Chad Eikhoff

Chad Eikhoff is a director, writer, producer and entrepreneur who crafts imaginative stories and worlds using realtime 3D animation as well as immersive media. Committed to telling stories for the entire family, he is widely known for writing, directing and producing the hit-turned-holiday tradition, "The Elf on the Shelf: An Elf's Story" - a mainstay of family DVD collections and digital libraries, the special is also presented annually on network television. Pioneering realtime animation techniques to craft heartwarming stories and experiences, Eikhoff created the pilot episode of the larger series of "The Jolliest Elf" in 2020 and is developing the full series for the 2021 holiday viewing season. The Jolliest Elf is a 3D animated competition talent show (episodic) set at the North Pole, featuring zany and awe-inspiring contestants and fun talent judges. Prior to "The Jolliest Elf," Eikhoff directed a first-of-its-kind VR experience using Epic Games' Unreal Engine. The project, titled "Zayden's Wish," was the first-ever virtual reality granted wish for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. This unforgettable immersive journey, which takes the seven-year-old astronaut on a space expedition to Saturn, was recognized as 'Most Innovative' by the Foundation. In addition to developing and producing independent projects, Chad Eikhoff is the founder and chief creative officer of immersive media studio TRICK 3D Studio. The studio, based in Atlanta, specializes in 3D animation and virtual reality. Eikhoff sits on the City of Atlanta's Mayor's Office of Film and Entertainment Creative Industries Board; he is also an active member of the Visual Effects Society (VES).