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Jake Nava
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Jake Nava in 2012

Jake Nava is a British director, mostly known for his work in music videos for Beyoncé, Arctic Monkeys, Adele, Britney Spears and The Rolling Stones. He also directs TV commercials, notably for Guinness and Levi Strauss & Co.

Early life and education

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Nava described himself to Complex magazine as "kind of mixed in race". He was born and raised in North London to a father of Afro-Mexican ancestry and a mother of Austrian and Dutch descent. His cousins lived in L.A., and he "felt a genuine bond to that American culture, and I had always loved hip-hop, which, in those days, was American music."[1] He graduated with a degree in film from the University of Westminster.[2]

Career

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After college, he began his career directing music videos and films for MTV Sports.[3] Nava has created videos for various artists, including Tina Turner, Spice Girls, Arctic Monkeys, Adele, Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan, Atomic Kitten, Enrique Iglesias, Usher, Pink, Snow Patrol, Shakira, Kelis, Mariah Carey, Natalie Imbruglia, Natasha Bedingfield, The Cranberries, System of a Down, Leona Lewis, Blaque, Mis-Teeq, Little Boots, Beyonce, and Rolling Stones.[4] Nava has also directed advertising campaigns for Armani, Puma, Bacardi, and more. In 2013, Nava directed three music videos for Beyoncé’s visual album ("Partition", "Grown Woman", and "Flawless").

In 2014, Nava collaborated with Lana Del Rey on "Shades of Cool". In 2015, he directed his first commercial for Guinness, titled Intolerant Champion. In 2016, Nava directed Martini's Play with Time, and a second spot for Guinness, titled We Are Made of Football. In 2017, he directed campaigns for Bacardi, Mastercard, Vauxhall "Pyjama Mamas" for Mother, Levi's "Circles".

Nava continued to collaborate with Beyonce in 2020 on her film Black Is King and in 2021 directed a short film featuring Usher for Rémy Martin called Team Up for Excellence.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Jake Nava

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Jake Nava (born 1969) is a British music video and commercial director renowned for his collaborations with major artists, particularly his long-standing partnership with , for whom he has directed over ten videos including the iconic "" (2003) and "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" (2008). His work spans nearly three decades, encompassing high-profile s for artists like , , , , , , and Usher, as well as commercials for brands such as , Puma, , and . Nava's visuals are celebrated for their authenticity, inclusivity, and innovative style, which helped redefine viral music videos through interactivity and cultural resonance. Born Jacob Marcos Nava in , , to Afro-Mexican-born artist José Nava from , , and British cultural studies educator Nava, he grew up in with a mixed heritage that includes Ashkenazi Jewish and Dutch ancestry on his mother's side. He is the younger half-brother of music video director . Nava graduated with a degree in film from the in 1994. Nava began his career directing music videos and short films for MTV Sports shortly after university, quickly establishing himself with early works like Mark Morrison's "Return of the Mack" (1996). His accolades include Clios, Cannes Lions, British Arrows, , , and the UK Music Video Awards' Icon Award in 2017. In November 2023, he joined production company Las Bandas Be Brave for representation on in the and , continuing to direct for contemporary artists like , , and .

Early life and education

Family background

Jake Nava was born in 1969 in , , , to a father and a British mother of Ashkenazi Jewish Austrian and Dutch ancestry. His father, José Nava, was a -born artist from , , who initially worked as a before pursuing and in after immigrating in the . His mother, Michaela “Mica” Nava (née Weisselberg), is a British-born cultural studies educator of Ashkenazi Jewish Austrian paternal descent and Dutch maternal heritage. He is the younger half-brother of music video director . This mixed-race heritage contributed to Nava's multicultural upbringing in a diverse urban environment in , where his parents' artistic and academic pursuits created a home filled with creative influences. The family's dynamics emphasized cross-cultural exchange, with José's transition from fishing life to London's scene and Mica's focus on , , and difference in her scholarly work shaping a household attuned to global artistic narratives. During his childhood, Nava was profoundly influenced by American hip-hop culture, particularly through exposure to innovative music videos on MTV that sparked his passion for directing and visual storytelling. He admired directors like Hype Williams for their dynamic style, blending this with London's underground warehouse parties and nu-soul scenes, which honed his appreciation for rhythmic, culturally layered media. This early immersion in a vibrant, multicultural urban setting cultivated Nava's perspective on art as a medium for representing diverse identities and narratives.

Formal education

Jake Nava graduated with a BA in from the in in 1994. The university's longstanding program, known for its blend of academic rigor and practical application, provided foundational training in visual media, narrative storytelling, and production techniques, including , , directing, , and . Students engaged in hands-on projects using both 16mm and digital formats, progressing from small-scale exercises to collaborative productions such as short dramas, documentaries, and commercials, which honed skills essential for a directing career. During his studies, Nava demonstrated emerging talent by directing three music videos for the acid jazz artist Misty Oldland, marking his initial foray into production while still enrolled. These student-led projects allowed him to apply coursework concepts in real-world scenarios, focusing on visual and technical execution within limited resources. No specific internships are documented from this period, but the program's emphasis on practical experience prepared him directly for professional opportunities in and media.

Career

Early career

Following his graduation from the with a degree in , which equipped him with essential skills in visual storytelling and production, Jake Nava launched his professional career in the mid- by directing and promotional films for Sports. Nava's initial foray into centered on UK artists, beginning with Mark Morrison's "" in 1996, a track that achieved significant international success and introduced his dynamic directing style to a global audience. He continued building his portfolio in the late with Beverley Knight's "Made It Back" (1998), a vibrant R&B visual that highlighted his ability to capture energetic performances. Entering the early 2000s, Nava directed high-profile videos for , including "The Last Goodbye" and "Be with You" (both 2002), which featured sleek nightclub and urban settings to complement the group's pop sound. He also helmed the ' "Holler" (2000), a futuristic concept video that showcased his growing expertise in thematic narratives. These projects facilitated his shift from domestic commissions to international work, exemplified by Tina Turner's "Whatever You Need" (2000), where he crafted a moody, introspective portrayal of the icon walking through urban tunnels.

Breakthrough with major artists

Nava's breakthrough in the United States came in 2003 when he directed the music video for Beyoncé's "" featuring , marking his first major collaboration with an international pop icon and establishing his reputation for high-energy, narrative-driven visuals. The video, shot in , featured bold choreography and urban settings that complemented the song's infectious R&B-hip-hop fusion, earning a nomination for Best Female Video at the . That same year, Nava expanded his portfolio with the direction of Kelis's "Milkshake," a playful and provocative video set in a retro diner that highlighted his ability to blend humor with sensuality in R&B visuals. Building on this momentum, by 2009 he had secured high-profile pop assignments, including Britney Spears's "If U Seek Amy," which employed a tabloid-inspired narrative and scandalous imagery to mirror the song's double entendre, and Shakira's "She Wolf," showcasing contortionist dance sequences in surreal, animalistic environments to evoke the track's wild, transformative theme. Nava's work during this period also marked his entry into hip-hop, exemplified by directing Kanye West's "Monster" in 2010, a horror-infused video featuring the song's amid zombie-like imagery and atmospheric tension. Concurrently, his early collaborations with , such as "Shake It Off" and "Get Your Number" in 2005, demonstrated his versatility in pop-R&B, with street-smart and cameos that amplified Carey's comeback . These projects solidified Nava's transition from UK-based gigs to a sought-after director for global A-list artists across pop and hip-hop genres.

Long-term collaboration with Beyoncé

Jake Nava's collaboration with Beyoncé began in 2003 with the music video for "Crazy in Love," marking the start of a partnership that has spanned over two decades and produced more than ten music videos, along with contributions to her visual projects. This enduring relationship has been characterized by mutual trust, with Nava directing visuals that have become integral to Beyoncé's artistic persona. Nava has directed the following music videos for : "" (2003), "Baby Boy" (2003), "Naughty Girl" (2004), "" featuring (2007), "" (2008), "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" (2008), "Grown Woman" (2013), "Partition" (2013), "***Flawless" (2013), and "Spirit + Bigger" (2019). Additionally, Nava contributed as one of several directors to 's Black Is King (2020), helping craft its narrative segments that blend African cultural elements with her discography. The creative evolution of their partnership reflects a shift from high-energy, dance-focused visuals in the early —such as the vibrant, street-infused energy of ""—to more introspective, narrative-driven pieces in the and beyond. For instance, "Grown Woman" (2013) incorporated archival footage to trace Beyoncé's personal growth, evolving into sensual and empowering explorations like "Partition," which emphasized intimate choreography and a club-like atmosphere, and "***Flawless," which integrated feminist messaging through bold staging and multimedia elements. This progression has shaped Beyoncé's visual identity, moving from pop spectacle to layered storytelling that amplifies themes of empowerment, identity, and , as seen in . A pivotal behind-the-scenes insight from their collaboration is the development of "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)," where Nava opted for a minimalist black-and-white aesthetic to create a timeless, focused visual that highlighted the choreography's precision. The iconic black leotards, designed by , were selected for their bold simplicity, allowing the dancers' synchronized movements—choreographed by —to take center stage against a stark background. This concept transformed the video into a cultural phenomenon, sparking widespread imitation of the hand gesture and dance routine, and solidifying its status as a defining moment in Beyoncé's career.

Other notable music videos

Nava's direction of Pink's "Nobody Knows" in 2006 exemplifies his early command of bold, introspective narratives in videos, where the singer is depicted in a luxurious hotel room transitioning from night to dawn, symbolizing emotional isolation amid fame. Similarly, for Emeli Sandé's "Heaven" in 2011, Nava crafted a poignant, socially conscious visual story set in , , intercutting Sandé's performance with diverse crowds and religious to evoke themes of unity and in urban life. These works highlight Nava's ability to blend personal vulnerability with broader societal commentary in pop contexts. Transitioning to more atmospheric styles, Nava's 2011 video for Adele's "Someone Like You" employs stark black-and-white cinematography in , capturing the artist wandering desolate streets at night to convey raw heartbreak and solitude, a minimalist approach that amplifies the song's emotional depth. His collaborations with further demonstrate this versatility in indie aesthetics; the 2014 "" video unfolds in a , dreamlike haze amid palm trees, with Del Rey gliding through surreal, ghostly sequences that blur fantasy and reality, evoking a modern romance. Building on this, the 2015 "" clip escalates to a cinematic escape narrative, showing Del Rey in a beach house fleeing via helicopter, culminating in explosive liberation against a sun-drenched coastal backdrop. For , Nava directed ' "" in 2014, adopting a gritty, black-and-white vintage style reminiscent of 1970s exploitation films, where a mysterious woman navigates seedy motel rooms and shadowy encounters, mirroring the band's raw, swaggering energy with themes of desire and danger. In 2022, Nava directed the video for featuring "Are You Entertained," a to the late , featuring the artists in luxurious settings to celebrate music's entertaining power. Nava has continued exploring bold pop narratives, as seen in Omar Apollo's "" (2022), a vibrant, retro-futuristic video that juxtaposes playful digital nostalgia with intimate romance, produced by and . His 2024 direction for Perrie’s "Forget About Us" marks a vivacious solo debut for the former member, shot in , , featuring high-energy poolside antics and summery escapism that underscore themes of fleeting relationships. That same year, Nava helmed featuring Lenny Kravitz's "Fly," a monochromatic thriller shot in Krakow, , blending high-energy performance with dramatic visuals during Kravitz's European tour. Post-2021, Nava expanded his representation by signing with Las Bandas Be Brave in 2023 for projects, signaling a renewed focus on diverse artistic collaborations across genres.

Commercials and additional projects

In addition to his work, Jake Nava has directed numerous high-profile commercials, leveraging his expertise in visual to craft brand narratives that emphasize diversity, cultural resonance, and emotional depth. His commercial projects often feature inclusive casting and dynamic , reflecting influences from his earlier collaborations. Nava's entry into advertising included early contributions to television and short-form content, such as directing films for Sports during his university years, which honed his skills in fast-paced, engaging visuals. In 2015, he directed the short film "John Hammond, Intolerant Champion," a period piece set in 1930s celebrating pianist John Hammond's advocacy for racial tolerance, produced by Believe Media and launched in 2016. This was followed by Levi's "Circles" campaign in 2017, a vibrant spot produced by FCB West that used and to highlight unity and individuality across diverse communities. That same year, Nava helmed Bacardi's "Dress to Be Free ()," a service production by Orange Films in that showcased South African culture to promote themes of liberation and self-expression. Throughout the 2010s, Nava directed advertisements for 's fragrance line, including "" in 2010, featuring the artist in a steamy, sensual red-dress sequence; "" in 2011, emphasizing empowerment with bold styling; and "Rise" in 2014, inspired by Maya Angelou's poetry and depicting emerging in shimmering gold. More recently, in 2021, he created the short film "Team Up for Excellence" for , starring and narrated by Usher to explore the historical synergy between and American music across decades. In 2022, Nava directed Gatorade's "Love Means Everything," a tribute to narrated by , produced by to honor her legacy of self-love and athletic excellence. His latest project, the 2024 Range Rover Evoque "Shaped by the City" campaign, consists of city-specific spots (including and New York) that blend urban narratives with the vehicle's design, underscoring personal growth and sophistication. Nava's commercials have garnered industry recognition for their cultural impact, with campaigns like those for and Levi's praised for advancing inclusive storytelling in .

Awards and recognition

Music video accolades

Jake Nava's direction of Beyoncé's "" music video in 2003 earned the video wins at the for Best Female Video, Best Choreography, and Best R&B Video. The project marked an early highlight in Nava's career, also securing the Music Video Production Association's Best R&B Video award in 2004. Nava's work on Beyoncé's "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" in 2008 garnered widespread acclaim, receiving nine nominations at the , including for Best Direction; the video won Video of the Year, Best Choreography, and Best Editing. It also claimed Video of the Year at the 2009 UK Music Video Awards. For Beyoncé's 2013 video "Partition," Nava's direction led to nominations at the for Best Female Video and Best Choreography; the video won Best Choreography. These visuals, along with others from her self-titled album, contributed to receiving the that year, underscoring Nava's role in elevating the album's aesthetic impact. The videos were also performed live at the 2014 , highlighting their cultural resonance. Nava's direction of Adele's "Someone Like You" in 2011 received a nomination for Best International Video at the 2012 MuchMusic Video Awards and Best Cinematography at the 2012 , praised for its intimate, black-and-white portrayal that amplified the song's emotional depth. Throughout his career, Nava has amassed further recognition for , including the Icon Award at the 2017 UK Music Video Awards for his influential contributions to the medium, particularly with artists like and . His videos have collectively shaped modern music visuals, earning accolades from , UKMVAs, and for projects such as Alicia Keys' "Unthinkable" in 2010.

Commercial and industry honors

Nava's foray into commercial directing has been marked by significant accolades from major advertising awards bodies, underscoring his ability to blend narrative depth with brand . His work has earned multiple and , as well as British Arrows, for campaigns that emphasize cultural inclusivity and emotional resonance. A standout example is the 2017 Levi's "Circles" campaign, which Nava directed to celebrate global unity through dance across diverse cultures; it received a at the 2018 Lions International Festival of Creativity in the Film Lions category for TV/Cinema in the Retail sector. Similarly, his 2016 Guinness spot "John Hammond, Intolerant Champion"—part of the "Made of More" series highlighting unsung heroes of tolerance—contributed to his broader recognition in these prestigious forums, with the campaign's innovative approach to historical amplifying brand impact. Beyond specific project honors, Nava's commercials have been celebrated in industry rankings, including Campaign magazine's Top 10 TV & Cinema Ads, reflecting his versatility in elevating to cinematic levels. In November 2023, he expanded his professional footprint by signing a representation deal with Las Bandas Be Brave, signaling ongoing demand for his cross-disciplinary expertise in commercials and beyond.

References

  1. https://believemedia.com/directors/jake-nava
  2. https://www.promonews.tv/news/2023/11/02/jake-nava-joins-las-bandas-be-brave/83968
  3. https://www.independenttalent.com/directors/jake-nava/
  4. https://www.camdennewjournal.co.uk/article/fisherman-jose-was-hooked-by-the-arts
  5. https://prabook.com/web/mica.nava/644060
  6. https://www.complex.com/music/a/justin-charity/return-of-the-mack-music-video-interview-jake-nava
  7. https://www.westminster.ac.uk/news/film-alumnus-jake-nava-partly-directs-beyonces-new-visual-album-black-is-king
  8. https://ethnicelebs.com/jake-nava
  9. https://www.westminster.ac.uk/film-and-television-media-and-communication-courses/2026-27/september/full-time/film-ba-honours
  10. https://imvdb.com/video/mark-morrison/return-of-the-mack
  11. https://imvdb.com/video/atomic-kitten/be-with-you
  12. https://imvdb.com/video/spice-girls/holler
  13. https://imvdb.com/video/tina-turner/whatever-you-need
  14. https://magazine.shots.net/news/view/71059-jake-nava-nava-say-nava
  15. https://imvdb.com/video/beyonce/crazy-in-love
  16. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6821706/
  17. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/2003-mtv-video-music-awards-nominees-69818/
  18. https://imvdb.com/video/kelis/milkshake
  19. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13161380/
  20. https://imvdb.com/video/britney-spears/if-u-seek-amy
  21. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6970886/
  22. https://imvdb.com/video/shakira/she-wolf
  23. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6873080/
  24. https://imvdb.com/video/kanye-west/monster
  25. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11349468/
  26. https://imvdb.com/video/mariah-carey/shake-it-off
  27. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7349844/
  28. https://imvdb.com/video/mariah-carey/get-your-number
  29. https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/beyonce-single-ladies-put-a-ring-on-it-oral-history-8467159/
  30. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1764613/
  31. https://imvdb.com/n/jake-nava
  32. https://slate.com/culture/2020/07/black-is-king-directors-beyonce-movie-disney-collaborators.html
  33. https://www.vibe.com/news/entertainment/director-jake-nava-beyonces-grown-woman-partition-flawless-videos-212475/
  34. https://www.songfacts.com/facts/emeli-sande/heaven
  35. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/adele-wanders-paris-in-someone-like-you-video-467147/
  36. https://www.promonews.tv/videos/2014/06/18/lana-del-rey-shades-cool-jake-nava/27101
  37. https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/lana-del-rey-most-ambitious-music-videos-6738403/
  38. https://lbbonline.com/news/jake-nava-gets-vintage-with-arctic-monkeys
  39. https://www.vibe.com/music/videos/russ-ed-sheeran-are-you-entertained-music-video-1234680241/
  40. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lwdjNS8Ixk
  41. https://www.promonews.tv/videos/2024/05/01/perrie-forget-about-us-jake-nava/86336
  42. https://www.promonews.tv/videos/2024/08/20/quavo-lenny-kravitz-fly-jake-nava/87773
  43. https://lbbonline.com/people/jake-nava
  44. https://www.adsoftheworld.com/campaigns/circles
  45. https://vimeo.com/245391431
  46. https://www.fragrantica.com/perfume/Beyonce/Heat-7745.html
  47. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1rfOZ5wiWc
  48. https://www.bet.com/article/0qb9v3/beyonce-releases-ad-for-new-perfume-rise
  49. https://lbbonline.com/news/remy-martin-and-usher-celebrate-two-cultures-of-excellence-in-history-hopping-film
  50. https://www.adweek.com/creativity/gatorade-beyonce-celebrate-serena-williams-legacy/
  51. https://gosee.de/image/emeis-deubel-michael-schnabel-for-range-rover-evoque-1403695/repsnews/64510/rep/11941
  52. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6665324/awards/
  53. https://ir.paramount.com/news-releases/news-release-details/beyonce-and-lady-gaga-tied-nine-2009-mtv-video-music-awards
  54. https://www.filmaffinity.com/us/movie-awards.php?movie-id=332041
  55. https://www.videostatic.com/news/2014/07/17/full-2014-mtv-vma-nominees
  56. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/marianas-trench-leads-drake-justin-bieber-with-seven-noms-in-1096661/
  57. https://magazine.shots.net/news/view/uk-music-video-awards-2017-winners
  58. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1764613/awards/
  59. https://www.productionservicenetwork.com/circles/
  60. https://theorg.com/org/believe-media/org-chart/jake-nava
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