UNIT9 has added writer and director Hal Kirkland for global commercial representation.
His credits span such brands as Uber, Amazon, Instacard, Vice and Coca-Cola, as well as artists including Snoop Dogg, Led Zeppelin and One Republic.
Kirkland’s comedic work encompasses content and experience, encapsulated by his efforts on Amazon Prime Video’s fully integrated Good Omens campaign where he 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.
Kirkland, last repped by Tool prior to joining UNIT9, is known for his innate comedic timing (honed through UCB New York and LA) and his ability to inspire pitch-perfect performances. His love of universe-building and story attracted UNIT9 to his work. UNIT9’s executive producer Emily Malito said, “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.”
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 entering the directorial space, Kirkland served as creative director at 180 Amsterdam and BBH NY. His work has won assorted honors–from Cannes Lions to Clios to D&AD Pencils.
