Spike Jonze: Music Director

Music Director Spike Jonze

Spike Jonze is an American director, producer and screen play writer. His work includes music videos, TV adverts, film and television. Spike Jonze is well known for music video collaborations with Fat Boy Slim, Beastie Boys and Jay z. Furthermore he is the co-creator and executive producer of MTV’s Jackass. He has been nominated for four academy awards including Best Director.

Spike Jonze Directed Fat Boy Slims music video - Praise You. He shot the the film in a guerrilla style which is a form of low budgeting film making. Simple props were used only, for example - chairs, hats etc. The video only cost $800 to make with most of that money being spent on food and drink for the crew. Scenes were shot without any warning, quickly in public locations (without the permission from landlords and owners). This was to create a sense of shock, excitement and amusement. Jonze was praised highly for this style by other directors by the simple creativity of this video. The video won three major awards at the 1999 MTV Music Video awards, including: Best Breakthrough Video, Best Direction and Best Choreography. However it was voted for Best Dance Video but didn't win.