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

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Sep 19, 2025

Join Anthony Mandler, a legendary director and visual architect known for his iconic work with artists like Rihanna and Jay-Z, as he shares insights from his creative journey. Discover how he transitioned from photography to directing, navigating the complexities of the music industry while building trust with artists. Anthony delves into the crafting of cinematic music videos and the bold moves that defined his career. He also reflects on the future of filmmaking, including the impact of AI, and the importance of personal experience in storytelling.

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ANECDOTE

Late Bloomer To Feature Filmmaker

Anthony Mandler waited until age 42 to direct his first feature and called the wait "a bunch of failures."
He used those failures to fuel a drive to tell longer, cinematic stories beyond three-minute videos.

INSIGHT

Break The Box With Versatility

Decision makers categorize creatives into boxes and limit opportunities based on those boxes.
Photography taught Mandler the dexterity to shoot varied subjects and break genre constraints.

ADVICE

Insist On Single Bids And Talk To Artists

Avoid writing blind to a brief by insisting on single-bid meetings with artists.
Meet artists, discuss where they are and craft treatments from direct conversations rather than sent briefs.

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