We Are Royale Signs Director/Producer Tyrone Mackay

Aug. 22, 2022

Creative production company We Are Royale (WAR) has signed award-winning international director Tyrone Mackay to produce commercials and branded content in the US. With an astonishingly varied portfolio behind the camera, namely his memorably innovative compositing work, Mackay’s work has earned him a reputation from Copenhagen to Cape Town, as well as in New York and Los Angeles. Starting this summer, Mackay brings his eye-catching visuals and years of expertise exclusively to We Are Royale.

Over the years, Mackay has collaborated with WAR on commercials for major international brands like Nike and Taco Bell. Years earlier, he also provided 3D art on spots for Apple alongside Brien Holman and Jen Lucero, who would go on to found WAR and bring Mackay in as a valued freelancer. Mackay’s directing also turned heads on a campaign for Snuggle alongside legendary VFX company Rhythm and Hues, featuring the animated Snuggle bear bounding through a tropical paradise.

Asked why he chose WAR to sign with, Mackay immediately answers:

“Have you worked with them? They’re the best. Royale always stick up for the artist and the creative. I’ve consistently gotten to do cool work with them, plus their clients love them. It was a very easy decision.”

 

For over a decade, Mackay and his brother have run Johannesburg’s Heart Media, a production and animation studio producing award-winning work in stills, VFX, and compositing. As well, he has been involved with numerous music videos for some of South Africa’s hottest bands, most notably, The Parlotones. 

 Mackay has racked up an impressive shelf of awards hardware and accolades in his decades-spanning career, including numerous Cannes Lion shortlists, with a particular highlight being his still photography and compositing on OMO washing powder’s “Clean Never Discovered Anything” print campaign. The breathtaking ad featured an elaborate underground cave system, entirely constructed from photographic elements in post by Mackay. The OMO print ad also took home a trophy at The Loeries, Africa and the Middle East’s prestigious brand communications industry awards. 

 In addition to awards recognition as part of the teams at Fundamental and The Clearwater Group, Mackay’s work has frequently been featured in trade publications, as well as screenings at London’s National Theatre. He was also chosen to speak at the Cape Town International Film Festival as part of their panel on The Future of VFX alongside Shrek producer Aron Warner.

Speaking about Mackay, WAR Chief Creative Officer and Co-Founder Brien Holman insists the enthusiasm is quite mutual:

“Tyrone is one of the most incredibly versatile and awesome artists that I’ve ever had the pleasure to work alongside. Always fun to collaborate with, and a great attitude. We’re excited to see how Tyrone’s going to push WAR forward, especially in terms of pioneering new compositing techniques and achieving our broader goals as a company.”

 

While Mackay has made a name for himself as both a reliable team player and a bold visionary, he maintains that he’s most looking forward to pushing envelopes and discovering new trends as part of the WAR team. “That’s the kind of work I love,” concludes Mackay.