Directors Julie Taymor, known for her work on the stage and in feature films, and Brad Furman, known for his gritty dramas and hip hop videos, have joined the spotmaking and branded content talent roster at Grand Large, the production house headed by owner/executive Steven Horton, and which maintains offices in New York and Paris.
Horton said he’s had his eye on these filmmakers for some time. “I’ve been chasing Julie for more than a year, and I finally caught up with her just when she felt ready and interested in doing some commercial work,” he notes. “And Brad was introduced by a feature film producer and mutual friend. I was impressed with his knowledge, awareness and interest in the advertising world. He has an instinct for good conceptual work and how to take it to the next level. Brad is ready to engage the market and bring his great eye, high energy level and clever storytelling skills to creative projects.”
Director, playwright, puppeteer and designer, Taymor is the creative force behind numerous high-profile stage productions, including the Broadway musicals “The Lion King” and “Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark.” As a director, her feature credits include such highly stylized films as “Frida,” “Titus,” “Across the Universe” and “The Tempest.”
Taymor’s “The Lion King” made her a bona fide star, demonstrating her talents in many aspects of the theatrical arts. The show received 11 Tony Award nominations, winning for Best Direction and Best Costume Design, making Taymor the first woman to win the Tony Award for directing a musical. Her commercial work includes a campaign starring Selma Hayek, her “Frida” star, for Avon.
Furman's feature directorial credits include the dramas "The Lincoln Lawyer" (starring Matthew McConaughey) and "Runner Runner." He launched his feature career in 2008 with “The Take,” starring John Leguizamo, Tyrese Gibson and Rosie Perez. Furman's PSA for the Rape Abuse Incest National Network, “Unbroken,” was accepted to the Universal Studios/MVPA Director’s Cuts Film Festival. Furman also directed 50 Cent and G-Unit in a short film for their appearance at the British version of the Grammy Awards, “The Brits.” Furman's music-related work includes numerous music videos for a variety of hip hop stars and “Buried Alive in the Blues,” a documentary he wrote, directed and produced that features B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Sam Lay and other blues greats.
Both directors have been represented previously for advertising assignments, Taymor with Looking Glass and Furman with Prettybird. Their signing with Grand Large, Horton added, reflects a renewed commitment on the part of both to work with agencies and brands on a variety of content forms.
In addition, Horton reports that Grand Large director Jean-Pierre Jeunet is once again available for advertising assignments. Jeunet is the writer/director behind such films as “Amélie,” “The City of Lost Children” and “Delicatessen.” He’s collaborated with Horton for over a decade, after being introduced by his colleague Marc Caro, with whom he co-directed several of his feature films.
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