PRETTYBIRD has signed filmmaker Jason Zada, who’s known for his immersive storytelling skills reflected in work for such agencies as Wieden+Kennedy, CP+B, Leo Burnett, Saatchi & Saatchi, RPA, Y&R and Grey.
Zada made his first industry mark upon opening his own agency Evolution Bureau (EVB) in 2000 which in the digital storytelling arena created memorable work such as “Elf yourself” for Office Max, an interactive viral website of dancing elves that attracted 194 million people in six weeks.
When Omnicom acquired EVB, Zada moved behind the camera to direct full time, joining Tool of North America to work for clients including Sony, Adidas, Goodyear, Old Spice, Sunny Delight, Sega and Showtime. “I just woke up and realized that I was most happy when I was on set,” Zada explained. “I had already started directing projects out of my agency so it felt like a natural transition.”
Zada quickly scored widespread success releasing the customized interactive video “Take This Lollipop,” work viewed over 150 million times to date, collecting D&AD and Emmy Awards as well as three awards at SXSW: Overall Best in Show, and first place in both the Experimental and Motion Graphics categories.
Zada is currently in post on his first full-length feature The Forest, a supernatural tale from the mind of producer/screenwriter David S. Goyer (Batman Begins, Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice). The film is also being exec produced by Lawrence Bender (Pulp Fiction, Reservoir Dogs and Inglorious Basterds).
“We are very excited to be working with a multi-faceted storyteller like Jason,” said Kerstin Emhoff, co-founder and president of PRETTYBIRD. “He is not only an award winning non-traditional creative, but now with his first feature about to be completed, he’s going to be a major force in any entertainment space.”
“I’m excited to be returning to advertising with PRETTYBIRD,” said Zada, back after a shoot in Serbia and Japan. “The film taught me so much, and I’m itching to get back into the commercial work. I’m intrigued to see what we can create together at PRETTYBIRD as our goals for the future are very much aligned. I’m looking forward to the journey ahead.“
Object & Animal Signs Director Alana O’Herlihy To Its Global Roster
Object & Animal has added multidisciplinary artist, photographer and director Alana O’Herlihy to its roster for exclusive worldwide representation spanning commercials, branded content and music videos. This marks the first production house representation for O’Herlihy. Her portfolio encompasses a wide range of visual artistry, from directing films and music videos to creating photographic stills. Known for a unique blend of analog and digital mediums, O’Herlihy’s work includes leading brands and top-tier magazines, where her vision consistently sparks conversation and brings heightened visibility to her subjects. Her glamorous, campy style pushes the boundaries of conventional artistry. Among her notable directorial credits is the Miley Cyrus music video “Prisoner” featuring Dua Lipa. “Alana’s ability to seamlessly merge old mediums with cutting-edge processes is a testament to her boundless creativity,” said Emi Stewart, executive producer at Object & Animal. “Her work challenges conventions while celebrating the visual grandeur of both past and present.” Object & Animal maintains offices in London, Los Angeles and New York. Read More