Read More