Director Doug Karr, whose work spans short films, commercials, web content and experiential, has joined NBcontent for global representation. He is available in the American ad market via NBcontent’s U.S. office which is under the aegis of managing director Mark Sitley.
Karr won a Gold Lion at Cannes in 2014 for an activation, “Dallas Gas Station” for Grey NY that launched the third season of TNT’s reboot of the TV series Dallas. He joins NB from Pie Face Pictures, his own company, which remains in business for short films and is in development on its first narrative miniseries. Karr’s first production with NB is a just-released spot for Google Tel Aviv. The director described working with the NB team as “a huge pleasure and incredibly inspiring creatively.”
Karr’s other recent content clients include Aeropostale, T.J. Maxx, and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. His short film, Ten for Grandpa, was filmed for Bravo and released at Sundance in 2009. It tells the almost-too-incredible-to-be-true story of his grandfather, an infamous Cold War merchant banker and probable spy.
“When I first saw Doug’s short film Anniversary Present, I knew he was a major talent when it came to comedic timing and swift narrative storytelling,” said NB’s U.S. chief Sitley. “He has the ability to take the viewer on a really interesting ride.”
Karr comes aboard NB as expansive news comes out of the company’s headquarters in Melbourne, Australia. NB has partnered with digital agency Bonsey Jaden in the Philippines and opened new NBcontent offices in Sydney, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Manila, Ho Chi Minh City and Jakarta. Additionally, noted U.S. comedy director Tim Abshire has been signed for representation in the Asia/Pacific region. (Production company Seed continues to handle Abshire in the U.S.)
Earlier this summer, NBcontent inked a deal with BuzzFeed to provide content in Australia. This direct-to-client agreement joins an existing long-term relationship with Fiat Chrysler, under which NB produces all content in the Pacific Basin region for the automotive giant. Currently, Alfa Romeo is sponsoring the international general release of NB director Ruth Borgobello’s feature film, The Space Between.
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