Academy Signs YDA Winner Jackson Forsythe

Jackson won a Gold at the Cannes YDA for his raw and textured Mahou commercial in 2023. The black & white film creates the palpable sense of a London boozer, unapologetically showing the crags and wrinkles of the punters as the frame cuts between buzzing kitchen and pint pouring bar. The film’s flow and mood is akin to some of advertisings grand masters. 

Of his new representation, Jackson said, “I couldn't be more excited to start the year off by joining Academy. Their legacy speaks for itself. So much incredible work has been made here and I'm honoured to join such a talented roster.’

Academy co-owner Simon Cooper added: ‘Jackson has the kind of undiluted talent and creative energy that reminded me of working with some of the greats of Academy’s history in their early days. I won’t embarrass him by naming them, but we are immensely excited about being part of Jackson’s directorial journey and helping him realise his enormous potential. And he’s a lovely bloke to boot.”

Still from YDA Gold winning Mahou ‘Plimsoll’ 

Jackson has a distinct, visceral directing style. He was born in Las Vegas to Canadian and Chinese parents, raised in Vancouver, and now resides in London via spells in Paris and Seoul.  

Trained as a classical pianist, he has always been fascinated by the connection between music and film; something born out of his father’s love for Ennio Morricone's spaghetti western scores. 

During his early years in the industry he worked in the camera and lighting department with a desire to become a cinematographer. It was during this time he was able to work on set with directors such as Edgar Wright and Steve McQueen, shaping his understanding of the craft, and making it clear that he really belonged in the directors chair! 

His other credits include a campaign for Salomon, a noir-ish film for Louis Vuitton, the Parabola Spring/Summer campaign for 2023 and music videos for Ama Lou and Sacha Rudy.