Eleanor, the L.A.-based production company headed by founder/EP Sophie Gold, has brought director Milo Blake aboard its roster for U.S. representation spanning commercials, branded content and music videos. This marks his first such representation in the American market. He continues to be handled in the U.K. by London-based production house Spindle.
Blake’s latest directorial credit is a music video, “Tinko Tinko (Don’t Play Me for a Fool)” for Obonjayer whose debut album, “Some Nights I Dream of Doors,” debuts in May. This adds to a body of music video work for Blake that includes collaborations with such artists as Lava La Rue (“Magpie”), Tahir (“Get Mine”), prxz (“Child In Red”), KAM-BU and Lord Apex (“Different”), Willow Kane (“Two Seater”) and Finn Foxwell (“Make It Count”).
Gold was drawn to Blake’s work, noting that it reflects a daring ethos that yields an inspiring breed of storytelling for advertising.
Conversely Blake said, “Eleanor’s artistic and ethical principles combined with Sophie’s experience and know-how made me believe I had found somewhere that would suit and support my goals. I want to make ads that stand alone as great pieces of art, that feel like they are sponsored by and in collaboration with the brand, rather than just being products that were purely about driving revenue alone.”
Blake added, “I like to lean into elements of the surreal as a way of navigating the human condition through imagery and bold concepts. But my hope is that despite this they are still rooted in a storytelling which connects with people’s emotions. I also strive to display versatility in my range of work, being unafraid to explore new angles on stories with a consistent cinematic language.”
Blake joins an Eleanor directorial lineup that includes Kate Cox, Woods, Adrian De Sa Garces, Kacper Larski, Elias Ressegatti, Kelsey Taylor, Dawit N.M., Alice Waddington and Edson Oda.
Eleanor is represented on the East Coast by Anya Zander and Jenn Johnson of Hustle, in the Midwest by Matt Bucher of Obsidian Reps, and on the West Coast by Melissa Ross of Melissa Ross Represents.
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