The finishing department at the New York studio of MPC (Moving Picture Company) has added veteran finishing artist Tom McCullough. The studio, which has worked on a string of high-profile campaigns for global brands such as Tommy Hilfiger, Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton and CoverGirl, has brought McCullough on board to lead the charge as creative director, finishing.
McCullough brings two decades of experience in feature films, commercials and episodic work to MPC. He has worked on campaigns for numerous global brands including Microsoft, Louis Vuitton, BMW, Best Buy, American Express and Coca-Cola, as well as music videos for artists such as Kanye West and Lil’ Kim. His experience also extends into features and episodics, lending his expertise to projects including Marvel’s The Defenders, HBO’s The Wire, and Sex and the City.
McCullough said, “I’m looking forward to working with the enormous pool of talent at MPC, leading a department and helping build something exciting,” adding, “I love creating relationships with clients and helping realize their vision. As a Flame artist, there is already a great deal of that in the room, but as creative director, I’m looking forward to being involved in the process all the way through from inception to completion.”
MPC CEO Mark Benson stated, “This prominent new addition marks the studio’s commitment to boosting their finishing capabilities and being at the forefront of the beauty space. As their finishing work has grown considerably, Tom will be driving these projects forward and pushing them even further.” Benson cited McCullough’s “vast experience in both the creative and technical aspects of the industry, as well as his keen eye and incredible versatility,” making him “the perfect person for the role.”
MPC’s other U.S. studio has also had a sharp emphasis on their Finishing capabilities. The Los Angeles shop hired artist Claus Hansen as creative director in 2017 to spearhead their team. Hansen has since led significant campaigns at the studio, most recently the Infiniti campaign “Konrad’s World” directed by MJZ’s Craig Gillespie (I, Tonya) and the front cover of Vanity Fair’s 25th Hollywood Issue featuring talent such as Chadwick Boseman, Regina King and Rami Malek. The addition of McCullough in New York makes MPC’s U.S. finishing and beauty offering complete.
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