8 Film Directors Who Got Their Start Directing Music Videos

The mastermind behind the second, third, and fourth movies in The Hunger Games series and other blockbuster films such as I Am Legend (2007) and Red Sparrow (2018), Francis Lawrence is known for his inventive visual work. In addition to his work in the film industry, Lawrence has directed over 60 music videos throughout his career for artists such as Beyonce ("Run The World (Girls"), Jennifer Lopez ("Jenny From The Block"), and Britney Spears ("I'm A Slave 4 U"). At the 2010 Grammy Awards, Lawrence even won "Best Music Video" for Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance" video, which masterfully depicted Gaga as a willing victim of the music industry's horrifying dark side. 

A multi-hyphenate of the highest degree, Spike Jonze has excelled in not only film and music video directing but is also a skilled photographer, actor, and musician. His artistry is one that has been recognized and tapped into by musicians of all walks, including Kanye West (for his "Flashing Lights" music video), the late rapper The Notorious B.I.G. (for his "Sky's The Limit" video), and rock band Weezer (for "Buddy Holly").

Having racked up over 99 million views on YouTube since its release in 2009, Kanye West's "Flashing Lights" music video is among Jonze's most provocative ventures, depicting a seductive temptress undressing in the desert and uncovering a bound-and-gagged Kanye West in the trunk of her car. In true Kanye fashion, the video confused most (all) of its viewers, yet is simultaneously regarded as a cinematic masterpiece nonetheless. Jonze's most successful films include his film debut Being John Malkovich (1999), Where The Wild Things Are (2009), and Her (2013) featuring Joaquin Phoenix. 

David Fincher co-founded his production company Propaganda Films in 1983, through which he began directing commercials and music videos and was eventually joined by several other renowned directors who first honed their skills at his company, including Zack Snyder, Michael Bay, and Paul Rachman. Best known for psychological thrillers including Gone Girl (2014), The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo (2011), Fight Club (1999), and more, Fincher also directed some of the most iconic music videos of all time, including those of Justin Timberlake's "Suit & Tie," Billy Idol's “Cradle of Love," Michael Jackson’s “Who Is It,” and a number of Madonna's music videos for songs of her such as “Express Yourself,” “Oh Father,” “Bad Girl,” and “Vogue.” Fincher's video for Madonna's "Express Yourself," is widely regarded as a timeless classic and its message of freedom and empowerment is still heavily talked about to this day.

Known for his consistently over-the-top, technically complex, and dynamic craftsmanship, Michael Bay has pioneered acclaimed movies such as Armageddon (1998), the first five films of the Transformers series, Pearl Harbor (2001), and The Purge (2013). Although his filmmaking style is polarizing (and has even been dubbed "Bayhem," in reference to his affinity for chaotic camera motions in his films), his influence over the directorial game is indisputable. As far as his music video credentials go, Bay is the director behind the videos of Danny Osmond's “Soldier of Love,” Tina Turner's “Love Thing,” Lionel Richie's “Do it to Me,” Aerosmith's “Falling In Love (Is Hard On The Knees)," and more. 

While Tarsem Singh is not yet a household name, he is the visionary director behind beloved movies such as Mirror Mirror (2012) starring Julia Roberts and Lily Collins, The Cell (2000), and The Fall (2008). Singh is known for his elaborate staging, arresting imagery, and theatrical special effects, all of which have translated into the many music videos he has directed, including those for Vanessa Paradis' "Be My Baby," Lou Reed's "What's Good (The Thesis)," and Lady Gaga's "911," which was released just last year. His most recent music video "911" depicts Gaga in a fantastical dreamscape meant to represent the limbo between life and death after a car accident, an idea that Singh told Entertainment Weekly had occurred to him a full 28 years before meeting Gaga but was brought to life with her help. 

Antoine Fuqua is best known for bringing us movies such as Southpaw (2015), Olympus Has Fallen (2013), and Training Day (2001), which grossed $104 million at the box office and earned Denzel Washington his second Academy Award. He too, however, got his start working on music videos, collaborating with legends such as Toni Braxton, Stevie Wonder, and Prince as he developed what would soon become his signature kinetic style. Among the music videos Fuqua directed over the years is that of Lil Wayne's somber 2011 track, "Mirror," which powerfully demonstrated the loneliness and agony Wayne was undergoing at the time, as well as his commitment to reclaiming his power. 

One of the most innovative filmmakers of all time, Gus Van Sant's impressive repertoire includes Psycho (1998), Good Will Hunting (1997), and Milk (2008). Just like his movies, the music videos Van Sant directed before he shifted mediums were dreamlike and thought-provoking. During his time in the music industry, Van Sant worked with stars such as Elton John (“The Last Song”), David Bowie (“Fame ‘90”), and the Red Hot Chili Peppers (“Under The Bridge” and “Desecration Smile”). The director's early indie roots and enigmatic flair have allowed him to birth the ground-breaking body of work he has accumulated today.  

One of the most prolific filmmakers of our time, Michel Gondry is responsible for cinematic masterpieces such as Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004), The Science of Sleep (2006), and Dave Chappelle’s 2005 documentary Block Party. The director's movie, music video, and commercial works all employ the unique wit and surrealist style that have become synonymous with his name. In terms of music videos, Gondry has collaborated with Daft Punk ("Around The World"), Bjork ("Army of Me" and more recently, "Crystalline"), and Chemical Brothers ("Star Guitar"). His video for Daft Punk's "Around The World" was a magisterial amalgamation of peak '90s stylistic elements such as flashing colored lights, retro choreography, and disco-era influences, and is remembered for its simultaneous simplicity yet enticing unconventionality.