Praytell, a modern communications agency, is launching a full-service film production studio, Praytell Films. The studio will make documentary and commercial films about real issues and people with a lens of honesty and optimism, amplified by the agency’s creative communications services across media, influencers, social, events, paid and content distribution to ensure our stories find meaningful audiences.
“PR agencies shouldn’t only amplify content from other shops,” said Andy Pray, Praytell founder. “There are times when we should be producing it, integrating the work into holistic communications campaigns that deliver across the earned, owned and paid spectrum. Our industry has earned a seat at the creative table, let’s take it. And, we get it – there are thousands of amazing creative video and production studios out there. But there aren’t many with the media relations, social, paid and event chops of Praytell. That’s what makes Praytell Films compelling. When you roll it all into one, it becomes a powerful offering designed for the needs and realities of brands that matter.”
Longtime Praytell creative lead Jon Chew will head the offering. He’ll soon be joined by John Urquhart as Praytell Films Creative Director. Urquhart joins Praytell after serving as CD at BuzzFeed and The Daily Beast where he led video integrations, interactive experiences and written content series projects. He also helped develop BuzzFeed’s sponsored content model, as one of its first advertising team employees.
NEW WORK: ZAPPOS TRUE CUSTOMER STORIES: “This week we’re launching new video work for Zappos—well known for setting the bar for customer service by wowing customers and exceeding expectations. After 18 years, they’ve documented hundreds of truly incredible acts of customer service only Zappos would do, which are the focus of a new series of video spots created by Praytell. The campaign will release digitally across multiple media platforms including Hulu and shared on Zappos’ social channels for fans to follow along.” All produced for under $250K, check out three of the fun, unique spots here:
AFTER MARIA: PRAYTELL’S PUERTO RICO PROJECT: “In the wake of Hurricane Maria, many were looking to contribute. Our response was to fly down to the island and do what we do best—tell stories that matter. The result is ‘After Maria: A Puerto Rico Story,’ capturing the raw reality of the situation, vulnerable people and incredible volunteers working to bring long-term sustainable energy to in its aftermath. You’re the first to see it outside our walls, and we’ll be updating the page with more vignettes throughout the week. The stories are important to hear and underpin our commitment and investment in serving underserved populations.”
BACKGROUND CONTEXT/CAPES: In the past two years, Praytell produced two documentaries for MAC Cosmetics called It’s Not Over and More Than T to engage and resurface important conversations around HIV/AIDS and the marginalized communities impacted. Praytell secured distribution for the film with Netflix, Showtime and Refinery 29 and created massive brand lIft through earned, owned and paid media amplification.
