Emerald Pictures has added Slovenian-born, London-based filmmaker Jan Vrhovnik to its curated directorial roster of global talent. Vrhovnik is this year’s recipient of the Young Directors Award at Cannes Lions. He brings his documentary-informed approach to fictional storytelling to Emerald, which will represent Vrhovnik in the U.S. This marks Vrhovnik’s first commercial signing in the U.S. market.
Vrhovnik began his career as a cinematographer, a formational experience that naturally evolved into his heightened visual style, making him a natural fit for commercial and fashion clients alike. His fashion brand collaborations include work for Balenciaga, Gucci x TheNorthFace, Hermès, Axel Arigato, JW Anderson, and Zara Home. Vrhovnik’s commercial clients have included well-known brands such as Aēsop and eBay. He has also worked with celebrity talents like Sir Ian McKellen, Tom Felton, and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.
As a narrative filmmaker, Vrhovnik directed the short film Paradiso, which was shot on the sun-kissed Calabrian coast of Italy, and Edi, which earned him a 2023 Gold YDA and two Berlin Commercials Gold Awards. Based on Vrhovnik’s childhood in Slovenia, Edi is a cinematically stunning tribute to his grandfather of the same name, an inspirational hero with an insatiable appetite for life. Nowness presented both films. He reprised his role as director of photography for the romantic drama She Is Love, a feature film selected for the BFI London Film Festival in 2022, starring Haley Bennett and Sam Riley.
Vrhovnik said, “Thrilled to join the Emerald family and their extremely talented roster, as I continue to expand my career as commercial director. Both [Emerald co-founders/managing directors] Mara [Milićević] and John [Duffin] are wonderful. They understand my filmmaking approach, appreciate me, and truly believe in my work. I’m delighted to offer my filmmaking vision to the U.S. market.”
Duffin added, “Jan is a filmmaker, full-stop. He understands the medium from every angle and uses it expertly to create top-notch films. He’s a force to be reckoned with, and we look forward to bringing his unmistakable talent to the U.S.
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