JaQuel Knight Signs with HOUND Content

Boundary-pushing creative studio HOUND has added legendary choreographer JaQuel Knight to its roster of talent. Known for both imagery and movement that transcend to become cultural statements, Knight brings his indelible style to commercials for the first time.

Knight has created singular statements for N.E.R.D., Cher, Zara Larsson, Christina Aguilera, Jennifer Lopez, Britney Spears, Pharrell Williams, and Jay-Z, among others. He has joined forces with Beyoncé multiple times, from the creation of the instantly-recognisable dance moves in 'Single Ladies' to choreographing her two Super Bowl Halftime Shows, from creative directing her epic 'Spirit' music video to choreographing her Coachella performance which has been described as historic.

Knight was the creative director behind Shakira’s Super Bowl Halftime Show, incorporating everything - lighting, wardrobe, and choreography - into his expansive vision. He has also choreographed for major television shows such as 'Dancing with the Stars', 'The X Factor', and 'The Voice', among others. A self-professed ‘dance geek,’ he has been profiled by CNN and was the first choreographer to ever be named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list.

Raised in an Atlanta home filled with music, Knight describes his distinctive creative stamp as 'backyard, country fried chicken, hip hop lovin’, R&B, and soul dance.” In addition to his classic roles as choreographer and creative director, Knight has become an image architect of sorts, collaborating on shoe designs with Adidas and on artistic ventures with a who’s who of today’s top talent. Recently, he has been instrumental in leading fundraising efforts with legendary dance studios and personalities to care for dancers impacted by the cancellation of concerts and shows through the end of the year due to Covid.

Missy Galanida, EP and partner at HOUND, says: “JaQuel is bold and he gets it done. He’s already blown us away with the music videos he has directed, and we can’t wait to bring his particular brand of creativity to the world of commercials. We feel incredibly honoured to bring his passion and vision to HOUND.”

“My journey so far has been beyond humbling,” says Knight. “I’m grateful for the success I’ve had and I’m ready to challenge myself in a new way. It’s about touching people’s souls - no matter what the medium. We’re going to make great content together.”

Knight’s first project with Hound is a three-minute film with Pharrell Williams for CBS’s John Lewis tribute, hosted by Oprah Winfrey, which premiered Tuesday 4th August. HOUND is a branded content studio headed by Joby Barnhart, Missy Galanida, and Jamie Miller.

Specialising in music videos, commercials, and content, HOUND’s roster of directors include Amanda Demme, Cameron Duddy, Isaac Rentz, Jay Martin, Sarah Mccolgan, Philippa Price, Joseph Toman, James Brown, Craig Moore, Aya Tanimura, Bryan Schlam, Diane Martel, Jason Harper, Ken Karpel, Rackaracka, Karina Taira, Marc Klasfeld, Mauri Chifflét, and Dano Cerny.