Director Luke Monaghan Joins RSA For Spots, Black Dog For Music Videos
Luke Monaghan
  • LOS ANGELES
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Director Luke Monaghan has joined the rosters of two Ridley Scott Creative Group companies--RSA Films for commercial representation in the U.S., and Black Dog Films for music videos and non-traditional content, also in the U.S. Monaghan’s storytelling and cinematic style shine in videos for Sam Smith’s Academy Award-winning song “Writing’s On The Wall” from Spectre, Brit Award and UKMVA-nominated “Not The Only One” and poetic farewell anthem “Too Good At Goodbyes,” which have garnered over 2 billion views.  

Monaghan won an Emmy for Outstanding Short Sports Documentary for his profile on Mexican boxer Ray Beltran in HBO’s State of Play series. And he’s helmed high-profile commercials for brands including Beats by Dre, Nike, adidas, Crown Royal, Levi’s, Wilson and Fox Sports

Monaghan grew up in West London’s culturally diverse World’s End Estate, far away from the movie-making culture of Hollywood but never lacking in its inspiration. He got his start at MTV London, then hit his stride in 2012 when he directed a documentary for Channel 4 on A$AP Rocky around the artist’s first album “Long. Live. A$AP.” Monaghan went on to direct promos for A$AP Rocky’s “Purple Kisses” and “Angels.” The collaborations showcase the artist’s charisma, talent and topical appeal, and Monaghan’s innate ability bringing them to life. Monaghan also directed the video for Disclosure’s dance-pop hit, “White Noise.” The video dropped in 2013 (and now has over 49 million views), was unanimously praised by media tastemakers and prompted the band’s management to introduce Monaghan to Sam Smith.

These high-profile music videos gave Monaghan the confidence he needed to push into short film, features and commercials. He moved to L.A. in 2013. He directed the short films Baby Gangster (2014), about reformed L.A. drug kingpin Frederick James Staves which he’s developing into a feature-length documentary, and Ezekiel (2015), about the youngest ordained minister in the U.S.--at age 11. Monaghan’s talent for storytelling has also caught the attention of the advertising industry, including top agencies such as Anomaly NY, Wieden + Kennedy NY and Phenomenon LA.

While Monaghan will focus on new opportunities from RSA and Black Dog, he continues to collaborate with Sam Smith. The two are currently working on a documentary music series Smith is executive producing.

“We have been fans of Luke for a while now and couldn’t be happier to welcome him to RSA and Black Dog,” commented David Mitchell, managing director, RSA Films. “His music videos stand apart and he works at the same level in documentary and commercials, both long- and short-form content. We look forward to bringing him great new opportunities across the Ridley Scott Creative Group.”

Monaghan said, “It seemed like the perfect timing to push myself at a big company with a big reputation. Lots of talented filmmakers and producers and a company looking to the future. They’re looking at younger directors and seeing the potential that’s there and how many filmmakers coming from music videos are making incredible things happen on small budgets, but with a healthy dose of enthusiasm and a desire and skill for telling stories.”

Julia Ochsenreiter, executive producer, Black Dog Films, said of Monaghan, “He is an inspiring collaborator who is in sync with emerging and established artists, constantly innovating to bring their songs to life in a way that resonates with fans and the cultural zeitgeist. And we are huge fans of his versatility as a storyteller bringing cinematic style to everything he directs.”

Prior to joining RSA Films in the U.S., Monaghan was repped for commercials by Arts & Sciences.

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