The Work That Made Me: Jared Malik Royal
I was born in Detroit (not too far from Canada) and grew up with a deep love of nature.I love shooting in Canada because of its beautiful locations, professional and reliable crew, and great agencies pushing forward thinking creative. I’m excited to bring my point of view to a new market.
The ad/music video from my childhood that stays with me...
Jared> I used to love the five gum advertisements. Something about them felt larger than life, they didn’t feel like ads.
The ad/music video/game/web platform that made me want to get into the industry...
Jared> Slashfilm.com. I used to read this religiously(when it was more of a blog). I was always so interested in learning about directors as they evolved in their careers from commercials or shorts to bigger features.
The creative work that I keep revisiting...
Jared> Runaway Kanye West Short Film
It changed what a music video could be. The video was partially self-funded and is a constant reminder that artists should invest in themselves to really push the limits.
Kanye West - Runaway (Full-length Film)
My first professional project...
Jared> A series of films for Mercedes-Benz fashion following different creative influencers around the world.
Originally, it was meant to be just a one off photo project but the team and I worked so well together, it lead to an entire campaign and acted as a launchpad for me as a director.
The creative project that changed my career...
Jared> Walmart Dear Dad I released earlier this year, was a project I was given a high level of creative control over and feels most close to my voice. I love that it’s a project with a deep message and elevates real people making a difference.
The work that I'm proudest of...
Jared> Anisa - WITBA music video
It was a chance for me to make something very weird and surreal in a simple way. The concept was a huge risk but we were able to execute tastefully.
The recent project I was involved in that excited me the most...
Jared> Recently, I shot with a group called Mustang Mafia in New Orleans for Ford.
Mustang Mafia is a car club giving back to its community and leading the youth.
I love using a symbol like a Mustang as a vehicle to carry a deeper message of hope, inspiration, and change.
Check out more of Jared’s work here.
