RSA Films has signed filmmaker Max Winkler for commercial representation. Known for storytelling that astutely portrays the struggles and recklessness of youth, Winkler directed and co-wrote (with Alex McAulay and Matt Spicer) the feature film Flower, a coming-of-age story starring Zoey Deutch as Erica Vandross, a rebellious, quick witted 17 year old. A dark comedy with a cast that also includes Kathryn Hahn, Adam Scott, Tim Heidecker, Joey Morgan and Dylan Gelula, Flower made its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival in April and is slated for release in 2018 by The Orchard.
Winkler’s directorial credits also include several episodes of Fox’s hit comedies New Girl and Brooklyn Nine-Nine, as well as Netflix’s Lady Dynamite and Hulu’s Casual. Winkler made his feature directing debut with Ceremony, a comedy he also wrote, starring Uma Thurman, Michael Angarano and Lee Pace. Winkler additionally directed and produced a season of mockumentary web series Clark and Michael, produced by CBS and starring Michael Cera and Clark Duke. Winkler initially gained industry attention for the short film The King of Central Park (directed by Winkler and David Gelb), produced with classmates via a filmmakers’ grant from USC.
The King of Central Park was nominated for the Best Narrative Short Jury Award at the 2006 Tribeca Film Festival. And this year at Tribeca, Flower received a Jury Award nomination for Best U.S. Narrative Feature.
“I was immediately struck by the authenticity in Max’s work,” said Jules Daly, president, RSA Films. “It delivers smart storytelling and great performance, and whether drama or humor, there is something behind the eyes of his characters that’s so compelling. He is very passionate about what he does. As soon as I started talking with him, I knew he’d be a terrific addition to our company.”
Winkler related, “Meeting Jules was the kicker. Her enthusiasm and vision for the business as a whole and what she thinks I can contribute to the company was deeply inspiring and made me feel like I was where I was supposed to be.”
The director said of his new roost, “RSA’s pedigree is obviously humbling. The work they do, in my opinion, is some of the highest in both dramatic storytelling and production value, making this company a dream place to be.”
Winkler continues to be repped by CAA and management 360 for film and TV.
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