Directing legend Joseph Kahn has joined Academy Films for global representation for music videos and commercials outside the US.

Kahn (above right, on set with Taylor Swift) is one of the most successful music video directors ever, and director of numerous all-time classic videos - including Wu Tang Clan's Gravel Pit, the Grammy-winning Without Me for Eminem, and Britney Spears Toxic, as well as eight videos with Taylor Swift, including Blank Space and the star-studded Bad Blood, for which Kahn won his second Grammy for Best Music Video.

A prominent directing voice during the rise of hip hop in the 1990s, the South Korean-American director has created videos for Public Enemy, Ice Cube, Dr Dre, Snoop Dogg and many more during an era-defining period for music video. His back catalogue reads like a who’s who of influential music acts, chalking up tens of billions of YouTube views for the likes of Beyonce, Rhianna, Kendrick Lamar, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Pharrell Williams, Elton John and many more.

Away from pop promos, Kahn has also directed commercials for Smirnoff, Samsung, Adidas, Boots, Walkers and many more in a career that now spans over 30 years.

“JK is far too young to be such a living legend," says Academy’s co-owner Medb Riordan of Academy’s newest addition. "There isn’t a single person in the whole creative industry who hasn’t seen and loved at least one piece of his work. He is an icon, and we are so excited to have him join our roster for international representation.”

Joseph Kahn has added: “Academy is one of the greatest production companies in the world and I am thrilled to join them to continue to push the work into new heights.”

The announcement of Kahn's arrival at Academy comes only a few days after the London-based production company's hugely successful night at the 2024 BAFTAs last Sunday (February 18th), with two of Academy's directors honoured for their feature films: Jonathan Glazer won three BAFTAs for The Zone Of Interest (including Outstanding British Film and Best Sound); and Savanah Leaf won the award for Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer, for her first feature Earth Mama. 

• Watch Joseph Kahn's showreel at Academy Films here