SixTwentySix Acquires SLMBR PRTY, Appoints Founder, Sarah Donnenberg as EP
From Ogilvy and Saatchi to leading SLMBR PRTY, Donnenberg joins SixTwentySix to expand its leadership team, creative scope, and bi-coastal reach
Award-winning independent creative studio SixTwentySix today announced the acquisition of boutique production company SLMBR PRTY and the appointment of its founder, Sarah Donnenberg, as Executive Producer. The strategic move expands SixTwentySix’s presence to New York and strengthens the company’s leadership bench as it continues its rapid growth in commercial, branded, and narrative storytelling.
Founded as a creative community in 2017 and launched as a production company in 2020, SLMBR PRTY has delivered acclaimed short films, a feature, and commercial collaborations with leading agencies including Wieden+Kennedy, Droga5, and 72andSunny. The studio also produced a range of direct-to-brand campaigns, including Function Health’s first-ever live-action campaign and projects for Spotify. Donnenberg previously held agency roles at Ogilvy and Saatchi & Saatchi, bringing over a decade of experience bridging agencies, brands, and filmmakers.
“Joining SixTwentySix feels like a natural next chapter,” shares Sarah Donnenberg, Executive Producer, SixTwentySix. “Jake and Austin have created a modern creative studio that is leading the charge and setting the standards for what the contemporary market demands – a full-service creative production experience that is solution-forward, features a flexible production model, is uncompromising when it comes to craft and finally, is committed to championing and building extraordinary creative talent. This perfectly aligns with my goals at SLMBR PRTY and I’m excited to unite in this mission with new opportunities and a true bi-coastal presence.”
The acquisition expands SixTwentySix’s roster and creative offering, adding Donnenberg’s festival background and narrative sensibility to the studio’s DNA. Looking ahead, SixTwentySix is developing a slate of high-profile brand campaigns and collaborations, while preparing to introduce fresh directing voices that will expand the company’s creative palette. These moves reinforce the studio’s position as a next-generation production partner shaping culture across advertising, entertainment, culture and beyond.
The move caps a banner year for SixTwentySix. Co-founders Austin Barbera and Jake Krask were recently named to the 2025 Forbes 30 Under 30 list in Advertising & Marketing, underscoring their growing influence as next-generation leaders in production. Barbera also serves on this year's Ciclope Festival Grand Jury, cementing the studio’s place among the world’s most respected creative voices.
Through a creative-first model, SixTwentySix has quickly become a cultural force, delivering acclaimed projects for Amazon, Netflix, Nike, Coca-Cola, and Megan Thee Stallion, whose BOA video earned multiple accolades at the MTV VMAs. The company’s projects have also been recognized at The Clios, the Webbys, the Telly Awards, 1.4 Awards, this year's Jay Chiat Awards and more, building a reputation for cinematic craft that travels across platforms.
“Bringing Sarah on is a strategic move that deepens our leadership and expands our bi-coastal reach,” share Austin Barbera & Jake Krask, Co-Founders, SixTwentySix. “She has a rare lens in this industry, grounded in agency experience, narrative storytelling, and sharp instincts on building talent. As we enter our next chapter, Sarah strengthens the foundation for how we grow our creative footprint.”
Donnenberg will join SixTwentySix’s executive producing team alongside Carleigh Finch, Executive Producer & Head of Business Development, and Jonny Edwards, Executive Producer, reporting to co-founders Barbera and Krask. Together, the leadership team will continue shaping SixTwentySix’s creative trajectory, guiding a roster of directors and projects across branded content, advertising, and long-form storytelling.
“What excites us most is Sarah’s ability to complement our roster with new creative energy and a different creative lens,” jointly comment Carleigh Finch & Jonny Edwards. “She’s a natural fit for our culture, our clients, and our vision.”
For Donnenberg, the move reflects both a personal and professional evolution. “I ran SLMBR PRTY for five years. Joining this A+ team fuels me with a true sense of momentum to expand what’s possible and keep building a community where filmmakers thrive,” she expresses.
