Monaghan & Recoskie Launch SAGA With Manifesto Film

Ashley Monaghan (former EP at Hornet) and Joey Recoskie (former director at Tendril) just dropped us the rich and riveting launch/manifesto film for SAGA, their new Toronto-based CG design and animation studio.

Ashley Monaghan and Joey Recoskie: “SAGA is built around a small, focused team working closely from concept to final frame. The approach is intentionally direct, removing distance between idea and execution so the work can remain considered at every stage.
 

“By using the identity as an anchor throughout the film, we were able to introduce the brand in motion as something living, evolving, and emotionally expressive.”

 
“The launch film moves through a series of tactile and cinematic explorations and acts less as a traditional portfolio and more as a statement of intent: an exploration of how digital objects can feel physical, emotional, and alive.

“It was important for the film to signal the level of care, curiosity, and craft we want to bring into the world. It became an opportunity to define a thoughtful visual language for the studio while also weaving the SAGA brand directly into the work itself.

“By using the identity as an anchor throughout the film, we were able to introduce the brand in motion as something living, evolving, and emotionally expressive rather than separate from the creative.”
 

Images

 
A glass perfume bottle with an ornate, round silver cap stands on a reflective surface. The bottle contains orange liquid and “drop” at its base. In the background, orange text reads: fragrances made in Canada for the SAGA studio launch film. Frame from Stash Magazine article.

A shiny, padded dark blue shoulder bag with two silver zippers and an adjustable strap, featuring a red and white circular patch inspired by the SAGA studio launch film, set against a solid red background. Frame from Stash Magazine article.

An abstract, green-tinted digital scan shows a shoe’s sole with highlighted pressure points and small data displays, reminiscent of a scientific interface—echoing the innovative visuals found in the SAGA studio launch film. Frame from Stash Magazine article.

A sleek black sports car is shown from the rear, illuminated by dramatic red lighting in this SAGA studio launch film. The taillights create a bright horizontal line, with red light beams projecting onto the ground behind the car. Frame from Stash Magazine article.

Two wireless earbuds with a metallic, futuristic design appear to be in motion, surrounded by streaks of neon green, yellow, and blue light against a black background—capturing the high-energy vibe of the SAGA studio launch film. Frame from Stash Magazine article.
 

Credits

 
Production: SAGA
Team: Joseph Recoskie, Chris Moberg, Michael Brewer, Kristy Nykilchuk

Music: Jeff Moberg