• by Richard Whitman , Columnist, August 9, 2015

LA-based creative think tank and content agency PRETTYBIRD is welcoming back Jason Zada to the world of advertising. Zada, who left the agency world to make films, is best recognized for his storytelling work on campaigns for agencies including Wieden + Kennedy, Crispin Porter Bogusky, Leo Burnett, Saatchi & Saatchi, RPA, Y&R, DraftFCB and Grey. 

Zada has been immersed in advertising since he opened his own agency Evolution Bureau (EVB) in 2000, where he dove into digital storytelling and created noteworthy work such as Office Max's “Elf yourself," that cool site with dancing elves that attracted 194 million people in 6 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. Of this move, Zada said: “I just woke up and realized that I was most happy when I was on set. I had already started directing projects out of my agency so it felt like a natural transition.” 

Zada gained notoriety for his creation of a customized interactive video called “Take This Lollipop," which has been viewed over 150 million times to date and, in addition, snagged D&AD and Emmy Awards as well as three awards at SXSW: Overall Best in Show, first place in category Experimental and first place in category Motion Graphics.

Zada is currently in post on his first full-length feature "The Forest," a supernatural tale from "Batman Begins" producer/screenwriter David S. Goyer. 
 
Of Zada joining the agency, PRETTYBIRD Co-Founder and President Kerstin Emhof said: “We are very excited to be working with a multifaceted storyteller like Jason. 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.”

Zada added: “I’m excited to be returning to advertising with PRETTYBIRD. The film world 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. "