Los York has added Mikayla Gamble to its directorial roster for commercials in the U.S. This marks her first career production house representation.
Based in L.A., director and photographer Gamble crafts stories that explore the complexities, nuances, and narratives belonging to people of color. “Mikayla has an amazing eye and a multifaceted ability as a creator to craft authentic stories. Her strong point of view comes across in every piece of work,” said Los York EP Leticia Gurjao.
Gamble’s work is anchored in a strong sense of identity, filtered seamlessly through different voices, stories, and themes. Her 2019 short Testing explores Blackness and identity, amplified through the words of poet Amiri Baraka’s “Somebody Blew Up America.” In Mosaic, filmed in 2018, Gamble illuminates the relationship between art and happiness through a series of intimate interviews through four unique perspectives.
Gamble shared, “Growing up in a military family, I’ve had to adjust, acclimate and figure out how to engage with all kinds of different people in many different environments, in a very short amount of time. This necessity has turned into an ability to adapt my work to a diverse range of audiences, without losing the integrity of who I am as an artist and filmmaker.”
Los York founder/CEO Seth Epstein said, “When I saw Mikayla’s work, I was completely stunned that she was 22 years old. Her voice is clear and strong. She’s got this innate talent and artistry it seems she was put on this earth to express. And she fits the Los York mold: she’s a cross disciplined, hybrid creative who will do whatever it takes to create beautiful, elevated work.”
Gamble’s introduction into the filmmaking world was characteristically Gen Z. Initially motivated by a desire to become a YouTuber in high school, she found herself more fascinated with the world behind the lens. She drew early inspiration from photographers and directors like Chi Modu, Philip Lorca-diCorcia, Kahlil Joseph and Jonas Lindstroem.
Gamble is the third filmmaker under 23 years old to join Los York’s directorial lineup. For her first project at Los York, Gamble is currently co-directing and editing a mini-documentary on the Compton Cowboys in collaboration with Santa Barbara magazine.
