Jonas Åkerlund
Jonas Åkerlund was born on the 10th of November 1965; he is a Swedish film and music video director. He is also a drummer and was in the Swedish black metal band ‘Bathory’ from 1983 to 1994. He was a main video director for the Swedish pop act ‘Roxette’ he also became their designer and photographer. From the 90’s he continued to follow the directing path when he took a step into mainstream it pulled him back, when he directed ‘Smack My Bitch Up’ for the Prodigy, there was controversy due to some use of drug use, explicitness and violent scenes. 
He and Madonna became close and he collaborated with her for many of her music videos some including, ‘Music’, ‘Jump’ and ‘Celebration’. Madonna’s documentary film ‘I’m Going to Tell You a Secret’ and her television concert ‘ The Confession Tour: Live from London’ where also directed by Åkerlund. Jonas directed the music video for Madonna’s song ‘Ray of Light’ from doing this he found fame and fortune. It was so acknowledge it won a Grammy for Best Music Video, Short Form, and a record seven awards at 1998 MTV Video Music Awards for directing videos for Pink, Britney Spears and many more.
His eccentric and stylish music videos are what make him best known as they typically mock short films and movie trailers. Some of the most recent work he’s directed is Lady Gaga’s ‘Paparazzi’ and ‘Telephone’ also by the freak chick featuring Beyonce; both videos won an award. Also 2011 single ‘Moves Like Jagger’ by Maroon 5 and Christiana Aguilera. Some of the artist he works with includes, Madonna, Lady Gaga, U2, Christina Aguilera and Britney Spears.
The video below is the award winning hit 'Paparazzi' by Lady Gaga which Jonas directed.
(Click to play Video)
Although he may not be as well know as Mark Romanek and Hype Williams, Åkerlund makes a statement in the music-directing field. His experience from his hometown has taught him valuable skills that he coveys through his use of diverse videos. In the past 10 years Jonas has directed more than 300 videos. His view and visual style on things are creative and this is what separates him from all other directors. All the fans that love their artists video his produced, will now begin to recognise him and appreciate his hard work. This will make him have more of a broad mainstream audience as he continues to direct videos for different artist.
The video below 'Ray of Light' by Madonna gave Jonas his star spotlight and it won a Grammy for Best Music Video.
(Click to play Video)
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