Music Video Legend Turned Netflix Director: The Untold Story of Anthony Mandler

In this episode, I sit down with legendary director and visual architect Anthony Mandler, the creative force behind some of the most cinematic music videos of the last two decades. From shaping the visual identities of Rihanna and Jay-Z to helming award-winning features, Anthony shares a masterclass in creative evolution, relationship-building, and artistic reinvention.

We unpack his late start in directing, his transition from photography to music videos, and the bold moves that defined his career. Anthony opens up about navigating the gatekeeping of the music industry, crafting stories that blur the line between cinema and music, and the pivotal moments that led to timeless visuals like “Disturbia” and “Holy Grail.”

This is more than a career retrospective. It’s a blueprint for longevity in an industry that’s always changing. We also look ahead to the future of filmmaking with AI, explore the emotional toll and triumphs of directing, and reflect on fatherhood, fashion, and staying ahead of the cultural curve.

00:00 Starting Late: The Journey to Directing
00:27 Breaking Stereotypes in the Creative Industry
01:01 Building Trust with Artists
01:38 Navigating the Music Video Industry
02:35 From Photography to Music Videos
21:06 Building Iconic Music Video Careers
21:49 Breaking into Directing
23:23 Navigating the Music Industry
26:32 Collaborations with Jay-Z and Rihanna
30:21 Creating Cinematic Music Videos
41:21 Jay-Z's Honest Feedback
42:19 Reworking the Song for Impact
45:10 Rihanna's Early Career and Breakthrough
50:24 Creating Iconic Music Videos
55:49 Collaborations and Creative Processes
01:03:46 Reflecting on a Memorable Motorcycle Shoot
01:05:41 The Challenges and Triumphs of Filmmaking
01:08:28 Navigating Product Placement in Music Videos
01:11:36 Transitioning from Music Videos to Commercials
01:17:55 Breaking into Feature Films
01:24:04 Kendrick's Impact on Fashion and Music
01:24:47 Building a Production Company
01:32:26 Navigating the Film Industry
01:34:09 Making 'Monster': Challenges and Triumphs
01:46:13 Lessons from a Seasoned Director
01:48:36 Directing Styles and Future Projects
01:48:36 Directing Actors vs. Musicians
01:51:34 Balancing Courtroom Drama and Real Life
01:57:41 Challenges and Triumphs of Filmmaking
02:04:33 The Future of Filmmaking and AI
02:04:57 Setting the Scene: A Sci-Fi Thriller on a Greek Island
02:05:42 AI in Filmmaking: Revolutionizing the Industry
02:07:14 The Future of Film: AI vs. Traditional Methods
02:11:28 Fatherhood and Filmmaking: Balancing Passion and Family
02:13:23 The Evolution of Filmmaking: From Analog to AI

Follow Anthony Mandler here:   / anthonymandler  
Follow Arrad (podcast host) here:   / arrad  

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