Taylor Swift's Director Is Coming Out With a New MOVIE!

Author: Ourselves
Published: Thu 24 Jul 2025
Episode Link: https://ourselves.podbean.com/e/taylor-swifts-director-is-coming-out-with-a-new-movie/

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