SixTwentySix, the creative studio helmed by co-founders Austin Barbera and Jake Krask, has appointed Paul Muhlbach as executive producer and sr. brand partner. With over four years of experience at Stept Studios and a rich career history including roles at Crispin Porter+Bogusky, Stink Studios, and B-Reel, Muhlbach brings a depth of expertise to his new role.
Throughout his career, Muhlbach has been instrumental in driving global campaigns for high-profile brands and entertainment partners. His strategic insights and creative prowess have earned him accolades including Shorty, Clio, and Webby Awards for brands such as Jose Cuervo, PayPal, and WeTransfer.
In a joint statement, partner and EP Barbera, and partner/managing director Krask shared, “Paul’s extensive expertise and nuanced understanding of brand dynamics position him as a pivotal asset to SixTwentySix’s growth. His proven track record of driving groundbreaking stories and fostering innovative collaborations aligns perfectly with our vision to create content that doesn’t just capture attention, but profoundly impacts culture.”
Muhlbach remarked, “Watching SixTwentySix grow into the powerhouse creative studio they’ve become has been an incredible ride. After meeting with Austin and Jake, I had zero doubts about the company’s vision and passion for creating culturally relevant work that makes waves.”
Recently, SixTwentySix has collaborated on projects with notables such as Edmunds, Pathwater, Angel’s Envy, and eBay to name only a few as well as top artists including Lil Nas X and Megan Thee Stallion. The studio has also garnered acclaim and recognition this year including becoming an honoree at the Webby Awards, receiving multiple Telly Award People’s Telly noms, and nods at the Berlin VMAs, including for Best Production Company.
Review: Director-Writer Megan Park’s “My Old Ass”
They say tripping on psychedelic mushrooms triggers hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia and nervousness. In the case of Elliott, an 18-year-old restless Canadian, they prompt a visitor.
"Dude, I'm you," says the guest, as she nonchalantly burns a 'smores on a campfire next to a very high and stunned Elliott. "Well, I'm a 39-year-old you. What's up?"
What's up, indeed: Director-writer Megan Park has crafted a wistful coming-of-age tale using this comedic device for "My Old Ass" and the results are uneven even though she nails the landing.
After the older Elliott proves who she is — they share a particular scar, childhood memories and a smaller left boob — the time-travel advice begins: Be nice to your brothers and mom, and stay away from a guy named Chad.
"Can we hug?" asks the older Elliott. They do. "This is so weird," says the younger Elliott, who then makes things even weirder when she asks for a kiss — to know what it's like kissing yourself. The older Elliott soon puts her number into the younger's phone under the name "My Old Ass." Then they keep in touch, long after the effects of the 'shrooms have gone.
Part of the movie's problem that can't be ignored is that the two Elliotts look nothing alike. Maisy Stella plays the coltish young version and a wry Aubrey Plaza the older. Both turn in fine performances but the visuals are slowly grating.
The arrival of the older Elliott coincides with her younger self counting down the days until she can flee from her small town of 300 in the Muskoka Lakes region to college in Toronto, where "my life is about to start." She's sick of life on a cranberry farm.
Park's scenes and dialogue are unrushed and honest as Elliott takes her older self's advice and tries to repair... Read More