Global sonic studio Man Made Music has appointed John Taite as EVP, global business development & partnerships. He is responsible for leading revenue growth globally, communicating Man Made Music’s philosophy, values, and innovations, as well as establishing new partnerships and driving strategic initiatives. He is also helping the company’s marketing efforts worldwide. Taite will report to the company’s president, Lauren McGuire.
Prior to joining Man Made Music, Taite served as VP, branded content and partnerships at BBC America in New York. There, he was responsible for leading an award-winning team dedicated to compelling and innovative brand stories for AT&T, Verizon, Google, Apple, Amazon, Mercedes-Benz, Subaru, and BMW, among others. Taite also previously served as VP of Programming (EMEA) for BBC Worldwide in London. Prior to that role, he led programming and acquisitions for Viacom’s MTV & VH1 channels in the UK. He is a member of the British Academy of Film & Television, the American Television Academy, and is a regular DJ at MoMA and the Guggenheim Museum.
“John is an uncommon executive whose success comes from a clear love for creativity, client partnerships, and inspiring teams,” said Man Made Music’s founder Joel Beckerman.
“At a time when brands need to form deeper, more meaningful relationships with their customers and audiences, Man Made Music offers powerful solutions that connect on an emotional level and actually make you feel something,” Taite said. “I can’t imagine a more exciting next step than joining the team in a role that combines my passion for storytelling and innovation with their ability to transform people’s lives through sound and technology.”
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