Ryan Staake

Ryan Staake is a visionary filmmaker and designer whose work elegantly intertwines the realms of music video and commercial production. With an impressive portfolio that boasts half a dozen Vimeo Staff Picks, millions of views on YouTube, and international screenings, he has distinguished himself as a creative force in the industry. Raised in St. Louis, Staake was profoundly influenced by the cultural landscape of MTV, the innovative spirit of Macintosh computers, and the immersive storytelling of the game MYST. His artistic journey is characterized by bold concepts, cutting-edge production techniques, and a commitment to crafting non-traditional viewing experiences. After earning his degree in graphic design from the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), Staake honed his skills as a designer on Apple’s Human Interface Team, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the user experiences of the iPhone, iPad, and MacOS X. This unique blend of design and technology laid the foundation for his transition into film direction and production, where he now thrives. In addition to his directorial achievements, Staake is a talented visual effects artist. He frequently integrates his VFX expertise into his films, producing stunning visuals that captivate audiences. His work has garnered accolades from some of the most prestigious industry awards, including the UK Music Video Awards (Video of the Year, Best Editing, Best Urban), the MTV Video Music Awards (Best Editing), D&AD (Creative Excellence), Creative Circle (Gold – Best Music Promo), and a Silver at the 1.4 Award (Brilliant Filmmaking). Among his standout projects is a remarkable video that went viral, telling the poignant true story of an artist who failed to appear for a scheduled shoot. This compelling narrative not only captured the imagination of viewers worldwide but also solidified Staake’s reputation as a leading innovator in contemporary filmmaking.