Carrie Brownstein--co-star and co-creator, alongside comedian Fred Armisen, of the sketch comedy series Portlandia--has joined the roster of filmmakers at PRETTYBIRD for commercials and branded content. Brownstein’s work on Portlandia, which logged eight seasons, becoming IFC’s longest running program, earned her eight Emmy nominations--four for Writing for a Variety Series, three for Outstanding Variety Sketch Series, and an Outstanding Directing for a Variety Series nod. The latter came for the season eight episode “Riot Spray.”

Beyond Portlandia, Brownstein has directed episodes for series such as the NBC Comedy A.P. Bio, the Golden Globe-nominated Casual for Hulu, TBS’ Search Party, and the upcoming Mrs. Fletcher for HBO.

Brownstein is also no stranger to the advertising arena. She made her first foray into branded content with her directorial debut The Realest Reel, a short film promoting fashion label Kenzo’s 2016 fall-winter line. Starring Natasha Lyonne and Oscar winner Mahershala Ali, the short showed Brownstein’s ability to blend ambitious visuals with strong comedic performances and satirical, social commentary. The Realest Reel was one of 10 finalists--selected from 600 entries--for the 2017 Tribeca X Award which honors excellence in creative, original and authentic storytelling that is sponsored or underwritten by a brand.

Brownstein brings broad-based experience to PRETTYBIRD, having served in roles ranging from director to screenwriter, actress, author and musician.

Brownstein began her career in music. She is a guitar player and founding member of the critically acclaimed and incendiary punk rock band, Sleater-Kinney. Rolling Stone named their song “Dig Me Out,” off the band’s third studio album of the same name, as “One of the 50 Greatest Guitar Songs of All Time.” Sleater-Kinney are currently working on their 10th studio album, which will be produced by Annie Clark (St. Vincent)." 

In 2015, Brownstein’s memoir “Hunger Makes Me a Modern Girl” was published by Riverhead Books. It made the New York Times Best-Seller’s list and was named a New York Times Notable Book of 2015. She is currently working on a follow-up book of essays.

Mike Rosen, PRETTYBIRD’s director of development, said of Brownstein, “Her talent in front of and behind the camera as an actor, writer, director and musician is truly one-of-a-kind and her unique ability to blend satirical comedy and cinematic visuals goes hand-in-hand with PRETTYBIRD’s passion for elevated, out-of-the-box storytelling.”

Brownstein shared, “I am incredibly excited to begin this new chapter of my career, as a director, telling brands’ stories in new and compelling ways.”