Video content for artists is more important now than ever before. Not only does it allow for visual storytelling and a clearer understanding of the artist identity than sonics alone, as it always has, it's also the most engaging/best performing content pillar on social media right now, where audiences are voraciously consuming music, and music related content.
As with most areas of the music industry (perhaps even MORE so), video production has been a traditionally male-dominated space, but there is a growing list of incredible womxn blazing a trail and creating boundary-pushing, bar-setting music videos - and we think they deserve to be celebrated.
Here are just 5 of our fave female video directors/producers that you should be acquainted with:
Melina's music video filmography goes back to 2006, working with some of the world's biggest names in music from Beyoncé to Rihanna. Melina has won Grammys, MTV Video Music Awards and American Film Institute Awards for her music videos, and just when you thought she had peaked, Melina directed the award winning film, Queen & Slim. On the commercial side, check out her work for Bottega Veneta, Adidas, Beats by Dre and more.
The go-to video queen for chart toppers like Ariana Grande, Demi Lovato, Halsey, Miley Cyrus, Nicki Minaj and Drake, Hannah also directed Doja Cat’s dreamy 70s video for mega-hit, “Say So,” and made a big commercial splash recently with Saweetie's recent McDonalds campaign. She is a multiple MTV Music Video Award winner and a CMA Award winner.
This MTV Music Video Award-winning, visionary director of Cardi B's legendary video for 'Money' also shot the iconic album cover to the rapper's Grammy-snatching Invasion of Privacy album. Jora has also worked with tastemaking stars like Rosalia and created captivating commercial campaigns for luxury brands like Rolls Royce.
The talented music video director of Lauren Jauregui's renaissance-meets-strip-club vibe, "More Than That," Lauren has also worked with Billie Eilish, Madison Beer and more. She has produced fashion content for the likes of Prabal Gurung for The Met Gala, featuring Candice Swanapoel, Halsey, Joan Smalls and Nicki Minaj, bringing her incredible eye to the sartorial world.
Chandler is on speed dial for music's most talented and aesthetically discerning rising stars like Kiana Ledé, Sabrina Claudio, Dixie D'amelio, Olivia O'Brien, and John K. Now directing artist performances for Jimmy Kimmel and commercials for global brands like My Little Pony, this dynamic creative has established a voice and style that is all her own - and it's in demand.