Editor’s Note: “The Reel Black List” is our annual spotlight of brothers and sisters in the worlds of advertising, film, TV, music, radio and media who are making a difference through their contributions and creativity on a daily basis. For the next 29 days, you will be able to celebrate wonderful human beings, like, RSA Films’ commercial director, Jared Malik Royal.
Jared is a versatile visual artist renowned for his distinctive approach to human-centered storytelling, infused with surrealism.
His artistic journey commenced in the realms of music production, photography, and modeling, where his talents garnered attention in notable publications such as Cultured, Office Magazine, and British Vogue. Transitioning into directing, Jared’s portfolio extends across commercials, music videos, and live performances.
Collaborating with brands, agencies, and fellow creatives, Jared crafts narratives that blend evocative imagery with raw emotion, leaving a lasting impact on viewers.
Among Jared’s notable commercial projects are brand films for Walmart, Ford Mustang, and Timberland. Jared has also lent his directorial expertise to campaigns for Hypebeast, Mercedes-Benz, Converse, Comcast, Mass Mutual, and numerous others.
Let’s meet Jared!
What’s your origin story?
I was born in Detroit Michigan and forged by the soulful echoes of Motown and burgeoning techno scene.
I spent my early childhood in Beaverton, Oregon exploring nature and obsessing over its parallels in design. Then grew up a majority of my adolescence in Texas — melting under the sun to reshape myself into an artist.
Masquerading as an athlete and rebelling against the state’s cultural expectations of me as a Black man. Somehow the foundation of a love for music, the earth, design and physical expression have culminated into directing. Work that incorporates all of these elements of identity.
How did you get into Film?
While finishing college at McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas I worked at a design consultancy. One of our clients was filming a commercial and invited me to set. After seeing the process of shooting I fell in love with the art form and shifted my focus to learning what it would take to become a Director.
What did your parents think you would be?
It was probably very clear to my parents I would be some type of artist. They encouraged me to pursue all of my ideas – building worlds. As a kid, drawing ideas out of the future and different characters, and using technology to craft stories.
Who were your mentors?
When I initially decided to pursue commercial directing and filmmaking, I was fortunate enough to meet some very talented established directors and writers. Ryan Booth, Salomon Ligthelm and Greg Kwedar were formative in pushing me to keep going with my ideas and the feasibility of filmmaking as a real career. They are incredible men who maintain their values in their work and work ethic — I try my best to honor that tradition and give my all.
The bravest thing you’ve done?
Decided to pursue filmmaking full-time.
How do you handle failure?
Keep going.
What’s a product or service that you are dying to do a campaign for?
I’d love to work with Apple’s Beats product line, a sleek car brand like Cadillac (it’s got such a rich history within my family), and I’d love to do something in the luxury physical health space like with Equinox.
Who is a talent, actor, director or writer, you are dying to work with?
I’d love to cast Will Smith in something. Growing up he was the man. I remember I, Robot being really formative for me. I think recently he’s lost his way. It’s an amazing time for him to reinvent himself in a new mature way similar to how Adam Sandler did a 360 with Uncut Gems.
We need Will in something totally off the wall to show his humanity but also get his balls back as that guy. I think we need a completely unhinged not-trying-to appease white people’s sensibilities, Will Smith.
Jason Momoa would be fun to work with in a stripped-down indie environment versus a big Hollywood blockbuster. Imagine him as a bouncer to a huge pop star or something. There’s also been a trend lately of Black British actors playing roles of Black people from the US that I’m not a huge fan of.
There’s an esteem that’s given to them over us I’d love to see addressed.
Ideally, I’d love to cast “unknowns” like some of my really talented friends and build our filmography together like John Singleton, Tim Burton, Wes Anderson, The Coen Brothers, etc.
REELated: Read about others on The Reel Black List
Zack Snyder’s Rebel Moon is over-indexing on Black and Hispanic audiences. Why?
I didn’t know that!
I love Zach Snyder and have gone on record to say that multiple times before and will gladly say it again.
300 changed my life and I appreciate how he redefined the superhero genre. Also, his path from commercials to features is very inspiring. He’s a very hands-on director that really pushes hard for under-represented talent.
Rebel Moon is probably doing well because of the casting (Djimon Hounsou, Sofia Boutella) but also because the story is an analogy of colonialism across the world. And that’s something Black and Brown people can especially connect with right now.
Lunch, Happy Hour or Dinner
Lunch – Bell Hooks
Happy Hour – Malcom X (I don’t drink either, so we’d probably have great conversation)
Dinner – Dr. Sebi
You would give up your career to go on tour and perform with what singer/band?
I’d sing backup for D’Angelo
Colman Domingo is a national treasure. Yes or No.
1000% (Would also cast him in something with no hesitation -check out Sing Sing by Greg Kwedar (-:)
Nosebleed seats for Beyoncé or front-row tickets for Taylor Swift?
Pit general admission for Ye (sorry)
What has a chokehold on you?
Replaying the same song on repeat and full blast for hours with my windows open.
Vegan Mushroom Chocolate
Early 00s Action Thrillers
(Swordfish, Training Day, Biker Boyz)
What’s brewing for your 2024?
First proper short film to go to festivals starring Dallas singer Liv.e Rolling Stone › musicAvant-R&B Artist Liv.e on Her New Album ‘Girl in the Half Pearl’ as the lead.
Nominate Someone You Know For The 6th Annual REEL WOMEN
