Call Me Al, the directorial duo comprised of Alisa Allapach and Phillip Montgomery, has come aboard the roster of production house Rakish.
The directing team–which draws inspiration from the daring spirit of Al Allapach, Alisa’s immigrant dad and Montgomery’s father-in-law–has turned out work for brands including Google, Uber, Jack Daniel’s and IBM.
“Rakish is like a homecoming,” shared Call Me Al co-director Montgomery. “I had the pleasure of working with Preston [Garrett, Rakish’s managing director] years ago and knew what he was building with the other incredible directors would be something special. So, when we had the opportunity to join Rakish as Call Me Al, it was a no-brainer.”
“Rakish is the best of both worlds: a boutique operation that gives tons of love to its directors, agencies, and clients, while doing top-shelf, prestigious work. It’s an honor to be part of the family,” added Call Me Al co-director Alisa Allapach.
Garrett added, “When Call Me Al decided to join Rakish it was like I was suddenly allowed to exhale a deep breath after holding it in for five years. We are friends, first and foremost. Having the opportunity to work with your near-and-dears in such a competitive industry is literally the dream. The stars aligned in a blessed way. So much of it has to do with the unique vision Phillip and Alisa share and the work that’s resulted from their creative chemistry.”
Recently of note, Call Me Al collaborated with McDonald’s and international hip-hop sensation Young Miko for their anime-inspired “WcDonald’s” series and vibrant pop-up stores. Call Me Al also directed a compelling campaign for Deloitte, highlighting its partnerships with organizations including the LA 2028 Olympics, USGA, and WNBA. The directors have additionally produced a series of engaging films for COX Business in collaboration with FCB Chicago.
Currently, Call Me Al’s heartfelt campaign for the Stop AAPI Hate organization is making waves across digital platforms. The campaign marks a poignant tribute to AAPI Heritage Month, igniting a multimedia movement that unites the community under themes of resilience, celebration, solidarity, and resistance. Featuring an array of diverse stories showcased on a dedicated microsite, the initiative beckons nationwide engagement across multiple mediums. Notable voices driving the campaign’s narrative include David Rasavong, Sunayana Dulama, Bรนi Nhฦฐ Mai, and the esteemed choreographer Tiana Liufau, recognized for her contributions to Disney’s Moana.
“There’s a future I see with Call Me Al that excites me very much,” concluded Garrett. “It’s underpinned by an evolution of what it looks and feels like to be irreverent in advertising. Their sensibility embraces the notion that irreverence can still go down smoothly and with joy.”
Rounding out their partnership with U.S.-based Rakish, Call Me Al’s global presence is further solidified through representation by Pull The Trigger for the Ireland/U.K. market and by GoEast Films for the Eastern Europe and Asian territories, thus rounding out the helming duo’s expansive reach across diverse cultural landscapes. Call Me Al was previously represented in the U.S. market via production house Society.
Prior to becoming half of Call Me Al, Allapach initially established herself as an actress. She brings those sensibilities to the director’s chair. Meanwhile Montgomery first established himself as a solo director, earning a slot in SHOOT’s 2013 New Directors Showcase. He went on to be repped as an individual director by such shops as Tool and Farm League before becoming a co-director with Allapach in Call Me Al.
