Mark Romanek - Film/Music Video maker

Mark Romanek

Mark Romanek, born in Chicago Illinois is a famous film and music video maker. One of the best in the game, Romanek is renowned for his impressive and unique music videos and has made videos for some of the biggest artists in the music industry including Red Hot Chili Peppers, David Bowie and Johnny Cash. The video he made for Cash's incredible cover of Nine Inch Nail's hit 'Hurt' was particularly impressive and hailed by fans and critics with some even tipping it the most moving music video of all time. The song expresses self-hatred and this on top of clips of Cash quietly performing in his home are almost haunting and deep with emotion, particularly as the song was recorded shortly prior to his death. The song and video was released after Cash's death and  was nominated for seven VMAs, winning one for cinematography, also rewarding Romanek with his third grammy.

Another video that Mark Romanek is well known for directing is the american rock band's single 'Can't Stop' off the 2002 album 'By The Way'. The video features all four of the bands members doing ridiculously random actions with strange objects and equipment, such as putting different types of stationary up the bassist Flea's nose and face. 

Flea in the video of Can't Stop. Inspired by Edwin Wurm's "One Minute Sculptures"

Generally, the video is performance based but other strange activities that the band engage in include wearing a giant purple hippopotamus mask, playing with rubber balls, jumping, abstract scenes with boxes, water bottles, trash cans, flying through the air, pink foam peanuts, plants, and playing guitar in a room full of empty blue chairs/room with lamps turning on and off. Sculpture Erwin Wurm (left), was a significant inspiration when it came to making the video according to bassist Flea, also. Orange was chosen to be the general colour used throughout the video by Romanek. His creative hand attempted to mirror Wurm's abstract "One Minute Sculptures" (example pictured on right) by having the band perform random scenes which didn't really fit any purpose.

Other artists that Mark Romanek has produced music videos for include Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Iggy Pop.