Digital agency Frequency540 (FQ540) has hired industry vet Larry Byrne to lead production. Byrne will report to CEO Andrew Swinand and team closely with Suzanne Michaels, who runs the creative department.
Byrne will lead content production for all of Frequency540’s clients, which include U.S. Cellular, Lincoln Park Zoo and SunPower. His focus: scaling the agency’s content personalization practice, which uses data to inform one-of-a-kind experiences for unique audiences.
Byrne has led global and integrated production teams for many brands, including SC Johnson, Dove, BP, Miller Brewing and Sears, overseeing initiatives in digital, film, social, print and radio.
Byrne said his role is a chance to shape the future of creative content. “Technology has made it possible to tailor unique messages for individuals, but it’s meaningless if it’s not personal. Frequency540 gets this.”
Before joining FQ540, Byrne was chief production officer for Ogilvy’s Chicago office, where he led content production across all media. He also oversaw Eyepatch, Ogilvy’s in-house production facility, growing its size and reputation with work for Kimberly Clark and the Chicago Blackhawks.
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