Director Grayson Whitehurst has officially joined the roster of Los York, formalizing his relationship with the global creative production studio. He had been working pretty much exclusively with Los York over the past year–including when he was selected for SHOOT’s 2021 New Directors Showcase.
Whitehurst has directed spots for brands including MasterCard, Purple, and IKEA. Additionally, he has directed the popular alternate reality game Spectacular Organic and screened his narrative film work at many Oscar-qualifying festivals around the globe.
Known for his darkly comedic takes, Whitehurst uses his sensibilities as an artist and storyteller to evoke dramatic, striking visuals and offbeat narrative arcs in his projects. Whitehurst described the tonal paradox of his style, sharing, “I think the power of having an unconventional sense of humor is that I’m able to find a laugh in a place where no one else would think to look. Also, I love taking an unusual narrative risk in the ad space. Ultimately, these spots are stories and I’m proud of the fact that everything I’ve directed looks like it came from me.”
Melina Osornio-Andrade, Los York’s managing director and partner, said, “We pride ourselves on producing culture-defining campaigns. He has a real knack for finding micro-moments, thoughts, and images that often get overlooked but they’re the secret ingredient to what makes his work ring true. Grayson’s as multifaceted and remarkably resourceful in the way he works–he fits right in with our company ethos at Los York and we’re honored to be in collaboration with him.”
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