A new brand identity has been announced following the recent merger of international talent agencies Worldwide Production Agency (WPA) and DDA Talent - which London head Barnaby Laws says 'gives a name' to their existing philosophy.

It is now Ascent Creatives International (or Ascent), a global talent agency representing some of the entertainment industry’s most accomplished creative artists across film, television, streaming and commercials. Ascent represents award-winning cinematographers, production and costume designers, editors and producers working at the highest levels of the industry.

The Ascent Creatives International leadership team spans the UK and US, with Barnaby Laws, Estere Sulca and Amber Thompson in the UK. With its offices in London, Los Angeles, and the US East Coast, plus an international network of strategic partners across Europe and the Americas, Ascent is dedicated to advancing creative careers through ambitious opportunities, long-term strategy and truly global representation.

"Ascent Creatives International reflects how we have always approached our clients’ careers: there is no single destination or defining moment, but a constant progression of ideas, opportunities and creative work," says Laws, who leads the London office.

“The new identity gives that philosophy a name, while reflecting the international nature of the industry our clients work within and the breadth of talent and opportunity across the UK and beyond. We have always looked to support the most creative parts of the industry and Music Video is still an integral part of that.”

Estere Sulca explains that Ascent's London office is effectively unchanged from when they were WPA. “We will still have the same team in the UK, based in our office in Soho, who are production-focused and pride themselves on being flexible and responsive," she says, adding that they are also still keen to work in the sphere of music video production due to its creativity. 

"We will always encourage our talent to work on promos and music content – It's some of the most rewarding projects we deal with,” she says.

DDA Talent and WPA, two leaders in talent representation, confirmed plans to merge earlier this year. Their combined roster now includes names like Oscar-winning cinematographer Erik Messerschmidt, ASC (Mank); two-time Academy Award-nominated cinematographer Jeff Cronenweth, ASC (The Social Network); Malik Sayeed (Clockers, Belly, After the Hunt); producer Ralph Winter (X-Men franchise); editor Ian S. Tan, ACE (Avatar: The Last Airbender); production designer Danny Vermette, ADG (Backrooms); John Mathieson, BSC (Gladiator); cinematographer Larry Fong, ASC (Watchmen); cinematographer Mihai Mălaimare Jr. (The Master, Jojo Rabbit); and cinematographer Maryse Alberti (Creed).

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