The Cinema Advertising Council (CAC), a national non-profit trade association which serves cinema advertising sellers, the theatrical exhibition community and the advertising community, has announced two additions to its board of directors: Spotlight Cinema Network president Michael Sakin was elected to represent the association’s Level II members–vendors who represent exclusive selling rights on 4,999 U.S. movie screens or less–replacing Bob Shaw; and Marcus Theatres’ assistant VP, sales/research & development Clint Wisialowski has been chosen to represent CAC Affiliate members, replacing Stewart Harnell.
Sakin and Wisialowski join existing board members Katy Loria–chairman of the CAC and EVP of national ad sales at CAC member Screenvision–and Dave Kupiec–executive VP, sales & marketing with National CineMedia (NCM)–who represent Level I members (vendors representing exclusive selling rights on 5,000 or more U.S. movie screens).
With more than 25 years of national ad sales experience, Sakin has extensive experience in the cinema arena, having previously served on the CAC board from 2009-’11, and as chair of the CAC marketing committee. Prior to Spotlight, he held the position of SVP of ad sales for Landmark Theatres and also ran the Western and Midwest regions for Screenvision. He began his advertising career as a media buyer at DMB&B on the Kraft/General Foods account. After completion of the Turner Broadcasting Sales Training Program, he joined Fox Cable Networks as an account executive and was promoted to SVP of ad sales. During his eight-year tenure, he successfully launched FX, Fox Movie Channel, Fox Sports Net, The Health Network and National Geographic. Following Fox Cable Networks, he became the senior vice president of advertising sales for The Game Show Network.
For more than 25 years, Wisialowski has built his career at Marcus Theatres, starting as an associate manager of a Waukesha, WI theatre in 1989, then GM of a new location in Addison, IL, in 1997, and moving up the ranks to his current position. From 2000 to 2004, Wisialowski oversaw operations of all Illinois locations as district director, and he became director of sales in 2004, a position he held for more than nine years. In this role, he was responsible for multiple programs designed to increase revenue through alternative sources, including the sale of advertising in 55 field locations, sales of corporate products, and overseeing all alternative content which included unique events and concerts. In his current role, Wisialowski oversees all product and gift card sales, advertising sales and group sales initiatives, while also researching and developing new initiatives.
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