Melody Sylvester Joins Common People Films

Common People Films (CMN PPL) has appointed Melody Sylvester as managing director and executive producer of commercials to boost the production company’s agency network and reputation for producing stand out TV commercials and brand content. 

Working with CMN PPL co-founders Tony Roberts and Ramy Dance, she will also work across photography and wider business.

Melody joins from TBWA London where she was chief production officer. 

In 2022 while working at Engine London (now House 337), she was one of the team that won a Cannes Lions Titanium Grand Prix for ‘Long Live the Prince’ for The Kiyan Prince Foundation.

Notable accounts she has worked on previously include adidas, Ginsters, McVities and Starbucks. Before joining TBWA, she spent three years as head of film at Engine. Before that, she was head of design and animation/executive producer at RSA Films for 10 years.

Melody is on the British Arrows Board. She is also on the Creative Review Annual Awards Jury 2024, and will chair the emerging talent category for the Kinsale Shark Awards 2024 for the second year running.

Tony Roberts at CMN PPL, said, “We were always looking for someone to take us to the next level and we honestly couldn’t think of anyone better placed to do this with us than Mel. Not only is she very well respected in the ad agency world, she’s also incredibly creative and really fits into the CMN PPL brand … she gets us perfectly.”

Melody Sylvester said, “I have loved agency life and to walk away from one as great as TBWA London, the stars needed to align and the chemistry had to be right. 

“Common People Founders Ramy and Tony are committed, passionate and creative people who care so much about their people and the work, we clicked immediately. They also love trainers as much as I do. It was meant to be.

“I have been an executive producer at a number of creative companies during my career, so to be returning as managing director at CMN PPL is super exciting for me. They have a fantastic growing roster of talent and first class production team. Making great work is what motivates me and I’m looking forward to getting back in the midst of that”. 

Common People has recently launched their new photo division, Common Image, representing a diverse collective of contemporary image makers. Led by head of photo Tom Burns, Common Image offers tailored strategy and management, with an emphasis on nurturing emerging talent spanning across documentary, lifestyle, fashion and still-life photography.

Melody will commence her new role this week.