Kaan Atilla is renowned for his ability to create new visual worlds and conceptual approaches in the service of storytelling and the audience experience.
After being named Icograda’s “International Young Designer of the Year,” Kaan joined Motion Theory in its earliest stages as an integrated production boutique. He rose quickly to become the company’s first Art Director, then went on to serve as the creative leader on many of Motion Theory’s best-known projects, including the IBM “Smarter Planet” campaign, the Grammy Award-winning Weezer “Pork and Beans” music video, the Emmy Award-winning NFL Network “Run” spot that premiered during the 2009 Super Bowl, the launch of the HP “Hands” campaign, and numerous spots for IBM, Nike, Lexus, Target, ExxonMobil, and many others.
Kaan’s wide-ranging body of work shares the common DNA of visual intelligence, innovation, elegant movement, and clear meanings expressed beautifully -- with much of his work becoming instrumental in defining the Motion Theory aesthetic.
He has long been an instrumental leader and contributor on Motion Theory pitches, concept development, and live-action productions. His key directing credits range from live-action to full animation, including automotive efforts for Acura via RPA, Toyota via Saatchi & Saatchi LA, Citroen for EURO RSCG Milano, as well as a major European campaign for Aviva through BBDO Paris, and an animated campaign for Hershey’s.
As the senior Creative Director of Mirada, Kaan lead multiple creative teams on the company’s highest-profile projects, which ranged from commercials and music videos to interactive projects, installations, music videos, and films. Among his notable achievements is the IBM Centennial installation, a nearly year-long creative effort that combined the around-the-world filming of a 10-minute short film and a high-tech interactive installation at the Lincoln Center into an award-winning cornerstone of IBM’s centennial celebration.
In addition to his leadership on Emmy Award and Grammy Award-winning projects, Kaan has also been recognized by international industry organizations such as the Art Director’s Club, AICP, D&AD and AIGA, and by the advertising and design media, including Communication Arts, Creativity and IdN.
Kaan studied design at Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California, where he often returns to teach graduate coursework to young filmmakers and designers.
info@kaanatilla.com
310.733.8550