Shop opens with a directorial lineup which includes Olof Lindh, Meiko Takechi Arquillos, Casper Balslev, Aaron Brown, Tom Haines, David Robert Mitchell, Chris Volckmann, Austin Wilson
Production vet Jason Botkin has launched A Fresh Face in Hell, a film production company with bases of operation in Seattle and Los Angeles.
Botkin is owner and managing director of the new venture which is named for its “never say die” approach to production and will provide full-service production solutions for advertising and brands. Botkin has a track record of 20-plus years experience at commercial production companies, including serving as EP at B-Reel Films, Furlined and Cap Gun Collective. He is also known for establishing Streetgang Films, a seminal music video production company that launched the careers of many A-list directors today.
A Fresh Face in Hell opens with a directorial roster which includes:
- Olof Lindh, visual storyteller known for work on Goodby Silverstein & Partners' Gradifi and Whirlpool. Lindh was previously at B-Reel Films.
- Meiko Takechi Arquillos, a well known commercial photographer turned director. This is her first roster position for commercial production.
- Casper Balslev, veteran commercial director, photojournalist and owner of New Land Films. Balslev had been at RSA for many years.
- Aaron Brown, long-time Arctic Monkeys music video collaborator. Previously at Skunk
- Tom Haines, renowned music video director and documentary film expert for BBC, Tate, and Channel 4. Previously at B-Reel Films.
- David Robert Mitchell, indie favorite director of critically acclaimed films It Follows and Under the Silverlake. This is his first roster position for commercial production.
- Chris Volckmann, industry veteran, known for his directing work with REI, Amazon, and Nike. Volckmann was previously repped at Unheard Of.
- And Austin Wilson, music documentarian who has done profiles for Iron & Wine and Band of Horses. Wilson was previously repped at Society.
For director representation A Fresh Face in Hell is working with Kevin Batten and Crystal Bedford at PopArts on the West Coast, Chiara Chung at CCCo. in the Midwest, and Dani Ostrowski of MoreMilkToast Co. on the East Coast.
In addition to production, Fresh Face also provides in-house postproduction capabilities including editorial, telecine, online, VFX, design, and animation.
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