Rakish names Zack Williams head of creative development

Rakish, the boutique production company founded by Golden Globe-nominated feature film director Marc Forster and Preston Garrett, announces the appointment of Zack Williams as Head of Creative Development. 

This pivotal hire marks the groundbreaking of Rakish's new long-form development division, a bold step towards forging relationships with brands to create and produce long-form entertainment offerings.

Zack Williams brings a wealth of experience from his diverse background in creative development and advertising to Rakish. Over the past decade, Williams has produced work for and collaborated with renowned brands, agencies, and production companies, including MullenLowe, 180LA, and Cashmere. His freelance stints with high-profile clients like Apple, LIV Golf, Durable Goods, and David&Goliath highlight his adaptability and expertise in fluidly oscillating between the agency and client sides in constantly pushing the boundaries of creative production. Notably, Williams led a successful KIA campaign with David&Goliath and managed key projects at Faraday Future, demonstrating his capability in handling productions from pre through post. 

His early career at six-time Academy Award nominated The Kennedy/Marshall Company, provided invaluable exposure to the highest levels of filmmaking and television production in the entertainment industry. Transitioning from feature films and television to advertising, Williams’s unique career trajectory and diverse experience align seamlessly with Rakish’s vision, making him a valuable addition to the team. His unique ability to think like a producer with a creative lens will be instrumental in developing longer-form entertainment content backed by branded funds.

"I've never quite fit the mold of any traditional role that I've filled and therefore couldn't be more excited to join the Rakish team in this capacity," states Williams. "We are truly building a new division of Rakish and, in turn, a whole new approach to branded filmmaking. With such a strong, clear vision from Marc and Preston, I know the opportunities are endless. I can't think of a better team and group of creative individuals to build this with."

"Zack's background in both creative development and advertising is lightning in a bottle," shares Rakish co-founder and managing director Preston Garrett. "Per our long-term vision at Rakish, Zack's bilingualism is indispensable: fluency in both pure filmmaking and brands. I know we at Rakish are not alone in the endeavour to build a bridge between advertising and long-form entertainment; though our vision and purpose for pursuing this dragon is very specific to us. Zack is aligned with this vision, and I also happen to love him as a human being. That's the Rakish way, chemistry and mutual adoration within the four walls of the company is the whole point of doing this. If it don't feel right, then it ain't."

Rakish's new long-form division seeks to collaborate with brands to develop and package long-form entertainment properties that prioritise storytelling over overt advertising. Inspired by the filmmaking heroes of independent cinema, such as the early era of United Artists, John Cassavetes, and American Zoetrope, Rakish aims to empower brands to act as independent studios, financiers, and producers.