From directing iconic music videos for Britney Spears and Eminem to working with Taylor Swift on some of the most defining visuals of the last decade, Joseph Kahn has built a legacy few can rival. In this episode, Joseph takes us through his journey, from dropping out of NYU with $25,000 in debt and hustling his way through Texas rap videos, to becoming one of the most sought-after directors in music and commercial filmmaking.
We dive into his unconventional start, the art of bullshitting with confidence, and the calculated risks that shaped his style. Joseph gets honest about the industry: how to sell success before you have it, why directing is lying, and how he landed his first big video gigs with Def Jam. We also break down his treatment-writing process in the ’90s, shooting without storyboards, and building unshakable trust with artists like Taylor Swift and Mariah Carey.
This conversation is a must-listen for filmmakers, creatives, and anyone navigating the tension between commerce and art in visual storytelling. We end with a deep look at his newest feature ICK: a genre-bending, creature-feature fever dream he’s betting big on.
00:00 Intro 03:09 The Journey to Becoming a Director 12:06 Overcoming Cultural and Academic Challenges 17:43 The Hustle in the Early Career 22:26 Breaking into the Industry 39:48 Joseph Kahn's Treatment Style in the 90s 40:35 Improvisation in Music Video Production 42:34 Building Trust with Artists 45:09 Managing Production Companies 52:42 The Role of Social Media in Filmmaking 58:35 Challenges in Music Video Production 59:40 Iconic Music Videos and Creative Freedom 01:07:06 Biggest Productions and Working with Taylor Swift 01:12:10 The Call from Taylor Swift 01:12:27 Creating the 'Blank Space' Music Video 01:14:23 Collaborating with Taylor Swift 01:16:56 Mariah Carey's Sense of Humor 01:19:05 AI in Filmmaking 01:28:19 Challenges in the Commercial Industry 01:37:35 The Reality of Director Jail 01:42:59 Making Independent Films 01:45:42 Challenges of Promoting an Independent Film 01:46:59 Passion for the Movie and Its Unique Elements 01:47:55 Blink 182, All American Rejects, Soundtrack Licensing and Its Impact 01:49:47 Inspiration Behind the Creature Feature ICK 01:56:57 Directing and Casting Insights 02:05:49 The Importance of Family in Filmmaking 02:12:17 Final Thoughts and Future Plans
Follow Joseph
Follow Arrad (podcast host)
LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST:
CONNECT WITH US:
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Cardiac Cowboys
The heart was always off-limits to surgeons. Cutting into it spelled instant death for the patient. That is, until a ragtag group of doctors scattered across the Midwest and Texas decided to throw out the rule book. Working in makeshift laboratories and home garages, using medical devices made from scavenged machine parts and beer tubes, these men and women invented the field of open heart surgery. Odds are, someone you know is alive because of them. So why has history left them behind? Presented by Chris Pine, CARDIAC COWBOYS tells the gripping true story behind the birth of heart surgery, and the young, Greatest Generation doctors who made it happen. For years, they competed and feuded, racing to be the first, the best, and the most prolific. Some appeared on the cover of Time Magazine, operated on kings and advised presidents. Others ended up disgraced, penniless, and convicted of felonies. Together, they ignited a revolution in medicine, and changed the world.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.