Unicorns & Unicorns, the studio founded by Adrianne McCurrach and Sun Komen, has added executive producer Mercedes Allen-Sarria to its BIPOC, LGBTQIA and women-led creative roster/team. As an active board member of the AICP and with a lifelong career fostering relationships between production, agencies, directors, unions, and the commercial industry at large, Allen-Sarria offers a unique combination of on-the-ground and behind the scenes expertise to effectively deliver on well-rounded creative goals.
“Mercedes is a veteran of the industry and carries with her a deep understanding of how to make magic happen–she is a true Unicorn,” shared McCurrach. “She’s a natural fit and brings such an important infusion of energy, joy and leadership to the stable.”
“We’re thrilled to continue to strengthen our integrated creative studio with Mercedes and her amazing production and experiential brain (and not have to bid against her anymore),” added Komen.
Allen-Sarria’s 15+ years paying her dues in the production industry led her to Biscuit Filmworks in Los Angeles where she spent five years as head of production while simultaneously exec producing experiential, music and special projects. At Biscuit, she discovered her passion for non-traditional storytelling and the ever-evolving world of immersive content, which requires the merging of technology and story to make a human connection. This ultimately led her to HELO, where she worked as an executive producer and director of production/immersive content for two years.
During the recent global crisis that put many production companies on pause, working with a biotech engineering company, she simultaneously opened high complexity COVID testing labs all over the United States with Sony Studios and Netflix that allowed many major Hollywood films, television shows, and commercials to safely continue filming.
Allen-Sarria has also dedicated much of her career to mentoring youth filmmakers and supporting several outreach organizations that give back to at-risk youth and individuals.
“Full circle moments in life can be magical,” said Allen-Sarria. “I first met Adrianne over 20 years ago. She is a force of a human; tenacious, smart, and an incredible leader and I have spent the past two decades by her side in some capacity both professionally and personally. Getting to now work at the company she’s long envisioned, tangibly manifested and fearlessly constructed is nothing short of a dream come true. What Adrianne and Sun have done in such a short amount of time at Unicorns & Unicorns is remarkable. They are truly walking the walk when it comes to inclusion, diversity, and the entire ethos of striving to be and do good in this industry and our communities. I look forward to bringing my multifaceted years of experience to this team and continuing to foster the magic they have created.”
2022 has been productive for Unicorns & Unicorns, having recently completed projects for Merrell, Miller Lite, YouTube, and the Smithsonian Institute with upcoming projects for Philadelphia Cream Cheese, Chevrolet, Facebook, Burger King and more coming out later this year.
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