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Cameron Duddy
Cameron Duddy
Cameron Duddy
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Cameron Thomas Duddy (born December 6, 1985) is an American music video director and musician with over 9 billion views across his work.[1][2][3] As a director, he is known for his work with Bruno Mars, OneRepublic, and Fifth Harmony. Most notably, Cameron directed the video for "Uptown Funk", winning an EMA, VMA, and topping charts as the 3rd most viewed video on YouTube.[4][1][5] He is also the bass guitarist in the band Midland.[6][7]

Key Information

Career

[edit]

Music video director

[edit]

Duddy has directed over 20 music videos, that include Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars' "Uptown Funk" and Fifth Harmony's "Worth It".[3] In 2017, Cameron also directed Bruno Mars' "24K Magic" which earned him a BET award[8] and three VMA nominations for "Best Video," "Best Director," and "Best Art Direction".[9] He has also worked with Jennifer Lopez, Britney Spears, Iggy Azalea,[10] One Republic and most recently received an MTV Award for “Best Rock Video” for John Mayer's single, "Last Train Home".[11][12] Duddy also received a CMT nomination for "Best Group Video" for directing the debut single/video from his country trio, Midland.[13]

Musician/songwriter

[edit]

Duddy is one of the founding members of the country music trio Midland. Formed in 2016 in Dripping Springs, Texas, it consists of Mark Wystrach (lead vocals), himself as bass guitarist and background vocalist, and Jess Carson (electric guitar, background vocals). Midland's musical styles are defined by neotraditional country influences.[14] Through Big Machine Records, Midland has released four full-length LPs; the first, On The Rocks,[15] achieved gold status and produced their triple-platinum hit, "Drinkin Problem",[16] as well as a platinum hit, "Burn Out".[17] The album earned them two Grammy nominations[18] and several CMA,[19] ACM[20] and CMT[21] nominations as well as a win for ‘Best New Group’ at the ACM Awards.[22] The band most recently released their fourth album, titled The Last Resort: Greetings From,[23] leading Midland on a world tour with several sold out performances in Australia, Europe, and the US.[24][25][26][27]

Film director

[edit]

In June 2025, Duddy was announced to make his feature-length debut with Cowboy, based on a story he wrote with Midland member Carson.[28] Wystrach will also appear in the film, alongside Ben Foster, Rudy Pankow, Gabriel Basso, Taylor Lewan, Laysla De Oliveira, and Simon Rex.[29]

Personal life

[edit]

Duddy is the son of cinematographer Christopher Duddy and Renee Axotis. He is the stepson of actress Joely Fisher, and also stepgrandson of actress Connie Stevens.[30]

He is married to photographer Harper Smith. They have a son and a daughter.[31]

Nominations and awards

[edit]
  • 2013: MTV Video Music Awards, Best Direction (Locked Out of Heaven)[30]
  • 2015/2017: MTV Video Music Awards, Best Direction (nominee)[citation needed]
  • 2018: Grammy, Best Country Song (nominee)[32]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Cameron Duddy

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Cameron Duddy is an American music video director and , recognized as the bassist for the Grammy-nominated country band Midland and for helming high-profile videos such as "Uptown Funk" by featuring in 2014. Duddy's directorial career includes over 30 s, with notable collaborations alongside on tracks like "24K Magic" (2016) and "" (2017), the former earning a Award and multiple Video Music Award nominations. His projects have collectively surpassed 9 billion views, including work with artists such as on "" (2016) and on "Legends Never Die" (2020). Influenced by his father, a , Duddy has built a reputation for visually dynamic storytelling that blends his interests in music and . As a , Duddy co-founded Midland in around 2013, contributing to their debut single "," which topped charts and earned two Grammy nominations in for best country song and best country duo/group performance. , known for its neo-traditional country sound, has toured globally, allowing Duddy to balance directing select projects with band duties. In 2025, he is set to make his directorial debut with Cowboy, a drama starring Ben Foster, , and , story co-written with bandmate Jess Carson from a script by Adair Cole and produced by Paint Horse Pictures. Duddy resides on a ranch in , where he draws inspiration for his creative pursuits.

Early life and education

Family background

Cameron Duddy was born on December 6, 1985, in the United States, . He is the son of cinematographer Christopher Duddy, known for his work on films such as Terminator 2: Judgment Day and The Mexican. Duddy's parents separated when he was young, leading to infrequent visits with his father, during which they bonded over discussions of music and ; his father even gave him his first , an , which sparked his early interest in music as a way to connect and find identity. In 1996, Christopher Duddy married actress , making Cameron Duddy her stepson along with his brother, Collin Nicholas Duddy (born February 17, 1988). Through this marriage, Duddy gained stepsisters in Fisher's daughters, Skylar Grace Fisher-Duddy (born 2001) and True Harlow Fisher-Duddy (born February 2, 2006). He is also the step-grandson of actress , Fisher's mother, whose own career in entertainment further embedded Duddy in a Hollywood-adjacent environment from a young age. This family immersion in the entertainment industry provided Duddy with early exposure to filmmaking and music, offering what he described as "a license to dream big" despite not directly securing professional opportunities through familial ties. Growing up around professionals like his father and stepmother fostered a creative atmosphere that influenced his later pursuits, though he navigated his path independently amid the challenges of his parents' separation.

Early interests and schooling

Duddy developed a strong passion for music during his childhood, influenced by his father's career as a , which also sparked an early interest in film. At around age 10, he became enamored with Green Day's album , leading him to write his own imitation songs, and he enjoyed bands like Nirvana, Metallica, and . He picked up the guitar in elementary school, marking the beginning of his musical pursuits. Additionally, a memorable childhood experience involved visiting the set of Terminator 2 in kindergarten, where he met , further fueling his fascination with visual storytelling. In high school, Duddy's interests converged as he focused intensely on a class, which he described as the only subject to which he fully applied himself. There, he collaborated with classmates to form a makeshift crew, producing short films and recreating music videos, such as the ' "." This hands-on work in his teenage years represented a pivotal shift toward blending his love for music with , laying the groundwork for his future career in directing. Duddy made an early foray into with a small role as Cameron in the 2007 comedy film , directed by his father Christopher Duddy and co-starring . Details on formal higher education are absent from available records, but Duddy emphasized learning directing and editing through self-taught , including shooting personal short films and music videos while working at a camera rental company and leveraging connections with peers for equipment access.

Career

Music video directing

Cameron Duddy entered the music video directing scene in the late 2000s, marking his professional debut with the 2010 video for Bruno Mars' "The Other Side." By 2025, his portfolio encompassed dozens of projects across pop, R&B, and country genres, collectively surpassing 9 billion views on platforms like YouTube. His early work established a foundation in high-energy visuals that blended performance footage with conceptual elements, quickly attracting attention from major artists. Duddy's career gained significant momentum through his breakthrough collaboration with , beginning in earnest in 2012. He co-directed "," a dynamic video depicting Mars and his band performing in a stark, industrial space that evoked raw intensity and has since amassed over 1 billion views. This partnership solidified with "" in 2013, where Duddy crafted a lively homage to aesthetics, featuring Mars in sharp suits amid a troupe of dancers, contributing to the track's chart-topping success and enduring popularity. The collaboration reached its pinnacle with Duddy's direction of "" (2014) by featuring , a cultural phenomenon that propelled into mainstream revival. The video's street-strutting narrative, filled with synchronized and nostalgic flair, has garnered over 5.6 billion views as of 2025, underscoring its global impact. Duddy continued this synergy with Mars on "24K Magic" (2016), a opulent party sequence in a neon-lit casino setting that has exceeded 1.7 billion views and exemplified his knack for luxurious, feel-good . Beyond Mars, Duddy directed standout videos for artists including ("Worth It," 2015), showcasing empowered choreography in a candy-colored world, and ("," 2013), which captured adrenaline-fueled racing scenes. These projects highlighted his versatility in amplifying pop anthems through polished production and thematic depth. Duddy later expanded into , directing early videos tied to the band Midland, such as their 2017 debut single "." Shot in a rustic town, the video portrayed a heartbroken protagonist's bar-hopping odyssey, earning a nomination for Best Group Video at the and signaling his pivot toward narrative-driven Americana visuals. Throughout his oeuvre, Duddy's style prioritizes vibrant , retro influences like mid-century motifs and bold palettes, and compelling that immerses viewers in character-driven tales aligned with the song's emotional core.

Music and songwriting

Cameron Duddy co-founded the trio Midland in 2013 alongside and Jess Carson during Duddy's wedding in , , where the group first jammed together and decided to pursue music professionally. The band relocated to , near Austin, in 2014 to build a space and develop their sound. As Midland's bassist and , Duddy has been integral to the band's neo-traditional , which draws on and influences with harmonious vocals and about love, heartbreak, and . His contributions provide the rhythmic foundation for their live performances and recordings, while his vocal harmonies enhance the trio's signature blend. Midland's debut album, On the Rocks, released in 2017, marked their breakthrough with tracks co-written by Duddy, including the lead single "Drinkin' Problem," which he penned alongside Wystrach, Carson, , and . The song, a No. 1 hit on the chart and certified 5× Platinum (as of September 2024), exemplifies Duddy's role in crafting the band's drinking-themed narratives, often evoking tequila-fueled escapades and barroom regrets. Follow-up albums include Let It Roll (2019), which topped the chart; The Last Resort: Greetings From (2022); and Barely Blue (2024), which debuted at No. 7 on the chart, featuring Duddy's co-writing on opener "Lucky Sometimes." Duddy's songwriting extends across Midland's catalog, with credits on multiple tracks that reinforce their retro vibe, such as "Lonely for You Only" and "Make a Little" from On the Rocks. The band's music has amassed over 1 billion streams on , underscoring the impact of Duddy's creative input in driving their commercial success. In live settings, Duddy performs bass and vocals during Midland's extensive tours, including their 2025 European run with dates in the UK, , and . The group also hosted the inaugural Last Resort Cruise in April 2024, a four-day voyage from featuring onboard performances by Midland and guests like .

Film directing

Duddy's entry into directing followed years of experience in and , where he honed skills in visual storytelling and narrative pacing. His early involvement in film came as a post-production assistant on the 2007 comedy The Heartbreak Kid, directed by the , providing him with foundational insights into the feature filmmaking process. In 2025, Duddy made his directorial debut with , a contemporary western drama produced under his company, Paint Horse Pictures. The film stars Ben Foster as a seasoned , alongside , , and , depicting a group of bull riders, barrel racers, and pickup men navigating the grueling traveling circuit. It explores themes of family bonds, fierce competition, and the emotional and physical toll of pursuing dreams in a high-stakes environment, drawing on authentic depictions of life. began in June 2025, with filming locations including , , and the Airdrie Pro grounds in , , to capture the circuit's transient intensity. Duddy's approach to Cowboy incorporates dynamic visuals and concise narrative depth influenced by his music video background, emphasizing the adrenaline of rodeo events and character-driven drama. As of November 2025, the project has generated positive industry buzz for its strong ensemble cast and Duddy's fresh perspective on rodeo culture, though no release date has been announced. No prior short films or television pilots directed by Duddy have been publicly documented, marking Cowboy as his first major foray into long-form cinema.

Personal life

Marriage and residence

Cameron Duddy married professional photographer Harper Smith on August 10, 2013, in , . The ceremony embraced a chic theme, reflecting the couple's affinity for Western aesthetics. Smith's expertise in fashion and has influenced Duddy's visual style in his music video directing, notably through her role in capturing the retro-inspired imagery for his band Midland. As of 2024, Duddy and Smith reside in , on a 22-acre renovated farmhouse ranch purchased in 2014. The four-bedroom property underwent a comprehensive remodel with interior designer Amy Pigliacampo, incorporating modern elements such as a Japandi-style with dolomite counters and Calacatta Viola , custom tiles featuring animal footprints, expansive glass windows for natural light, and preserved original features like the wraparound porch and central fireplace. The home blends antiques from sources like the Round Top Antiques Fair, personal artwork including vintage family photos and Duddy's line drawings, and functional spaces like a long dining table and stand-up for gatherings. Their includes dogs, cats, pigs, chickens, donkeys, goats, a Highlander cow named Honey Bear, a pet turkey named Karen, and a , creating a vibrant rural environment. Duddy maintains a balance between extensive touring with Midland and the restorative demands of ranch life, including animal care and family downtime in this retreat. Following their marriage, the couple expanded their family.

Family

Cameron Duddy and his wife, Harper Smith, welcomed their first child, a son named Kitt Cassidy Duddy, in 2016. Their second child, daughter Billie Pierre Duddy, was born on April 18, 2020. During the delivery, Duddy sang to his wife, providing emotional support amid the family's joyous celebration of the new arrival. Duddy is deeply involved in parenting, often highlighting the rewards of fatherhood while navigating the demands of his career in music and directing. He and Smith share family moments through selective public updates, emphasizing their commitment to raising Kitt and Billie in a nurturing environment. The family maintains close interactions with extended relatives, including Duddy's stepmother, actress , with whom they have shared significant events like Duddy's 2013 wedding in , —a location tied to family traditions. Overall, Duddy and Smith's serves as the foundation for their unit, where they prioritize while occasionally sharing glimpses of their life together as of 2025.

Awards and nominations

MTV Video Music Awards

Cameron Duddy's work as a director has earned him significant recognition at the , particularly through his collaborations with . In , he co-directed ' "," which won Best Male Video and received nominations for Video of the Year and Best Pop Video. The following year, Duddy co-directed Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars' "Uptown Funk," released in late 2014, which secured a win for Best Male Video at the 2015 VMAs. The video also garnered nominations for Video of the Year, Best Collaboration, Best Direction, and Best Choreography. Duddy achieved further prominence in 2017 with four nominations for co-directing Bruno Mars' "24K Magic," including Video of the Year, Best Direction, Best Art Direction, and Best Visual Effects. None of these resulted in wins, but the multiple nods highlighted his versatility in visual storytelling. These VMA accolades, occurring primarily before the rise of his country band Midland, elevated Duddy's profile in the music video industry, establishing him as a sought-after director for high-profile pop projects and broadening his creative reach. As of 2025, Duddy's total VMA achievements include two wins and at least nine nominations, with no recorded nods for his country music videos, as the awards focus more on pop, hip-hop, and rock genres.

Other recognitions

In 2017, the music video for "24K Magic" that Duddy co-directed with won Video of the Year at the . As a member of the country band Midland, Duddy shared two Grammy Award nominations in 2018 for the song "" from their debut album On the Rocks: Best Country Duo/Group Performance and Best Country Song. These nominations highlighted the band's songwriting contributions, with Duddy credited as a co-writer on the track. The music video for "," directed by Duddy, was nominated for Group Video of the Year at the 2017 . Duddy's collaborative direction on Midland's "Burn Out" music video earned a nomination for Video of the Year at the 54th in 2019. Additionally, Midland won the ACM Award for New Vocal Group of the Year in 2018, recognizing the trio's breakthrough impact in country music. received further ACM nominations for Vocal Group of the Year in subsequent years, including 2020, 2022, and 2023. Midland also garnered multiple Country Music Association Award nominations, including Vocal Group of the Year, Single of the Year for "Drinkin' Problem," and New Artist of the Year in 2018. The group continued to receive Vocal Group of the Year nods at the CMAs in 2020, 2022, and 2023. Duddy's broader directing work has amassed over 9 billion views across his music videos, earning acclaim in industry publications for his visual storytelling in both pop and country genres. Features in outlets like Variety and Billboard have noted his versatility, from high-profile collaborations to band projects that blend retro aesthetics with modern appeal.

References

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