Havoc Content has re-launched with a new vision, a new brand, and a new owner — Executive Producer Leslie Harro. Already a well-established Partner and Executive Producer at Havoc Content, Harro has delivered on projects for Starbucks, Garmin, MotorTrend, NFL, AT&T, Nike, and more.
Prior to Havoc, Harro’s career spanned both the production and agency sides of advertising and included a stint in television production at Sony.
When describing her plans for the company’s future, Harro doesn’t refer to it as a production company, but instead as a content creator — a team of talented individuals from diverse backgrounds capable of crafting branded content, television series and even feature films. “Havoc has always been on this path, but it took the slowdown of the pandemic to forge us into new territory,” notes Harro.
“We took the time to refocus some of our energy towards creating projects close to our heart. Most of Havoc directors either are or want to be developing narrative stories. We want them to feel supported in making all of their goals come to fruition, whether that be in commercials or film,” she adds.
Havoc has moved aggressively to bring onboard the talent that will help turn these plans into reality.
Meet the New Havoc Talent
Megan G. Wells
Award-winning Director Megan G. Wells has joined the Havoc roster. Best known for telling authentic and relatable human stories that engage viewers, she has crafted content for Red Bull, Gillette, Under Armour, Home Depot, Google and the NBA.
An undeniable icon in the realm of branded content, Megan is a frequent speaker and panelist at conferences around the world – in addition to sitting on the jury for two global media festivals. Havoc will focus on representing her on the West Coast, in Texas and the Hispanic market.
Shamiel Soni
Known for his love of bright colors, bold camera moves, and good story, Director Shamiel Soni is another new addition to the Havoc Content roster. Soni spent more than half his life in the film industry, working his way up from PA to one of South Africa’s most sought-after commercial Directors. “I was on a quest to find a production company that suited my style of making films,” details Soni.
“My main focus was finding a company that valued free-thinking, diversity and was progressive. When I finally found Havoc, I was amazed at the work. Once I spoke with Leslie, I knew they were the right fit for me. I had found my home halfway across the world.”
Kevin Schowengerdt
Director Kevin Schowengerdt’s deft touch (not to mention patience) filming families and kids comes from being the uncle of 40 children. Literally. Known for collaborative fun on-set and lending his expertise as an editor to the post-production process, he’s a Director who puts his heart and creativity into each stage of a film. His brand experience includes Spring, Dairy Queen, New Balance, Garmin, Wingstop and others.
“Kevin joined the company just before the pandemic began. He’s a beautiful storyteller and we are proud to represent him,” shares Harro.
Robin Barrow
Creative Director Robin Barrow has joined Havoc Content to oversee the company’s foray into brand-direct content. A full-stack creative designer, his talents include AR, VR, Interface Design, Social Integrations, and more. Barrow has worked as a Creative Director at BBDO, Razorfish, Publicis, and GoDaddy and previous clients include Netflix, Universal, Mercedes Benz, Gucci, Microsoft, Smirnoff, Sony, and AT&T.
“As a creative individual that focuses on purposeful mission-based projects, it’s refreshing to find a tribe that shares a wholesome positive intent for the work,” notes Barrow. “Knowing Leslie personally for a decade and having the opportunity to come and create Havoc and mischief with her; disrupting narratives commercially and otherwise, is an exciting prospect.”
Havoc Content’s new Film and TV Departments are already hard at work with multiple projects underway.
Ryan Travis
Starting with Ryan Travis, a multi Emmy Award-winning Director and also one of Havoc’s first. They are in development on a story inspired by the spirit and tenacity of real-life soldiers of our Special Forces community including one who happens to be Ryan’s brother.
In addition, a film directed and produced by Carolena Villavicencio. “She has been with Havoc since the beginning,” notes Harro.
“She’s an incredible talent. We will support all of her dreams in becoming a filmmaker.”
Another project is being developed with former Major League Baseball players Willie Bloomquist and Jason Ellison. “I grew up with both of them, and have always been inspired by their love for each other and baseball,” shares Harro.
Last, and certainly not least, is a television series with actor Sheldon Bailey (Shameless, Game Shakers). “The series will feature black men living their everyday lives in a positive light. These stories have to be told; we have to start seeing this in mainstream media,” declares Harro.
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New Representatives
New sales representatives have also joined the team: Lisa Gimenez and Deirdre Rymer Rivard of LISA G & CO and Blush Creative Management will represent Havoc on the West Coast, Texas, and the U.S. Hispanic market with Nathan Skillicorn of Heart, Brains & Nerve representing the company in the Midwest.
“We have known Leslie personally for many years, and are fully behind growing a diverse, woman-owned production company, whose founder has always been focused on working with and elevating directors from a myriad of backgrounds,” notes Gimenez. “Leslie’s great eye for talent and her holistic approach to partnering with agencies and brands brings a distinctly fresh and modern perspective to her productions,” adds Rivard.
“I met Leslie at an industry event, and we instantly became friends. We were actually bidding against each other on a creative project at the time, and our discussions led to the realization that we share similar goals, perspectives, and work ethic. I believe in her,” shares Skillicorn. “I’ve always respected Havoc Content’s reputation and joyfully welcomed another woman-owned company to my roster.”
“We have always been diverse and female-run. Our goal is to continue creating content with agencies, brands, and studios that care about inclusivity,” declares Harro. “Coming out of the pandemic we are in a state of gratitude, working on incredible projects with some of the top brands and agencies. Our mindset is to stay focused on the vision while enjoying the journey ahead. Havoc is just getting started.”
