Teams with Brian DiLorenzo and Tara DeVeaux in new venture
Linus Karlsson, creative chairman of Commonwealth and former CCO of global brands at McCann-Erickson, has launched MING Utility and Entertainment Group, a strategic, action-based creative company. MING will operate in the “new to next” space focusing on three core areas: design, technology and entertainment, with the ambition to explore the realm of what a modern creative company can and should do.
”We’re living in one of the most creative moments in history. We’re slowly transitioning off almost 60 years of managing messages to a world where doing things and creating experiences is everything. Suddenly, everything is possible. That’s how we feel about things, and that’s inspired us to start MING,” said Karlsson who as CCO/chairman is partnered in the new shop with CEO Brian DiLorenzo, chief production officer of McCann, and president Tara DeVeaux, formerly executive VP/account director at BBDO.
The trio’s collective experience working on global brands is extensive, and includes some of the industry’s most awarded and non-traditional creative campaigns. Among these clients and campaigns are BMW Films, HBO’s “Voyeur” and “Imagine” initiatives, Target’s “Fashion Spectacular,” IKEA Catalogue, and Nature Valley’s “Trail View.”
MING will operate as an independently owned company and partner with McCann Worldgroup on various projects tapping into network resources. MING will be headquartered in downtown New York and also maintain space in McCann Worldgroup’s midtown offices. Karlsson, in addition to his responsibilities for MING, will continue to serve as creative chairman of Commonwealth/McCann, the McCann Worldgroup agency dedicated to the global Chevrolet account, and DiLorenzo will continue to support global production for the agency.
McCann Worldgroup President & CEO Harris Diamond commented, “Linus has proven in his time at McCann that he is a change-maker and starting something innovative and new is what we’ve come to expect from him. MING is a timely addition to the industry and we are pleased to support Linus, Brian and Tara as they seek to create a new, relevant and complementary offer to Worldgroup for clients in today’s marketing and media environment.”
Park Pictures Signs Director Rachel Morrison
Park Pictures now represents director Rachel Morrison for commercial filmmaking. Morrison first came into prominence as a cinematographer, working on indie features, television, and blockbuster hits, which put her on the path toward her directing career. Her feature film directorial debut, “The Fire Inside,” is set for wide theatrical release by MGM on Christmas Day 2024.
Morrison has a background in photojournalism and a master’s degree from the American Film Institute. She made history as the first woman nominated for an Academy Award for Best Cinematography for her work on “Mudbound,” directed by Dee Rees. Morrison was also the first woman to lens a Marvel film, “Black Panther.” She also served as cinematographer for hit movies like “Dope,” “Fruitvale Station,” and the Emmy-nominated Netflix documentary “What Happened Miss Simone?”
As a director, Morrison has helmed many campaigns for brands like IKEA, Netflix, Gap, Michelob Ultra, Ford, a spot for Nissan starring Brie Larson, and a Coach ad starring Michael B. Jordan. She also directed many episodes of television for shows like “The Mandalorian,” “The Morning Show,” “American Crime Story: Impeachment,” “Hightown,” and “American Crime.”
“I believe in humanity above all else,” remarked Morrison. “Park Pictures similarly puts emotional and relatable storytelling first. Everyone I’ve met there is driven to push the envelope forward and create memorable and visual films. I’m excited to sign with Park and look forward to furthering my commercial career with them.”
Jackie Kelman Bisbee, founding partner of Park Pictures, added, “Her work is at once grounded and elegant. She deeply understands everyone’s process both behind the... Read More