From Short Form Setbacks to Features: Monster & Surrounded

A candid look at years of studio projects falling apart, the indie path to Monster (casting, Sundance), and making Surrounded—a modern Western shot fast, outdoors, with complex tracking and horse sequences.

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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