Director Lyle Mitchell Corbine Jr.–whose feature film debut Wild Indian is slated to premiere in the U.S, Dramatic Competition at the upcoming Sundance Film Festival (1/28-2/3)–has secured his first U.S. and French commercial representation, joining the roster of Paris and Los Angeles-based production company Loveboat.
Corbine Jr.’s love of movies began while growing up on Native American reservations in Wisconsin and Minnesota, and expanded after he watched Sofia Coppola’s Lost in Translation, encouraging the start of his first projects. Corbine Jr. gained recognition for his short films Shinaab–which screened at Sundance and the Toronto International Film Festival in 2017–and then Shinaab, Part II, which made the cut at the same two fests, Toronto in 2018 and Sundance in 2019. The films earned him support from the Sundance Institute Screenwriters Lab and Directors Lab, along with aid from additional independent film nonprofits including McKnight Foundation and Cinereach.
With a natural ability to tell emotionally heavy and complex stories, Corbine Jr. explores human character, including the Native American identity, through elliptical storytelling and compelling visual style. Corbine Jr. wrote, directed and produced Wild Indian, which will premiere on January 30 at Sundance. Starring Michael Greyeyes, Chase Spencer, Jesse Eisenberg, and Kate Bosworth, the psychological thriller follows a young Anishinaabe boy and a murder that haunts him for years.
“Lyle’s ability to weave history, emotion, suspense, and his own personal story into his films is striking,” said Jeff Baron, Loveboat managing partner.
Corbine Jr. said he “felt a connection” to the recently launched Loveboat, the company’s “spirit of nurturing” creativity, and its “impressive roster of innovative directors and artists.”
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