UNIT9 Signs Comedic Director Hal Kirkland

UNIT9 is proud to announce the signing of writer and director Hal Kirkland for global commercial representation.

Forty-something years ago, Hal couldn’t walk…let alone feed himself. Since those challenging days, Hal has walked the Earth making friends, solving mysteries, writing and directing films on almost every continent, and never losing a game of Connect Four. 

He brings this wealth of daring to every story and film he creates. Weaving magic for brands like Uber, Amazon, Instacart, Vice, and Coca-Cola; iconic Artists such as Snoop Dogg, Led Zeppelin, and One Republic; and his greatest muses, his kids, Lando and Lilou.

Kirkland’s flourishing comedic work spans content and experience, encapsulated by his work for Amazon Prime Video’s fully integrated Good Omens campaign, where Kirkland transformed the series’ characters into a world-touring, unholy acapella experience. He wrote the characters’ stories, songs, and social feeds, co-producing an entire album and directing their music video and web-series mockumentary. The campaign went on to win seven Clios and garner 1.2 billion views.

Hal is known for his innate comedic timing (honed through UCB New York and LA) and his ability to inspire pitch-perfect performances. Hal’s love of universe-building and story attracted UNIT9 to his work. UNIT9’s executive oroducer, Emily Malito, says: “Hal is undoubtedly a grade-A film director. But his wide-ranging talents and love of experimentation make him the perfect embodiment of all that UNIT9 stands for: interactive storytelling, films, and experiences. He’s a true multidisciplinary director signing to a true multidisciplinary production company. He’s one of us. And that’s what makes this latest signing so incredibly symbiotic and exciting.”

Hal Kirkland added: “I was drawn to UNIT9 because they’ve always led by example rather than simply following industry trends. A core attribute that is only made possible by the inherently innovative and story-driven people who steer the ship. You only have to sit in a room with Michelle Craig (UNIT9’s Founder) for five minutes before you’re both plotting how to make the world a far more positive, exciting, and entertaining place.”

Before taking the filmmaking world by storm, Kirkland assumed the role of Creative Director at 180 Amsterdam and BBH NY. From Cannes Lions to Clios and D&AD pencils, his work has won nearly every advertising industry award possible.