Rising Star Luke Monaghan Joins RSA & Black Dog Films

Ridley Scott Creative Group is pleased to announce award-winning director Luke Monaghan has joined RSA Filmsfor commercial representation in the U.S., and Black Dog Filmsin the U.S. for music videos and non-traditional content. A cross-disciplinary filmmaker, 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.

“We have been fans of Luke for a while now and couldn’t be happier to welcome him to RSA and Black Dog,” comments 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.” 

“It seemed like the perfect timing to push myself at a big company with a big reputation,” Monaghan comments. “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.”

“It’s exciting to work with a talent like Luke, who can do so much as a director,” comments Julia Ochsenreiter, Executive Producer, Black Dog Films. “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.”

Monaghan adds, “I’m always telling a story, and more precisely, it’s always subjects or stories I think should be told. I’m a huge sports fan, mostly ‘football’ … proper football … and appreciate any opportunity to tell a sports story that actually speaks to something wider. And I always strive for a humanity in all my work, to make people feel something when they watch it.”

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.” He 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. - age 11. His 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. 

Monaghan, 29, has covered a lot of ground over the past few years, and brings a natural affinity for the brand space. “I’m good with people,” he explains, “so I can bring out the magic … the most natural moments from settings that are packed with clients and monitors and lights. I like to collaborate and go the extra mile … like with finding the right talent, I’ll spend a lot of trawling through social media or hitting up friends to find someone natural with star power.”

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.

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