After studying graphic design at RISD, Staake worked for several years as a designer on Apple's Human Interface Team, contributing to the experience of the iPhone, iPad and MacOS X before departing to pursue film direction and production. With a collection of half a dozen Vimeo staff picks, millions of YouTube views and international screenings of his works. Ryan has successfully merged his design and technology background with the worlds of music video and commercial production. Referred to as a "director of firsts," Ryan is primarily interested in doing something new. Working with remote control helicopters, ultraviolet lighting, thermal imaging cameras, 360° camera rigs, virtual reality and more.

He constantly pushes his crew, clients and self to mine fringe technologies for their untapped image-making potential. Staake's work focuses on "style" more a collection of differences rather than a single route. In addition to his directorial pursuits, Staake is a talented VFX artist and frequently puts his skills to work on his films. He has created incredible videos for Clams Casino, Lil Wayne, Diplo, Major Lazor, David Bowie and recently his incredible video, a true story about an artist who didn't turn up for his shoot went viral across the world, winning 2017 Creative Circle's Gold Award for "Best Music Promo." Now seeing him swamped in feature film offers and a celebrity status amongst his peers.