Director Brian Billow has joined O Positive for commercial representation globally. Known for his performance-driven, comedic storytelling, Billow comes over from Anonymous Content where his work included Netflix’s recent “You Gotta Get It To Get It” campaign (produced in concert with Steam Films, Toronto) from DDB Canada, Vancouver; King’s Hawaiian’s “Sweet Role Suckers,” a SHOOT Top Spot (4/18) out of Energy BBDO, Chicago; the Webby-winning viral Beth, a short film parody inspired by the classic KISS rock ballad; and Miracle Whip’s “Keep An Open Mouth” from mcgarrybowen, Chicago, which premiered during last year’s Grammy Awards. Billow is currently in production on a short film about the world’s worst paparazzo, one with extremely poor facial recognition skills.
The move to O Positive realigns Billow with his long-time friend, director Jim Jenkins, a company partner. The two had previously been together at Hungry Man and their relationship dates back to when Billow was on the agency side. “Jim [Jenkins] has been a mentor to me since my days at DDB,” Billow said. “We are kindred spirits when it comes to the work. Both he and [O Positive director/partner] David Shane are obsessive about casting and performance and direct some of the best work out there–O Positive ranked second this year and in 2011 for the Cannes Palme d’Or. Also, my blood type is O Positive, so I sort of had to sign with them.”
Jenkins said, “Brian cares about the right things, and never stops thinking or trying to improve things every step of the way. Plus, he’s managed to remain friends with me for years, which proves he can handle difficult people.”
Among Billow’s early filmmaking career achievements was gaining inclusion into SHOOT’s 2008 New Directors Showcase.
Shane cited Billow’s “eye for the small moment and he’s a natural storyteller. I’ve been a fan from afar and now I get to be a fan from up close.”
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