PRETTYBIRD UK Ramps up Roster and Signs Directors Elliott Gonzo, Jade Ang Jackman and Kelvin Jones

Pictured from left to right; Elliott Gonzo, Jade Ang Jackman and Kelvin Jones

PRETTYBIRD have signed directors Elliott Gonzo, Jade Ang Jackman and Kelvin Jones to the UK. Adding the triumvirate of new directors is a move to sign new and emerging talent as supported by Mia Powell who rejoined the PRETTYBIRD UK team as head of business and strategy.

Juliette Larthe, producer & PRETTYBIRD UK co-founder explained: “2023 is already an exciting year for PRETTYBIRD, We welcomed award-winning director and filmmaker Karen Cunningham to our roster of creators in March, with Mia Powell returning to the nest, I’m looking forward to fulfilling our manifesto of seeking excellence in craft with these dynamic new directors signing with us in addition to Karen we now are representing Kelvin Jones, Elliott Gonzo and Jade Ang 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. Nourishing our new creators cultivates the energetic shifts that build momentum, giving energy to take action forward and for us to happily work on our process which values Creativity, Craft, Commerce with Care for our Communities.”

Kelvin Jones is a self-taught filmmaker and Brit School alumni, whose work in design and video-making has garnered over 600 million streams and views. Hailing from South London, Kelvin’s passion for the creative arts has been a driving force in his life since a young age.

Starting out as a digital designer before moving into directing, Kelvin has collaborated with some of the biggest brands and artists in the world, including AJ Tracey, Stormzy, Jack Harlow, Ella Mai, Nike, Sony Music, Warner Music, Universal, The North Face, Dr Martens, EA Sports and many more.

Kelvin recently directed the ‘Round 2’ music video for Aitch with production from PRETTYBIRD.

Kelvin has an unwavering commitment to creating work that goes beyond expectations and evokes powerful emotions in the viewer, allowing him to break into competitive creative spaces at a young age. His discerning taste and development-driven approach to filmmaking have helped him create pieces that resonate with audiences all around the globe. His work has been featured in prestigious brands and companies such as MTV, Complex, GQ, NME, The Face Magazine, and Hypebeast, among others. His contributions to the industry have been recognised by being nominated for Best Video at the Rated Awards.

At the age of 15, Kelvin began pursuing his college education at the Brit School, whilst working in the industry. He honed his skills as a creative and content director at GRM Daily, a critically acclaimed platform, before transitioning into directing videos and creative direction for British Hit Maker, Aitch in 2019-2020.

Kelvin's ability to create innovative and versatile concepts has earned him global recognition as a platinum-selling creative director and filmmaker. He has cemented his position as a leading creative and music video director, working with some of the UK's most talented and celebrated artists. With a passion for pushing creative boundaries, Kelvin is set to continue making his mark on the industry and inspiring audiences for years to come.

Kelvin Jones said: “I’m excited to join PRETTYBIRD, 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.”

Jade Ang Jackman is an award-winning director whose work can be identified by its energetic and vibrant qualities as well as her interest in sport and action. In these realms, she seeks to collaborate with people who’ve traditionally been sidelined from these spaces. She has worked with several Olympic athletes and brands spanning from; UEFA, Channel 4, Gucci, Canon, Audible and more. Most recently, her short film, ‘Speed of Sound’, about Paralympic gold medallist Carina Edlinger, co-produced by Lammas Park, won best sports film in a prize supported by Arcteryx. In her debut narrative project, she worked with Lammas Park on a project supported by Canon to create an action-drama hybrid based on a self-defence group started by Suffragettes. Currently, she is finishing a film for UEFA and Football. Co for the Europa League.

Jade Ang Jackman commented: “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. 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.”

Mia Powell, PRETTYBIRD UK head of business and strategy, said: “Having worked with Jade for a number of years, it has been incredible to watch the growth and refinement of her craft. Having an acute obsession with sports and movement has motivated some utterly striking pieces of work which transport you into visceral and beautifully elevated worlds. I am so excited to have her join the PRETTYBIRD roster along with other rising stars on the cusp of greatness, Kelvin and Elliott.

I know this new venture will propel them all into a different directing stratosphere and I can't wait to be on that journey with them, developing and nurturing these new relationships in the commercial sphere.”

Elliott Gonzo is a director making a name for himself on the music video scene, earning him a UKMVA nomination in 2022. His latest work includes promos for; Meduza, Wargasm, Enter Shikari, Gunship and Nothing But Thieves, as well as directing content work with; Sony, Polydor, Tate Modern, Red Bull, Nowness, Dazed, NICCE, Ciroc and Redbull. 

Gonzo’s work has been featured in It’s Nice That, Another Man, Booooooom, Directors Notes, 1.4, and Directors Library, and he competes at BAFTA-qualifying festivals and wins awards around the world.

Elliott Gonzo said: " 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. 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 moto commercials, I hope to preserve my unique style and strengths in storytelling."