Two of Us, a London-based production company headed by EP Gianni Cerretani, has reinforced its Atlantic alliance by signing American comedy director Michael Leary on a global basis with the exception of the U.S. Two of Us has been in worldwide partnership with another American director, visual storyteller Corydon Wagner, for many years and the addition of Leary adds another promising creative spark from across the pond to its roster as Leary is building on a breakthrough year in 2020 when he established himself in the U.S. market with his selection into SHOOT’s New Directors Showcase on the strength of his Members Only spec spot, “The Sopranos.”
Based in NYC, Leary has gained a reputation as a commercial director who specializes in physical comedy. He grew up on Looney Tunes and Tom and Jerry, which helped influence the antics and tone seen in his work. Leary’s passion for filmmaking started in college when he switched his major from physical therapy to film production. After receiving a degree in communications and freelancing for many production companies, he discovered he had an affinity for short-form media, especially commercials and branded content. After building his reel for several years, he made the cut for SHOOT’s New Directors Showcase.
Leary’s work has taken him all over the U.S. as well as internationally to such locales as the Caribbean, Italy, Switzerland, and South Africa.
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