WE DIRECT MUSIC VIDEOS

WHO WE ARE

We Direct Music Videos (WDMV) began in 2018 with a Tweet from Daniel Kwan: “Here’s a PSA to let you know music video directors are the only directors in the industry to not have unionized, giving them literally no voice against music labels.” 

It received a massive onslaught of support. This led to the first town hall meeting shortly after, where DANIELS led a discussion with the top leaders of the music video industry and hundreds of attending filmmakers, commissioners, producers, and director reps. Notable directors who pledged to support WDMV's mission included Spike Jonze, Melina Matsoukas, Paul Hunter, Hiro Murai, Emily Kai Bock, DANIELS, Alma Har'el, and many more! 

Since this initial meeting, there have been dozens of events around the world, with branches of WDMV launching in the UK, Canada and South America. These have included panels, screenings, meet-ups, parties and collaborations with other like-minded organizations including OMG Cameras Everywhere, Not Your Daddy Films as well as supporting the Writers Guild during their 2023 strike. WDMV has gained over 11k followers on instagram, and a strong support network and reputation for hosting can’t-miss events and bringing the music video community together. 

We believe that by bringing together the leaders of our industry alongside emerging directors and artists, we can continue to see music videos being made, thereby supporting new careers in both filmmaking and music. We see music videos as an opportunity to push the boundaries of creativity, making space for new talent, new ideas, and new styles with the power to create a lasting impact on art and culture.

OUR GOALS

While the music video industry continues to change and grow, we maintain three main objectives, the core of WDMV’s mission from the onset:

•Minimize Free Work: We believe free work should be a choice, not an expectation.

•Respect: Promoting a culture of and process of mutual respect is essential for our industry to thrive. 

•Transparency: Open, clear and transparent communication between all creatives in the process will empower everyone with the information they need to not be taken advantage of.