SixTwentySix acquires SLMBR PRTY and appoints Sarah Donnenberg as EP
Independent creative studio SixTwentySix has announced the acquisition of boutique production company SLMBR PRTY and has appointed its founder, Sarah Donnenberg, as Executive Producer.
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Independent creative studio SixTwentySix has announced the acquisition of SLMBR PRTY and the appointment of its founder, Sarah Donnenberg [above centre], as Executive Producer.
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 move expands SixTwentySix’s presence to New York and strengthens the company’s leadership as it continues its growth in commercial, branded and narrative storytelling.
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,” said Donnenberg. “Jake [Krask, above right] and Austin [Barbera, above left, SixTwentySix’s Co-Founders] 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 [and] 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 background and narrative sensibility to the studio’s DNA. 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.
Above: The SixTwentySix executive team photographed at the company’s Los Angeles studio headquarters, [clockwise from top] Jake Krask, Austin Barbera, Sarah Donnenberg, Carleigh Finch and Jonny Edwards.
The move caps a banner year for SixTwentySix. Co-Founders Barbera and Krask were recently named to the 2025 Forbes 30 Under 30 list in Advertising & Marketing, and Barbera also serves on this year's Ciclope Festival Grand Jury, cementing the studio’s place among the industry's most respected creative voices.
“Bringing Sarah on is a strategic move that deepens our leadership and expands our bi-coastal reach,” said Barbera and Krask. “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 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,” commented Finch and 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.”
