Ian Schwartz is an L.A. native who cut his teeth as a staff writer, helping to develop a diverse slate of acclaimed commercials and music videos. He is an award-winning director known for his cinematic visuals, surreal storytelling, and dark humor, bringing a distinctive voice to music videos for The Dead Weather, Joel Compass, Mr. Little Jeans, and Axwell /\ Ingrosso, the offshoot of Swedish House Mafia.
Continuing his work as a solo filmmaker, Ian teamed up with fourclops and Wieden+Kennedy to direct Portugal. The Man’s interactive music video for 'Feel It Still'—a viral resistance movement featuring clickable Easter eggs designed to inspire action against political injustice. The project earned a Bronze Entertainment for Music Lion at the 2017 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, as well as a Graphite and Wood Pencil at the 2017 D&AD Impact Awards.
More recently, he has directed campaigns for Philadelphia Cream Cheese, Meta Quest, and Coca-Cola as part of their 2021 global campaigns. Ian has also helmed commercials and integrated campaigns for global brands including Google Audiobooks, Virgin Mobile, Campbell’s, KFC, Budweiser, and Nike.
Beyond global brand work, Schwartz directed the integrated campaign for No Frills’ 'Hauler Made', portraying customers of the Canadian supermarket chain as daring, mysterious individuals capable of anything—from levitating and cloning themselves to floating through outer space without a spacesuit.
Ian continues to create work that resonates and pushes the boundaries of storytelling across music videos and advertising.
