The Gotham Group, one of Hollywood’s leading management and film and television production firms, has formed a strategic partnership with 1stAveMachine, the Cannes Lion and Clio Award-winning mixed media production company. The deal formalizes a close relationship between the two companies that dates back over a decade and will allow 1stAve to segue its roster of commercial directors into other platforms including film and television. Ross Siegel, who heads up the recently formed 1stAveMachine Management, will oversee this new relationship for 1stAve; Peter McHugh for The Gotham Group. The companies, with offices in New York, London, Hong Kong and Los Angeles, draw considerable benefit from the relationship. 1stAve will now have the ability to extend its reach into the entertainment industry through Gotham’s enormous client base and wealth of high-quality intellectual property. The Gotham Group will deploy 1stAve’s roster of directors and other creatives in the film and television sectors.
PHOTOPLAY has signed comedy performance director Frazer Bailey for representation in Australia and New Zealand. Winning Gold for Direction at the BADC Awards for the hilarious Air Asia escapism campaign “Come Back Refreshed” via Publicis and Silver for Millionaire’s Run “Prince of Nigeria” through Brainheart, Bailey has also delivered laughs for Samsung with “Shade Dwellers” along with attracting over 4 million YouTube views for Flight Centre with his “What If” campaign. Bailey has collaborated with Aussie agencies including Clemenger BBDO, Leo Burnett, Y&R, Publicis, Ogilvy and Grey Melbourne….
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