Production company Recommended announced the signing of Michael Haldane as its managing director. A Cannes Gold Lion winner, Haldane brings over 25 years of experience as a film director and executive producer to his new job, and is eager to further Recommended’s reputation for finding, developing and promoting directorial talent.
Haldane’s new role at Recommended will be his first in the U.S. His previous experience has all been acquired north of the border, where his positions included head of production at Treehouse North Productions; executive producer at Toronto’s Steam Films and Radke Film Group; and founder and managing partner at Vancouver’s filmgroup.tv.
Already fully immersed in his new role, Haldane led the efforts to overhaul and rebrand Recommended Media to Recommended, starting with a new website, logo and the launch of Third Party in April 2014.
Third Party is Recommended’s roster of directors whose careers extend beyond advertising. Several high-profile directors on this list include Tosh.0 helmer Scott Zabielski, Mad Men and Breaking Bad director Phil Abraham, and Grandma’s Boy director Nicholaus Goossen.
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