Director Nick Jones, a veteran of more than 100 TV commercials, online campaigns, and 50 hours of broadcast television (including the British series Bruiser, Lock, Stock…, and EastEnders) has joined Recommended for exclusive U.S. spot representation. Perhaps best known for outrageous comedy, Jones also has enjoyed success in the genres of drama and factual entertainment. His commercial credits include projects for AT&T, Agent Provocateur, Burger King, Citroen, Clearasil, Heineken, Ikea, Kia, Match.com, McDonald’s, Mercedes-Benz, Mini, Polaroid, Sony, Sony PlayStation, Subway and Walmart. He recently completed “Camel” for eHarmony (via Albion/UK). Prior to joining Recommended, Jones was at Limey.
“Regardless of the genre, I’d say my strengths are in casting, performance, dialogue and collaboration,” noted Jones, who is credited for discovering many top talents, including Martin Freeman, Simon Pegg and Mackenzie Crook. Jones even introduced Ricky Gervais to the BBC prior to The Office. More recently Jones discovered “Mitchell & Webb” and put them in a sketch series for BBC2 called Bruiser. Jones’ work is also marked by his strong visual eye and extensive technical knowledge of cameras, lighting, visual effects and new media.
Michael Haldane, managing director/EP/partner at Recommended described Jones as “a veteran comedy craftsman with deep TV experience and unique perspective on humor….Nick co-wrote much of the material involved, so he knows exactly where the gag lies, and how not to tread on it or spoof it. He has a keen eye for the look and style of comedy and a natural feel for how best stage things to get the appropriate laughs.”
Jones studied theatre design, film and photography at Central St Martins. He began his career editing and directing music and “long-form” videos. Jones then moved into television, directing a wide variety of programs.
Jones’ first commercial, “Irn Bru” from The Leith Agency, made a major splash followed by a run of spots for a diverse global clientele. In 2006, an ad he directed, “Choir” for 118 118, was selected for the Advertising Producers Association’s (APA) 50 as one of the year’s top 50 commercials from U.K. production companies and agencies.
Jones, a London resident, joins a Recommended roster comprised of directors Adrian De Sa Garces, Greg Gray, Him & Her, Vic Huber, Leigh Ogilvy, Keith Rose, Snorri, DevinSupertramp, Alexander Paul, Cynthia Wade, and Woods.
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