In this episode, I sit down with legendary director and visual architect @anthonymandler , 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.
20 years ago….
There’s so many things you missed but I’ve always known that it was you pulling the strings in our lives. Your influence on me is something I hold close and try to instill in my children. Your curiosity, your sense of humor and that special way about you that always made you the center of the room. Your view of chaos and truth, and the appreciation of the small things. A Dry Cappuccino, a good Black&White cookie.
And of course never taking shit from anyone. I think I got that more than my sisters.
I wish so badly you could have met Denise, you’re so much a like. Or been there for my 2 children’s births, you would have been the best grandmother and guide for them. Lennox has your sense of humor, and Dries is a lover just like you.
Celebrated my career with me for without your love of art and the passion with which you brought it into your children’s lives who knows where I’d be.
But today I stand here and know that you’ve been with us all along. Your voice is back in my head, after being gone for so long. Your insight, instincts and that sound of you slapping my back are present with me always. “you’re too big to be my kid”
I hold you close, tell stories to my wife and kids about you and make sure that what you lived for isn’t lost. Through thick and thin, light and dark.
The tears I shed are of love and deep gratitude for the gift that is you.
I know you’re just around the corner.
I love you
A
2016 was a wild year. Brining back this one on its 10 year anniversary. @champagnepapi “Please Forgive Me”. Made in conjunction with @applemusic and @larryjackson in Johannesburg South Africa. Shot by the late great @daviddevlin.dp
Part two….
New work with @travisscott exploring the deeper visual language of his unpredictable evocative style and character. Shot in Toyko with the brilliant team from @mrpositivetokyo . One of the things I love about photography is the control and nuance you can explore between the relationship of light and camera. Honestly it felt like the old days where creativity came first.
As always thank you @beatsbydre@larryjackson@mrfrzo@producedbybc@scotthughmitchell@timwyoung
A message for a lifetime. “Dare to Dream.” This one is special! Years in the making I can finally share “The Tweet” @beatsbydre campaign with @travisscott . It all started with a tweet from 2011 sent by young kid with a dream. @larryjackson had the idea to bring that tweet to life, and with it Travis’s bedroom, his mother and of course 2011 Travis. I know when I get a call from @larryjackson that’s it’s gonna be something special. He never misses.
Endless hard work from the team @samgunnson@joanpabon_@mrfrzo@producedbybc@kbrella@ulbriched@valentyn_grosu #lolavfx @jill.bogdanowicz and of course the late great @daviddevlin.dp !!!
Want to transition from music videos to commercials? This is how director @anthonymandler leveraged celebrity relationships to land big brand spots. His key to success: Master one thing and then diversify.
Did you know Rihanna built her trust with her director @anthonymandler by connecting deeply from the start?
From a 17-year-old to a cultural icon, Rihanna and Anthony always pushed boundaries in their videos together.
To learn more about Anthony's stories and experiences working with Rihanna, listen to the full episode. The link is in our bio!
Don't get too comfortable. Pop culture can shift at any moment. Are you ready to adapt your style? From photography to video, Anthony Mandler mastered versatility.
Check out the rest of this conversation with @anthonymandler by clicking the link in our bio!
Forget the bidding wars! Director @anthonymandler insists on single bids for a reason. Find out how his approach changed the game and allowed for him to build a long, successful directing career.
To watch this full episode, click the link in our bio!
