Mark Romanek moves adeptly between commercials, music videos and feature films. His daring, beautifully-crafted work has gained critical and commercial acclaim around the globe.
“Never Let Me Go”, starring Keira Knightley, Carey Mulligan and Andrew Garfield was Romanek’s second feature film. He previously wrote and directed “One Hour Photo” starring Robin Williams.
Romanek’s commercial work includes campaigns for many of the most innovative and recognized global brands. Romanek has directed over two dozen commercials for Apple, including their iconic iPod silhouette spots (with artists such as Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan, Coldplay, Mary J. Blige, and many others.) He has also directed spots for Amex, Nike, Brand Jordan, ESPN, Heineken, Nikon, Target, Kia, Chrysler, Honda, and Acura, among others.
In addition to his feature film and commercial credits, Mark Romanek has directed dozens of video clips that stretch across many musical genres, and include iconic clips for Johnny Cash, Coldplay, Michael & Janet Jackson, Mick Jagger, Jay-Z, Lenny Kravitz, Madonna, Red Hot Chili Peppers and R.E.M.
As one of the industry’s most celebrated directors of music videos, Romanek’s work has garnered more than twenty MTV VMAs, three Grammys, a CMA, and three Billboard Music Awards. MTV also awarded Mark Romanek a Video Vanguard Award in 1997 for his overall contribution to the medium. Two of his videos have been added to the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
Mark was with us for the Istanbul International Arts and Culture Festival last month.
Here are his As to our Qs!
When are you happiest?
Being with my wife and daughters. Or being in nature.
What motivates you?
I just enjoy working. I like making things. So, I guess the answer is: An enjoyment of the process of creating something.
Which city or cities are centers of creativity and inspiration for you?
There are — obviously — many cities I love visiting, but I’m not sure I derive inspiration from cities specifically.
For you, what does Istanbul stand for?
It’s always been one of those places I’ve wanted to see. It’s has always held, for me, some romantic and cultural allure. I was blown away by the city. It far exceeded my notion of what it might be like.
Which era would you have preferred to live in?
I’ve always had an affinity for the mid-to-late 19th century. I’m not sure why. Perhaps I lived a past life then.
What’s your current source of inspiration?
The same as it’s always been. Reading. Ingesting various art and culture and media. Just living. Looking. Listening. My own imagination. The shared emotional and intellectual life of my friends and colleagues.
Your most memorable journey?
I went to Kyoto with my wife Brigette. We had a magical experience there on many levels.
Your favorite place to visit to get ideas ?
Inside my own head.
Your most cherished possession?
I don’t think I’m the type to “cherish” a possession. I’m not terribly into material objects. I guess I own some comfortable old clothes and some art and photography that I would really hate to part with.
How would you describe your world in 3 words?
Brigette. Willow. Isobel.
Key moment in your life?
That time, when I was a kid, when I almost got run over and killed by a commuter train… but didn’t.
Favorite recent discovery?
David Mitchell’s books.
Favorite artist of all times?
Too many to name. Picasso. J.D. Salinger. Louis Armstrong. Andy Warhol. Jean Michel Basquiat. Diane Arbus. Federico Fellini.
What can’t you live without?
Brigette, Willow, Isobel.
Whats on repeat on your iPod?
Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes.
What is the trait you most deplore about yourself?
Egocentricity.
What’s your motto?
Don’t have one.
How do you work when you produce – what comes first the thought or the action?
The thought.
Is there a creative activity that you want to pursue that you have been postponing? What is it?
Attempting to make some sort of fine art — an installation or some form of fine art photography.
If you could trade places with any other person for a week, famous or not famous, living or dead, real or fictional. with whom would it be?
Maybe one of Jesus’ more beloved disciples — one with a good seat for the Sermon on the Mount.
If your creative works had an odor, what do you think they would smell like?
Excellent question! I would hope they’d smell like neroli and burning fall leaves.