Matt Eastwood, worldwide chief creative officer of JWT, and John Mescall, global executive creative director of McCann Worldwide, have been named 2015 London International Awards (LIA) Jury presidents. Eastwood will preside over the Print, Poster and Billboard jury while Mescall will head up the jury for the TV/Cinema/Online Film category.
Eastwood stated, “After a re-injection of energy some years ago, LIA fast became one of the industry’s most important shows. The caliber of jurors is always beyond compare, so it’s a thrill to preside over the Print, Poster and Billboard jury. I look forward to helping curate a show that both records the best work, and inspires more of the same.”
On judging LIA 2015 Mescall stated, “It’s a huge honor to chair the LIA TV/Cinema/Online Film jury. This is a show that not only upholds the very highest standards, but it leads the way in its efforts to bring the next generation of creative leaders into the jury room. That makes LIA a very special show to be a part of. And despite all the brilliant innovation and subversive qualities of the best work in the newer categories, there will always be a purity and artistry about Film that makes it wonderful to judge. Most great campaigns, no matter how integrated, still have a wonderful piece of film at their very core. So TV/Cinema/Online Film as a category is as vital and as current as it’s ever been.”
Eastwood joined JWT as worldwide chief creative officer in July 2014. Mescall moved to New York to fulfill the position of global executive creative director at McCann Worldgroup in 2014. Prior to this, he was executive creative director of McCann Melbourne.
The LIA 2015 Entry System is now accepting entries. Judging will take place from October 1-10. The shortlists will be announced as each judging session concludes, with winners being announced on November 2. Barbara Levy is LIA president.
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