David Reviews

 "You're not an artist, Peggy. You solve problems." Don Draper.

ELLIOTT GONZO, JADE ANG JACKMAN, AND KELVIN JONES JOIN PRETTYBIRD.
9 May 2023

Prettybird are three to the good as they sign directors Elliot Gonzo, Jade Ang Jackman, and Kelvin Jones to their roster. The trio are joined by Mia Powell, who returns as Head of Business and Strategy—all music to EP Juliette Larthe's ears.

"2023 is already an exciting year for PRETTYBIRD," she says, still buoyed by the arrival of Karen Cunningham in March. But what does she think about Jones, Gonzo and Jackman? "Developing these three young exciting new storytellers who are already established image makers creates an empowered position, which we consciously focus on and continues the game-changing inclusion on which we pride ourselves."


I'm really excited to be joining one of the most innovative and boundary pushing companies out there.

 ”

All three directors have plenty to say about their arrival, so let's start with music video ace Gonzo: "Even from a young age, I've always been obsessed with the idea of making my imagination or dreams come to life. I'm super stoked to be joining the amazing team at PRETTYBIRD, whose visionary directors have been a major source of inspiration for me over the years.

Gonzo, whose credits include 'Bull' for Enter Shikari, adds: "PRETTYBIRD's dedication to pushing creative boundaries gives me confidence that under their wing (no pun intended - ha) I will be able to carve my own path within the commercial world. As I explore tech, fashion, and motor commercials, I hope to preserve my unique style and strengths in storytelling."


Next is Jade Ang Jackman, who's keen to pick up where she left off with an old friend: "Having worked with the extraordinary Mia Powell across a variety of films and productions, I'm really excited to be joining one of the most innovative and boundary pushing companies out there."


Never knew I would be doing certain things because of where I come from. This usually doesn't happen, so I'm very grateful.

 ”

"Driven by my love for movement and action, I'm excited to deploy a range of cinematic techniques and push my visual world's further in collaboration with the brilliant PRETTYBIRD team." For a taste of Jackman's kinetic style, check out this confident piece of work for tofu brand Tofoo, which stars ballet dancer Solomon Golding.


Last but not least is Aitch-rated filmmaker Kelvin Jones, who says: "I'm excited to join PRETTYBIRD, as they create a lot of amazing work and I'm glad to be a part of the roster. Never knew I would be doing certain things because of where I come from. This usually doesn't happen, so I'm very grateful. We will no doubt be producing some groundbreaking, fun work whilst creating a symbiotic relationship."


For more information about Elliott Gonzo, Jade Ang Jackman, and Kelvin Jones, call Mia Powell on 020 3701 7600 or email mia@prettybird.co.

Stories

HOLLY HUNTER WINS HOMESPUN YARNS

The 2023 edition of Homespun Yarns was won by Holly Hunter for her film 'Banana Boat'.


PRESENCE SWOOP FOR HENRY CROSTON.

Director Henry Croston says he's "thrilled" to be part of the Young Presence roster.


SHIFT POST WELCOME PAUL O'REILLY.

Shift Post have completed the signing of editor Paul O'Reilly, who reckons "something very exciting is happening" at his new home.


LAURA HANCOCK'S NEW HOBBY

Danish-American director Laura Hancock has joined HOBBY for US representation.


NATALJA SAFRONOVA JOINS LOOP TALENT

Director of photography Natalja Safronova calls herself a “part-time nomad” who gets a kick out of travel.


ADJANI SALMON SCREENING THIS THURSDAY

This Thursday, Snapper Films are hosting a special screening of work from their director Adjani Salmon.


SCOTT LYON JOINS ROGUE

Rogue are understandably delighted after adding Scott Lyon to their increasingly impressive roster of talent.


OB42 ENLIST JAMES F COTON.

James F Coton is always happy to talk anime, manga, and hip-hop. Just make sure he's not in the middle of a shot!


IT'S MINDCASTLE FOR STARLING.

Director duo Mindcastle (Danielle Krieger and Casey Warren) have joined STARLING's UK roster.


IT'S A WES WALKER WORLD AFTER ALL FOR ICONOCLAST.

Whip-smart director Wes Walker has joined Iconoclast for representation in the UK and the Netherlands.


JOHN LEWIS PREDICT FESTIVE GROWTH.

John Lewis tap into the 'grow your own' trend with a ten-second teaser for the main event—Saatchi & Saatchi's first Christmas ad for the retailer.


SMUGGLER UK SIGNS JUDITH VEENENDAAL

Judith Veenendaal has joined the roster at Smuggler in London for representation in the UK.


MORTEN TYLDUM JOINS RIFF RAFF

It's not often that a film production company adds an Oscar-nominated director to their roster, but that's what Riff Raff have just done.


IT'S PIP + LIB FOR CAVIAR.

Liberty Papworth and Pip Jay King (or pip + lib) have joined Caviar’s UK roster for commercials and music videos.


SAINSBURY'S UNLEASH THEIR CHRISTMAS OFFER

Sainsbury's have released their Christmas ad, and it's a charming film featuring some lovely performances.


ODELAY FILMS ARRIVE IN THE USA.

The flight was long and baggage claim was a nightmare, but Odelay Films have made it to the US.


CURATE WELCOME BONABART.

American directors Bonnie Dennison and Alison Barton (aka BONAPART) have joined Curate Films for representation in the UK and the Netherlands.


MICHAEL BUBLÉ TEASES ASDA

Within one minute of the start of November, ASDA had released a lengthy teaser ad for this year's Christmas commercial.


IMOGEN HARRISON JOINS STICKER STUDIOS.

Director Imogen Harrison has signed with Sticker Studios for commercial representation.


DOCTOR EGGMAN'S NEW LOOK.

One of the most famous moustaches in gaming belongs to Doctor Ivo 'Eggman' Robotnik... until now.


TV KLAXON: BREEDERS.

After four series' worth of arguments, sleepless nights, and parental misguidance, Breeders is on the home straight.


THE IMMIGRANT SONG.

IMMIGRANT, the global production company founded by Phie Hansen and Rodrigo Saavedra in 2022, are bound for London at long last.


FILM KLAXON: THIS IS NOT A BOOT—THE STORY OF AN ICON

Hot on the, erm, heels of 'Air', the film based on Air Jordan basketball shoes, is 'This Is Not a Boot: The Story of an Icon,' a history of Timberland.


GARY BROZENICH JOINS FRAMESTORE.

Framestore have brought Gary Brozenich on board as their new VFX Supervisor in London.


PHIL HIGNETT JOINS FINAL CUT

Final Cut describe themselves as "delighted" by the news that editor Phil Hignett has joined their roster.


Stories

Address: Woodbourne House, Seven Sisters, Lenzie, G66 3AW. Telephone: +44 141 776 7766. Editor: Jason Stone.