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Jake Scott of RSA and Black Dog Films on Openness
And listening to new voices
Jake is an Emmy-winning and Grammy-nominated director whose output spans commercials, films and music videos. A partner in Ridley Scott Associates, Jake is also a founder of music video production company Black Dog Films.
His most recent adverts include the Pepsi x Gladiator II “Make Your Gameday Epic” campaign and Wrangler’s “Good Mornings Make for Better Days.” Jake also lensed Crown Royal’s first Super Bowl spot, “Thank You Canada,” in 2023.
Other highlights include the Johnnie Walker “Gentlemen’s Wager” films featuring Jude Law and Giancarlo Giannini, several Budweiser Big Game ads and three shorts for HBO’s experiential Voyeur project. Jake also directed Nike’s Emmy-winning “Move.”
Feature films include the music documentary Oasis Knebworth 1996 (2021). He also made the sports documentary The Last Milestone (2021) and the drama American Woman (2019).
We spent two minutes with Jake to learn more about his background, his creative inspirations and recent work he’s admired.
Jake, tell us …
Where you grew up, and where you live now.
London born and bred, currently living in Echo Park, L.A.
How you first realized you were creative.
I could draw from an early age, so it was just a part of life.
A person you idolized creatively early on.
Richard Williams, the animator. And Bowie.
A moment from high school or college that changed your life.
Getting expelled!
A visual artist or band/musician you admire.
A book, movie, TV show or podcast you recently found inspiring.
Film: Eno directed by Gary Hustwit. Book: When We Cease to Understand The World by Benjamin Labatut
One of your favorite creative projects you’ve ever worked on.
My kids: Cuba, Fifi, Buster, Teddy and Roman
A recent project you’re proud of.
Wrangler’s “Good Mornings Make For Better Days”
Someone else’s work that inspired you years ago.
Wim Wenders’ Paris, Texas and Wings of Desire
Someone else’s work you admired lately.
“Past Lives” by Celine Song
“La Chimera” by Alice Rohrwacher
Your main strength as a creative person.
Openness
Your biggest weakness.
Hesitation
A mentor who helped you navigate the industry.
Norris Spencer, production designer
How you’re paying it forward with the next generation of creatives.
I always listen to new voices and try to answer any questions they may have.
What you’d be doing if you weren’t in advertising.
Drawing
2 Minutes With is our regular interview series where we chat with creatives about their backgrounds, creative inspirations, work they admire and more. For more about 2 Minutes With, or to be considered for the series, please get in touch.
