AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS — HALAL proudly welcomes the acclaimed Brazilian director Vellas to its roster. With an impressive portfolio featuring high-impact projects for international brands such as Coca-Cola, Renault, and Ubisoft, Vellas brings a wealth of creative expertise to the Amsterdam-based production house. Over the past decade, Vellas has crafted a portfolio that includes more than 150 commercials, earning accolades at festivals like Cannes Lions, D&AD, Clio, and Ciclope. He is worldwide represented by eight prestigious production houses.
Vellas is not only known for his work with influential brands but also for his dedication to addressing vital social issues. He passionately champions causes such as female empowerment, LGBTQIA+ rights, and basic human needs.
Gijs Determeijer, HALAL’s Executive Producer and Partner, first encountered Vellas during his role on the Film Craft Jury at this year’s Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, where they had the privilege of awarding Vellas for his outstanding work on the Pride film Shout for Movistar. This remarkable production, shot on a shoestring budget with just ten rolls of 16mm film in only two days, left an indelible mark with its compelling narrative about a pro boxer coming out as gay in a macho culture, earning accolades such as a Gold, two Silver, and two Bronze Craft Lions.
Vellas began his journey in the creative industry as an art director at renowned agencies such as DDB and Ogilvy. A defining moment in his career as a director came with the release of the acclaimed film Soul, a groundbreaking project shot in black and white from a first-person perspective to celebrate the Leica M-Monochrom’s launch. The spot received an impressive 17 awards, including five Lions. In that same year, Vellas was honored to be featured in Saatchi & Saatchi’s New Directors’ Showcase.
Vellas stands out for his talent in creating mind-blowing worlds as if straight out of a Hollywood blockbuster. He’s got this crazy knack for turning video game fantasies into live-action realness, and he’s already nailed it with games like Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint for Ubisoft and The Callisto Protocol for Striking Distance Studios. HALAL plans to create exceptional commercials with Vellas and produce more work in the gaming industry.
Discover a selection of work directed by Vellas: https://halal.amsterdam/people/vellas/.
