RSA Films has welcomed Rachel McDonald to its roster for commercial representation in the U.S. and U.K., adding an acclaimed filmmaker known for emotionally resonant performances and cinematic depth.
McDonald’s work spans narrative, documentary, and commercial storytelling, with campaigns for BMW, Mercedes-Benz, IKEA, Peloton, Gatorade, Volkswagen, Microsoft, HP, Cadillac, and Facebook, among others. She is currently directing her first project with RSA for a major luxury automotive brand.
“Rachel brings a high level of visual craft and authentic human emotion to her commercials and films,” said Luke Ricci, President of RSA Films U.S. “She tackles every project with enthusiasm and intent and pours herself into the work. Her versatility across genres and formats consistently delivers indelible moments, and we’re excited to welcome her to the RSA collective.”
McDonald’s most recent short film, Hermanos (2024), underscores the kind of human-first storytelling that defines her work. Inspired by real-life accounts of immigrant families separated at the U.S. border, the film earned Gold at Ciclope and won Best Short Film and Best Texas Film at the Houston Latino Film Festival. David Reviews awarded the film five stars, praising McDonald’s ability to tell a truth-rooted story without oversimplification.
“There is the obvious appeal of RSA being an iconic company built by legendary filmmakers,” McDonald said. “Beyond that, I was deeply drawn to the leadership of Luke Ricci, who I’ve known and respected for many years, and I’m excited to work with Josie Juneau in the UK. Their vision, integrity, and enthusiasm make RSA feel like the right creative home.”
Josie Juneau, Managing Director of RSA UK, echoed that sentiment. “Rachel’s work is deeply human, beautifully observed, and emotionally fearless. She has an instinct for finding the soul of a story and the craft to express it with real cinematic grace. We’re thrilled to have her joining us in the UK as well.”
McDonald’s body of work has been recognized by Cannes Lions, The One Show, Webbys, Ciclope, Shark Awards, ADDYs, and Shortys. She directed the Cannes Silver Lion-winning PSA Behind the Post for One Love Foundation, a widely praised exploration of healthy versus unhealthy relationships in the age of social media.
Her earlier films include Thirst (2014), starring Melanie Griffith and premiering at Locarno, as well as documentary shorts Dancing Warrior (2024), which follows a Lakota youth horse-racing team, and Uganda: Friends of the Gorilla (2010), which spotlighted conservation efforts through experiential storytelling.
A mother of two, McDonald cites her children and everyday human interactions as ongoing creative fuel. “I’m inspired by people and the emotional complexity of being human,” she said. “How different we all are, yet how much we share beneath the surface. Love, joy, pain, and heartache connect us in universal ways—and that shared experience anchors my work.”
With McDonald joining its ranks, RSA continues to deepen its commitment to filmmakers who blend cinematic craft with emotional truth—work designed not just to be seen, but felt.
Reel 360 News wishes Rachel the best of luck at RSA.
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