Bicoastal production company Durable Goods has signed director Paul Schneider to its roster of North American talent. With hands-on experience in design, cinematography, and visual effects, Schneider is a multifaceted visual storyteller who brings fresh angles and nuanced exploration to the commercial, TV, and film work he directs. The signing comes on the heels of a deal with HBO Max to develop Schneider’s original episodic series Downriver, a darkly satirical drama rooted in his hometown of Detroit.
“Paul is one of the most talented and versatile directors I have ever worked with,” remarked Durable Goods EP/managing partner Mike Brady. “He brings a complete vision to each project; and with a skill-set spanning live-action, design, VFX, and color finishing, he has a knack for crafting memorable, performance-driven stories across a fantastic palette. His time as an executive creative director on the agency side also gives him unique insight into what agencies need–and the best way to get there quickly. His work shows it.”
Schneider added, “Durable Goods is a modern production company that operates on the pulse of what’s happening in media and advertising and what’s coming down the road. That’s what drew me to them as I approach my work with the same kinship for these things.”
Schneider has had a camera in his hand since he was a teenager shooting skate films with his friends. The kinetic energy, humor, and sarcasm found in his earliest films are infused in his work to this day.
Schneider went on to parlay his early filmmaking efforts into an MFA in Graphic Design from Cranbrook Academy of Art. After that, he co-founded WIDEOPENSPACES, a boutique studio specializing in film and design for the art, fashion, and sporting worlds. A long tenure at Digital Kitchen followed, where as an Emmy-nominated executive creative director, he helmed main titles for shows like Rescue Me and Nip/Tuck, the feature film Second Hand Lions, and promos for Sex and the City and The Sopranos at HBO.
Schneider further explored his passion for directing in the commercial space, shooting campaigns for Budweiser, Target, Xbox, and McDonald’s. As a result, he gained extensive technical knowledge of all phases of production–from editing to VFX–leading to a fruitful directing career at production companies Crossroads, A Very Small Office (AVSO), Hello (HKM), Concrete & Clay, and On The Day, spearheading commercials for Wrangler, Toyota, Hyundai, Vicks, and HBO.
With years of experience in directing, writing, and design now under his belt, the self-described “culture sponge” is always looking for new angles and challenges to keep his imagination fresh and his inspiration from running dry. Gravitating towards the humor and authenticity in everyday life, Schneider says he finds “inspiration in life’s little moments–the nuances in a conversation or a story that taps into the human condition on the street level.”
In addition to his commercial and promo work, Schneider also helmed the award-winning short thriller Fifty Minutes, starring Stephen Tobolowsky and DJ Qualls. The 2017 short played in film festivals across the country, winning awards for both Best Short and Best Actor for Qualls.
Schneider is currently based in Los Angeles.
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