The word Alto means “to stand tall” in Italian.

We believe that conceptual creativity is the ultimate way for brands to stand tall, break through the noise and find human connection.

Photo: Cheryl Dunn

If done right, ads can thrill, delight, entertain, build brands, positively impact culture and, at their best, even help save lives.

In an industry that’s growing increasingly prescriptive, our job isn’t just to communicate. It’s to make people feel and to solve our clients' problems conceptually and effectively. Today, that’s more valuable than ever.

That’s why in 2016, our CCO Hannes Ciatti co-founded JohnXHannes and pioneered a new structure that embraces the Hollywood production model to solve the needs of a modern-day brand. Alto, founded by Ciatti in 2019, carries on that tradition, allowing us to bring in the best talent from around the globe for each client while staying fluid and consistently impactful.

We stand behind every piece of work we produce. We hide nothing; we relegate nothing to simply “paying the bills.” Everything needs to be excellent.

Our senior leadership team is intimately involved in every project. That's why we don't pitch for free, and why we're selective about the projects we take on. We spend our time and energy working with our clients.

Image: Guillaume Courtois, David and Goliath

People do not differentiate between TV, social, experiential or product. And neither do we.

Life-saving digital tools are ads. A dead CEO challenging antiquated working norms is an ad. Number one hip-hop music videos, inspiring TikToks for the 50-plus crowd and a 48-minute film are all ads. The brand is the brand, regardless of where or how you experience it. Whatever, wherever and however a brand communicates, we love doing it.

When a strategic insight is brought to life through the unexpected and evocative use of entertainment, technology and media, a powerful moment is created between a brand and a consumer.

Done well, these moments can ignite culture and build lasting relationships between good companies and people.

Photo: Emily Shur

People believe in brands that stand for something.

The best-loved brands have one thing in common: a strong strategic foundation that drives their internal culture and external creativity.

We partner with brands to create these foundations and turn them into brand platforms that stand the test of time.

It’s a modern, virtuous business cycle we developed, all while staying true to values that are good for people and the planet. Great work attracts great clients and more great talent, and that propels us forward.