Production company Recommended has signed director Snorri Sturluson to its U.S. roster. Sturluson believes fusing together images, music, story and technology is the ultimate art form. He took these ideals to heart when beginning his career in the states. Sturluson completed his first spot, “Share” for Nokia, while working as an assistant to Eidur Snorri in June 2006. By August of that year Sturluson shot the second unit on a massive campaign for Mercedes-Benz.
A native of Iceland, Sturluson began as a photographer for several leading music bands, creating his first music video during the 1990s in Iceland. It was not until he immigrated to New York City in early 2001, however, that he launched his art directing, designing, advertising and directing career.
Sturluson’s first gig came as an art director and designer for fashion brands such as Coogi, FUBU and DrunknMunky. It was during that time that he developed strategies and executions for online campaigns, just as the Internet was coming of age as an advertising medium. Sturluson guided and executed the overall direction of the brands across all media, print, digital, experiential and broadcast. He later worked in technology and social media at ad agency thread, collaborating closely with a variety of tech and social media startups, as well as heavyweights such as Yahoo!
Sturluson would soon make a seamless transition from advertising to the director’s chair, which gives him the opportunity to explore and push boundaries, and provides him with an outlet to hone his skills though a combination of inventive, visual, technological and human storytelling.
His directing career has opened the doors to him working with several high profile clients including Comcast with Zachary Levy, the “Out with the Old” Super Bowl commercial for Dell, “Jackhammer” for Mercedes-Benz, and UGG with Tom Brady. Prior to joining Recommended, Sturluson directed spots in the U.S. via Bob Industries.
When Sturluson is not directing, Sturluson enjoys writing movie scripts. In fact, he is writing one now and working towards creating his first movie.
Sturluson graduated with a degree in philosophy from the University of Iceland.
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