The move builds on the studio's growing international reputation and aims to signal its ambition to bring its brand of storytelling — rooted in creative freedom and production expertise — directly to brands and agencies across North America, says the company.

"We believe in the power of stories that reflect the full diversity of the world," says Carlão Busato, Co-Founding Partner and CCO at Surreal Hotel Arts. "Brazil has always embraced diversity and has never been afraid of boldness — in colour, in sound, in feeling —  and this is reflected in our creative mindset."

"Storytelling is part of our DNA, and that's why New York — a city at the center of ambitious, culturally resonant storytelling — is the perfect place for us to bring our uniquely Brazilian flavour to North America. It is a natural second home for us, and we hope to add a distinct voice to the conversations already happening here," adds Busato.

Founded in 2021 in São Paulo, Surreal Hotel Arts specialises in commercials, branded content and entertainment. The studio is led by Busato — a Brazilian Director — alongside Operations Director, Cris Chacon and Executive Director, Milena Trindade, says the company.

In the last five years, Surreal Hotel Arts has built a client portfolio spanning global brands, including BYD, Coca-Cola, Diageo, GM, GSK, Heinz, Kimberly-Clark, Mars, McDonald's, Nestlé, Nissin Foods, PepsiCo, Samsung, Unilever and Visa, adds the company.

The studio has also assembled a roster of award-winning directors, including Blake Farber, Brendo, Brenno Castro, Michael Zvegintsev, Lua Voigt and Oriol Barberà. Among its works is the 'Caramelo' campaign for dog food brand Pedigree, which earned Gold in the Creative Strategy category at Cannes Lions 2025. In addition, Busato and Luigi Parisi directed the official music video for The Lemonheads' 2025 single, Deep End, says the company.

As well as partnering with American investors, in 2022 the studio appointed Farber as Associate Director for the U.S. market. With experience spanning more than 30 countries and a career encompassing projects for brands including Guinness, Nike, Pepsi, Ray-Ban and Toyota, Farber has aimed to help lay the groundwork for the studio's growth, adds the company.

Line Producer, Felipe Rangel, will also divide his time between the São Paulo and New York offices, aiming to ensure creative continuity across both markets, says the company.

Alongside its advertising work, Surreal Hotel Arts is expanding into broader storytelling formats, developing original short-form and long-form content for both Brazilian and global audiences. The studio currently has nine short films and four feature films set for release this year. To support this growth, Surreal Hotel Arts has partnered with Brazilian production studio, AIR+ATOMO, to deliver Artificial Intelligence and VFX capabilities, adds the company.

"This is an incredibly exciting moment for us," says Milena Trindade at Surreal Hotel Arts. "We have built a strong foundation, a loyal national and international client base, an exceptional team of directors and the ability to shoot anywhere."

"Brazil continues to offer extraordinary creative possibilities: a breathtaking range of locations, world-class talent, favourable shooting conditions and outstanding production value. Wherever we work in the world, we bring the same commitment to fusing creativity and innovation, and our success at Cannes Lions is proof of what that approach can achieve," adds Trindade.

Surreal Hotel Arts aims to remain committed to its environmental, social and governance principles. The studio is a signatory to the United Nations Global Compact and aligns with the United Nation's 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, aiming to ensure that its growth is guided by a responsibility to people, communities and the planet, concludes the company.

For more information, visit www.surrealhotelarts.com. You can also follow Surreal Hotel Arts on Facebook, or on Instagram.

*Image courtesy of contributor