Creative studio and production company SixTwentySix has signed Iranian-American director Arrad for exclusive representation spanning commercials and music videos.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Arrad has been professionally directing and producing videos since the age of 17 for stars including Tyga, Nicki Minaj, Anitta, Missy Elliott, The Kid LAROI, Jhene Aiko, Latto, Marshmello, Lil Wayne, and J Balvin. Arrad is a two-time back-to-back VMA nominee for “Best Hip-Hop” video for Polo G’s “Rapstar” and Latto’s “Big Energy,” as well as garnering a win for GRM Daily’s Video of the Year for Aitch x AJ Tracey’s “Rain.”
Captivating and bold in the way he shapes a project’s narrative or storyline, Arrad–who had most recently been with Riveting Entertainment–has amassed a standout body of work that encapsulates and exhibits an extremely photographic, editorial style. Arrad prioritizes making sure the talent he works with feels good about themselves and the way they look. Ensuring every bit of detail is fastidiously arranged towards how their appearance on camera is enriched helps yield the vibrant, alluring brand of work he produces.
“Off the bat, SixTwentySix felt right because their goals are very aligned with my own, and we all have our fingers on the pulse of today’s zeitgeist,” said Arrad. “They remind me of myself–determined, relentless, and yearning to be the best in our field.”
Jake Krask, SixTwentySix partner and managing director, said, “Arrad brings high concept, highly technical creativity that allows a breath of fresh air to every project.”
“You cannot miss his polished cinematic style and extravagant production design,” added Austin Barbera, SixTwentySix partner and executive producer. “As we continue to grow as a creative studio, Arrad felt like an essential and natural addition to the roster.”
One of Arrad’s personal projects currently in postproduction is a powerful visual about the ongoing women’s freedom rights and humanitarian crisis in Iran. The short film, featuring an original piece of spoken word written by Arrad himself, is in response to the protests currently occurring sparked by the tragic and unspeakable death of 22-year old Iranian woman, Mahsa Amini, after the country’s morality police arrested her for not wearing the hijab properly. Arrad’s piece will feature a full female cast and notable Iranian talents, shining a more intense light on the present injustice happening to Iranian women every day of their lives and the indescribable brutality they are presently facing from government authorities. In 2023, Arrad will also have a major project debuting for a leading OTT network platform.
