Westwind Media Expands Leadership and Talent Roster; Doug Kent Named Partner and President

 Posted on July 14, 2024  |  4 minutes  |  846 words  |  Reinaldo Massengill

Westwind Media, the Burbank-based sound design and audio postproduction company whose credits include Netflix’s “Queen Charlotte” and HBO’s “The White Lotus,” is expanding its leadership team and talent roster.

Industry vet Doug Kent has been named partner and president of the privately owned company, which was founded in 1997.

It expanded its talent roster with re-recording mixers Joe Earle and Gabriel J. Serrano, following the recent addition of Christian P. Minkler. Nicole Zabala has joined the team as VP of strategy and business development.

Kent most recently served as a senior VP at Formosa Group, following 15 years as a senior VP at Technicolor.

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“This is a remarkable opportunity to shape a lasting legacy in the industry,” said Kent of his new role. “It’s also an opportunity to foster a business that reflects the expansive culture of Los Angeles, one that better represents the city I live in and grew up in. A person can always affect change, but I’m excited to contribute to and influence the future of our company from this leadership position.” 

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He added that Westwind Media is a “home for creatives” and “a boutique studio which enhances our ability to connect with our clients and support our talent.”

Earle, the 2024 recipient of the Cinema Audio Society Career Achievement Award, has won four Emmy Awards (including for “American Crime Story” and “Glee”) among 24 nominations. He also joins following a stint at Formosa Group and earlier Technicolor. Said Earle, “Doug and I started out in the business together, we’ve worked with each other on and off over the years, and I’m glad we get to do it again. He has a vision, a group of incredibly talented people around him, and a desire to make an impact.”

Earle joined the team along with Serrano, whose credits include “John Wick: Chapter 2,” CBS’ “Fire Country,” FX’s “Reservation Dogs” and “Snowfall” and the “Expendables” movies. He too comes from Formosa Group.

Minkler formally joined the team after working on several projects at Westwind. Recent projects have included “Bridgerton” and “The White Lotus.” Earlier he received an Oscar nomination for his work on “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.”

Zabala’s background includes stints at Technicolor and Formosa Group.

(Pictured: Doug Kent and Joe Earle)

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