Global creative audio network Squeak E. Clean Studios has tapped Michael Gross (MG) as executive creative producer out of its Los Angeles studio. In addition to overseeing work from Squeak E. Clean Studios’ West Coast office, MG will collaborate with the company’s team of producers, creative directors and artists to continue to bolster strategic growth with a focus on brand-direct creative solutions. This direction will leverage the studio’s expertise to design integrated audio strategies that reimagine a brand’s multifaceted sonic touchpoints with its audience.
MG’s diverse experience across agency, client and freelance posts informs a holistic approach to creative audio and music solutions at the intersection of media arts, technology and advertising. He most recently filled the role of sr. creative producer at Google, overseeing the launch of cloud-gaming platform Stadia. Prior, he held freelance posts as music creative director of Twitter, and music director for Droga5’s D5X Festival. As a music supervisor, brand consultant and producer, he has collaborated with brands such as Audi, Energizer, Google, the NFL, Nissan and Samsung, among others.
Oscillating between producer and music supervisor roles, MG cut his teeth in his native Los Angeles as agency music supervisor for TBWAChiatDay and Omelet, before moving to the U.K. to take on fashion and music editorial pursuits as head of music for AllSaints, developing its brand music strategy, talent partnerships, retail audio playlisting, whitelabel music video platform, creative direction and more. After three years abroad, he returned stateside, where has continued to grow his experience across the agency and brand sides of the industry.
His appointment serves to accelerate Squeak E. Clean Studios’ rapid growth in recent weeks, joining Matthew “Cornbread” Compton as sr. composer out of New York as well as Amanda Patterson stepping into the national role of head of production.
Hamish Macdonald, managing director of Squeak E. Clean Studios, said, “MG’s breadth of experience and expertise on both the agency and brand side will be invaluable as we continue to grow across all our studios. His deep knowledge and passion for music and producing industry-defining work is aligned with the DNA of Squeak E. Clean Studios and I’m excited to continue to push the limits of what we can do together.”
Added Gross, ”I’ve worked with Squeak E. Clean Studios as a client for nearly a dozen years and I’ve always been such a huge fan of them as a company and the work that they produce. Their focus on best-in-class creative music solutions has always excited me as a producer that is passionate about being immersed in the creative process. I’m excited to explore holistic, multifaceted–and altogether new–ways to work with brands that push the boundaries of how brands connect to consumers with audio.”
“Dune: Part Two” and “House of the Dragon” Win 2 HPA Awards Apiece
Dune: Part Two and House of the Dragon each scored two HPA Awards during a gala ceremony at the Television Academy’s Wolf Theatre in North Hollywood, Calif. on Thursday night (11/7). The HPA Awards honor trailblazing talent in the postproduction industry, celebrating standout achievements in color grading, sound, editing, restoration, and visual effects across theatrical features, commercials, and episodics.
Dune: Part Two topped the Outstanding Color Grading--Live Action Theatrical Feature and the Outstanding Sound--Theatrical Feature categories.
House of the Dragon’s two wins were for “The Red Dragon and the Gold” episode which scored for Outstanding Visual Effects--Live Action Episode or Series Season, and Outstanding Editing--Episode or Non-Theatrical Feature (Over 30 Minutes). In the latter HPA Creative Category, House of the Dragon tied with the “Part Six: Far,l Far Away” episode of Ahsoka.
The HPA’s Judges Award for Creativity and Innovation honored Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour. This recognition celebrates the profound impact on both live and filmed entertainment that defined The Eras Tour, underscoring its exceptional impact on audiences and the industry. The jury issued a statement outlining their choice: “Celebrated as the cultural phenomenon of 2023, Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour set new records in box office sales, tour revenues, and attendance. The tour showcased exceptional artistry and innovation, making a profound impact on both live and filmed entertainment.”
This year, FotoKem was awarded the Charles S. Swartz Award for its role in supporting filmmakers, studios, cinematographers, and artists across diverse film and media landscapes. Also celebrated... Read More