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Kyle Newman
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Kyle Newman (born March 16, 1976) is an American filmmaker, actor and author. He is best known for directing Fanboys (2009), and has since directed Barely Lethal (2015), and 1Up (2022).
Key Information
Early life and education
[edit]Newman was born in 1976 in New Jersey. He has a brother named Kevin, who went on to work as a character designer for The Simpsons.[citation needed]
He is an honors graduate of New York University's School of Film/TV and the receipt of the Martin Scorsese Award for "Excellence in Directing". In 1998, Newman's short film Bitten by Love won the Coca-Cola Refreshing Filmmaker's Award while he was a student at New York University.[3]
Career
[edit]Film
[edit]In 2006, Newman began production on Fanboys, a Star Wars-themed comedy starring Jay Baruchel, Dan Fogler and Sam Huntington. Initially set for release in August 2007, it was pushed back to January 2008 as Newman was given more funding to shoot addition scenes. However, reuniting the cast would only be possible that September, so it was pushed back again to early 2008. By the end of the year, Newman was not involved in reshoots, and the scenes were directed by Steven Brill. The film was eventually released in February 2009 to poor reviews. Newman later directed Barely Lethal for A24, which starred Hailee Steinfeld and Samuel L. Jackson, as well as 1Up for Lionsgate and Prime Video, a comedy set in the world of competitive esports starring Ruby Rose. He is set to direct a documentary for Hasbro, exploring the fifty-year history of Dungeons & Dragons.[4]
In 2016, Newman produced Raiders!: The Story of the Greatest Fan Film Ever Made, a documentary about three teenagers who set out to recreate Steven Spielberg's classic Raiders of the Lost Ark shot-for-shot in 1982, which was distributed by Drafthouse Films. He reteamed with director Jeremy Coon and Fanboys scribe Adam F. Goldberg to produce A Disturbance in the Force, a documentary about the making of The Star Wars Holiday Special. He is the co-creator, co-story writer of the Netflix Original animated feature film Gnome Alone. Newman also executive produced Happily, alongside Jack Black.
Other work
[edit]2018 saw the release of his first book Art & Arcana: A Visual History via Ten Speed Press/Penguin Random House in association with Wizards of the Coast. It received nominations for a Locus Award, a Diana Jones Award, and a Hugo Award.[5] Newman's second book Heroes' Feast: The Official Dungeons & Dragons Cookbook published in October 2020 by Ten Speed Press/Penguin Random House in association with Wizards of the Coast, reunited the author team and became a New York Times bestseller and was adapted into a cooking show titled Heroes' Feast for Hasbro. In 2023, sequels to both books were published by Ten Speed Press/Penguin Random House. Dungeons & Dragons: Lore & Legends tells the story of D&D's 5th Edition and Heroes' Feast: Flavors of the Multiverse is the planet-hopping follow-up cookbook.[6]
Newman has directed music videos for artists including Taylor Swift ("Style", "Clean"), Lana Del Rey ("Summertime Sadness") and Cyn ("House With A View", "Losing Sleep"), and created the video content for Swift's The 1989 World Tour.
Personal life
[edit]In 2006, while working on the set of Fanboys, he met actress and former model Jaime King.[7] Newman proposed in spring 2007, and the two married on November 23, 2007[8] in an "intimate and relaxed" ceremony in Los Angeles at Greystone Park and Manor, where Newman had proposed.[9] Newman and King have two sons together;[10] Taylor Swift is godmother to their second son.[11]
In May 2020, King filed for divorce from Newman after 13 years of marriage.[12] King also filed a domestic violence prevention petition and was granted a temporary restraining order against Newman,[12] which was later withdrawn.[13] The divorce was finalized in September 2023.[14]
Newman has a son and daughter with his partner, singer-songwriter Cyn.[15][16]
Newman is a supporter of Premier League club Arsenal.[17]
Filmography
[edit]Short film
[edit]| Year | Title | Director | Producer | Writer | Editor | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | The Cyclist | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 1998 | Bitten by Love | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 2000 | Drone | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | |
| 2008 | The Cube | Yes | No | Yes | No | Made for Microsoft |
| 2012 | Latch Key | No | Yes | No | No | Role: Mr. Kyle |
Feature film
[edit]Director
| Year | Title | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | The Hollow | Television film; Role: Cool High School Dude |
| 2009 | Fanboys | Also editor (Uncredited) |
| 2015 | Barely Lethal | |
| 2022 | 1Up | Role: Iggy, Kong Coach |
| TBA | Untitled Vigilante Project | Also writer and producer |
Story writer
- Gnome Alone (2017)
Executive producer
- Happily (2021)
Documentary works
[edit]Short film
| Year | Title | Director | Writer | Producer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Artflick.001 | Yes | Yes | No |
| 2013 | The Return of Return of the Jedi: 30 Years and Counting | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Film
| Year | Title | Director | Producer | Himself |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Ralph McQuarrie: Tribute to a Master | No | Associate | Yes |
| 2015 | Raiders!: The Story of the Greatest Fan Film Ever Made | No | Executive | No |
| 2023 | A Disturbance in the Force | No | Yes | Yes |
| TBA | Untitled Dungeons & Dragons documentary | Yes | Executive | No |
Other works
[edit]Theatre
| Year | Title | Director | Producer | Writer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Star Wars: Smuggler's Gambit – Live Stage Show | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 2015 | Star Wars: Smuggler's Bounty – Live Stage Show | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 2017 | Star Wars: Smuggler's Revenge – Live Stage Show | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Motion comic
| Year | Title | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2009–2010 | Spartacus: Blood and Sand | 2 episodes |
| 2010 | The Crazies | 4 episodes |
Music video
| Year | Title | Artist | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | "Bury Me Alive" | We Are the Fallen | |
| 2012 | "Bel Air" | Lana Del Rey | |
| "Summertime Sadness" | Co-directed with Spencer Susser | ||
| 2015 | "31 Seconds" | Jaime King & J. Ralph | |
| "Style" | Taylor Swift | ||
| "Clean" (for The 1989 World Tour) | |||
| 2022 | "House With A View" | Cyn | |
| 2023 | "Losing Sleep" | ||
| "Clean (Taylor's Version)" | Taylor Swift |
References
[edit]- ^ Juneau, Jen (February 18, 2021). "Jaime King's Estranged Husband Kyle Newman and Singer Cyn Welcome First Child Together: Source". People. Retrieved December 30, 2022.
- ^ "Welcome to the world BEATRIX ROSE NEWMAN! I am so thrilled to be her father. Cynthia delivered her naturally and both mother & baby are in great spirits and health. We can't wait for Beatrix to meet her big brothers! #girldad#baby #babygirl @cynthialovely". X (formerly Twitter). Retrieved December 8, 2023.
- ^ "NYU Senior Reflects On Winning Coca-Cola Award". indiewire.com. April 6, 1998. Retrieved July 13, 2022.
- ^ Grobar, Matt (October 12, 2022). "'Dungeons & Dragons' Documentary In Works From Hasbro's Entertainment One; Joe Manganiello & Kyle Newman Directing". Deadline. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
- ^ "Dungeons & Dragons Art & Arcana by Michael Witwer, Kyle Newman, Jon Peterson, Sam Witwer". PenguinRandomhouse.com. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
- ^ Galaxy, Geek's Guide to the (December 1, 2023). "Dungeons & Dragons Is a Household Name Again". Wired. ISSN 1059-1028. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
- ^ Serpe, Gina (November 26, 2007). "Jaime King Made a Missus". E! News. Retrieved December 18, 2007.
- ^ "Jaime King ties the knot". Monsters and Critics. November 26, 2007. Archived from the original on December 8, 2007. Retrieved December 18, 2007.
- ^ Lehner, Marla (September 13, 2007). "Jaime King Talks About FedEx Engagement Fiasco". People. Archived from the original on September 17, 2007. Retrieved December 13, 2007.
- ^ Toomey, Alyssa (October 18, 2013). "Jaime King and Kyle Newman Share New Pics of Son James Knight on Instagram—See the Photos!". E! Online. Retrieved May 21, 2020.
- ^ Bayley, Leanne (July 17, 2016). "Jaime King sends cute message to his son's godmother Taylor Swift". Glamour. Retrieved May 21, 2020.
- ^ a b Chiu, Melody (May 18, 2020). "Jaime King Granted Temporary Restraining Order Against Husband Kyle Newman: 'She's Distraught'". People. Retrieved May 20, 2020.
- ^ Calvario, Liz (June 27, 2020). "Jaime King Withdraws Request for Temporary Restraining Order Against Estranged Husband Kyle Newman". Entertainment Tonight. Retrieved April 1, 2024.
- ^ Jackson, Dory (September 20, 2023). "Jaime King Reaches 'Loving and Harmonious' Agreement in 3.5-Years from Kyle Newman". People. Retrieved April 1, 2024.
- ^ Juneau, Jen (February 18, 2021). "Jaime King's Estranged Husband Kyle Newman and Singer Cyn Welcome First Child Together: Source". People. Retrieved December 30, 2022.
- ^ "Welcome to the world BEATRIX ROSE NEWMAN! I am so thrilled to be her father. Cynthia delivered her naturally and both mother & baby are in great spirits and health. We can't wait for Beatrix to meet her big brothers! #girldad#baby #babygirl @cynthialovely". X (formerly Twitter). Retrieved December 8, 2023.
- ^ Byrne, Ruairi. "IN TWEETS: Arsenal fans celebrate as they finish ahead of Spurs for the 21st season in a row". www.buzz.ie. Retrieved June 21, 2017.[permanent dead link]
Bibliography
[edit]- Witwer, Michael; Witwer, Sam; Newman, Kyle; Peterson, Jon (2018). Dungeons & Dragons: Art & Arcana - A Visual History. Ten Speed Press. ISBN 978-0399580949.
- Witwer, Michael; Newman, Kyle; Peterson, Jon (2020). Heroes' Feast: The Official D&D Cookbook. Ten Speed Press. ISBN 978-1984858900.
- Witwer, Michael; Witwer, Sam; Newman, Kyle; Peterson, Jon (2023). Heroes' Feast Flavors of the Multiverse: An Official D&D Cookbook. Ten Speed Press. ISBN 978-1984861313.
- Witwer, Michael; Newman, Kyle (2023). Dungeons & Dragons: Lore & Legends - A Visual Celebration of the Fifth Edition of the World's Greatest Roleplaying Game. Ten Speed Press. ISBN 978-1984862464.
External links
[edit]Kyle Newman
View on GrokipediaEarly life and education
Early years
Kyle Newman was born on March 16, 1976, in Morristown, New Jersey.[1] He grew up in a creative family environment, with his brother Kevin Newman later becoming a character designer known for his work on The Simpsons and Futurama. From an early age, Newman was immersed in popular media, particularly science fiction films that ignited his lifelong passion for storytelling. His first vivid memory dates to the late summer of 1977, when, as a young child, he watched Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope at a drive-in theater alongside his family and cousins.[10] This experience profoundly shaped him; remarkably, his first words at around one and a half years old were names of Star Wars action figures, such as "Tusken Raider" and "Greedo," spoken before he named family members.[10] These formative encounters with cinema fostered Newman's early fascination with film, blending imaginative play with narrative worlds and laying the groundwork for his creative pursuits. This budding interest in filmmaking eventually prompted him to seek formal training at New York University.[10]Formal education
Newman attended New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, where he studied film and television production.[1] He graduated with honors from the program, honing his skills in directing, screenwriting, and editing through rigorous coursework that emphasized narrative storytelling and technical filmmaking techniques.[11] In 1998, as a senior, Newman won the inaugural Coca-Cola Refreshing Filmmaker Award, recognizing his thesis film work.[12] Newman's academic experience was enriched by hands-on student projects, including several short films he wrote and directed, which allowed him to experiment with genre storytelling and character development under faculty guidance.[13] These endeavors built his technical expertise in areas such as cinematography and post-production, laying a foundational influence on his approach to filmmaking.[14]Professional career
Filmmaking
Kyle Newman's directorial debut came with the 2004 horror television film The Hollow, a loose reimagining of the Headless Horseman legend set in modern-day Sleepy Hollow. The story follows a group of teenagers, including a descendant of Ichabod Crane, who inadvertently summon the vengeful spirit during a Halloween gathering, leading to a series of brutal pursuits. Starring Kevin Zegers, Kaley Cuoco, and Nick Carter, the film premiered on ABC Family and received mixed-to-negative reviews for its formulaic teen horror tropes and uneven pacing, though it was praised for its energetic practical effects and atmospheric nods to Washington Irving's tale.[15][16] Newman's breakthrough feature, Fanboys (2009), is a road-trip comedy deeply infused with Star Wars fandom, following four lifelong friends—Eric (Jay Baruchel), Hutch (Dan Fogler), Windows (Sam Huntington), and Linus (Chris Marquette)—who embark on a cross-country quest in 1998 to steal a rough cut of The Phantom Menace from Skywalker Ranch after learning one of them has terminal cancer. The casting included high-profile cameos from Kristen Bell as Zooey and Seth Rogen, alongside appearances by Star Wars alumni like Billy Dee Williams and Carrie Fisher, emphasizing the film's celebratory take on geek culture. Production faced significant hurdles, including a modest $6 million budget that necessitated reshoots after studio interference from The Weinstein Company, which delayed release for over a year and sparked fan protests at theaters; despite initial critical backlash for its uneven tone—earning a 1.5/4 from Roger Ebert—the film has achieved cult status among sci-fi enthusiasts for its heartfelt homage and quotable humor.[17][18][19] In 2015, Newman directed Barely Lethal, an action-comedy blending spy thriller elements with high school drama, centered on 16-year-old operative Agent 84 (Hailee Steinfeld), who fakes her death to attend a suburban school and experience normal teenage life, only to face her ruthless mentor (Jessica Alba) and rival assassin (Sophie Turner). Samuel L. Jackson co-stars as her handler, Hardcore, adding levity through over-the-top training sequences. Acquired and distributed by A24, the film highlighted Newman's knack for genre mashups but garnered lukewarm reception, with critics noting its derivative plot borrowed from films like Juno and Kill Bill, resulting in a 26% Rotten Tomatoes score despite Steinfeld's charismatic performance.[20][21] Newman's most recent directorial effort, 1UP (2022), explores the esports world through the lens of gender dynamics, following college gamer Vivian "V" Lee (Paris Berelc), who quits her team after facing rampant sexism and assembles an all-female squad to compete in a major tournament. Featuring Ruby Rose as a coach and Hari Nef in a supporting role, the film addresses real-world issues in competitive gaming while delivering comedic set pieces around virtual battles and team rivalries. Released directly to streaming on Prime Video by Lionsgate, it received mixed reviews for its timely theme but predictable scripting, holding a 45% on Rotten Tomatoes and underperforming commercially compared to Newman's earlier works.[22][23] As of 2025, Newman is developing several projects: Chewie, a biopic chronicling the life of Star Wars actor Peter Mayhew during the production of the 1977 original, acquired in 2012 with Mayhew's involvement before his 2019 passing; Emo Boy, an adaptation of Steve Emond's cult comic about a melodramatic teen granted "emo powers" through extreme emotions, optioned by Vanguard Films in 2008 with Newman attached to direct and co-write; and an untitled Dungeons & Dragons documentary co-directed with Joe Manganiello, which began production in 2022 and explores the game's 50-year history using archived footage. All remain in various stages of pre-production or production, reflecting Newman's interest in blending personal fandom with character-driven narratives.[24][25][26][27][28] Beyond directing, Newman has taken on production roles in several narrative features, including executive producing the 2021 dark fairy tale Happily alongside Jack Black, which reimagines classic tales with a satirical edge, and serving as co-creator and co-story writer for the 2018 Netflix animated film Gnome Alone, a family adventure about a girl defending her home from mythical intruders. In 2025, he is producing Glendower, a project that received a California Film Tax Credit. These credits underscore his collaborative approach to genre storytelling outside the director's chair.[29]Authorship
Kyle Newman's authorship primarily centers on collaborative works tied to the Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) franchise, blending historical analysis, visual documentation, and culinary interpretations of the game's lore. His contributions emphasize the cultural and artistic dimensions of the role-playing game, drawing on extensive research and partnerships with D&D historians and creators. These books have garnered critical recognition and commercial success, highlighting Newman's role in bridging gaming heritage with accessible, illustrated narratives.[3] In 2018, Newman co-authored Dungeons & Dragons: Art & Arcana: A Visual History with Michael Witwer, Jon Peterson, and Sam Witwer, published by Ten Speed Press. The book chronicles the evolution of D&D through over 400 pieces of artwork, sketches, and ephemera spanning five decades, including essays on key editions, designers, and cultural impact. It received nominations as a finalist for the Hugo Award for Best Art Book and the Locus Award for Best Art Book, underscoring its significance in genre nonfiction.[30][31][32] Newman's culinary foray into D&D authorship came with Heroes' Feast: The Official D&D Cookbook (2020), co-authored with Witwer, Peterson, and Witwer, which became a New York Times bestseller. Featuring 80 recipes inspired by the game's Forgotten Realms setting—such as "Elven Bread" and "Orcish Skewers"—the book integrates lore descriptions, cooking instructions, and thematic pairings to evoke adventuring experiences. Its success reflects the growing mainstream appeal of D&D, with sales driven by the game's resurgence via streaming media.[33][34] This was followed by Heroes' Feast: Flavors of the Multiverse (2023), a sequel expanding on the original with over 75 new recipes exploring diverse D&D settings like Eberron and Ravenloft, again co-authored with the same team. The volume introduces multiverse-spanning themes, including planar-inspired dishes and beverage pairings, further enriching the game's narrative through gastronomic storytelling.[35] Newman also contributed to Dungeons & Dragons: Lore & Legends: A Visual Celebration of the Fifth Edition (2023), co-authored with Witwer, Peterson, and Witwer. This 416-page illustrated guide details the development of D&D's fifth edition through interviews with designers, artwork from core rulebooks, and ephemera tracing its decade-long influence on modern gaming culture. Published by Ten Speed Press, it builds on Art & Arcana by focusing on contemporary evolution and community impact, contributing to the franchise's ongoing popularity.[36] Newman's writing process in these works often incorporates visual storytelling techniques, influenced by his filmmaking background in sci-fi and fantasy genres, to create immersive prose that mirrors cinematic pacing and scene-setting in textual descriptions of art and recipes.[3]Other professional roles
In addition to his feature films, Newman has directed several high-profile music videos, showcasing innovative visual storytelling through techniques like double-exposure and vintage aesthetics. He helmed Taylor Swift's "Style" in 2015, a dreamy narrative blending archival footage with new Los Angeles-shot scenes to depict a cyclical romance, featuring actor Dominic Sherwood as Swift's love interest.[37][38] For Lana Del Rey, Newman co-directed "Summertime Sadness" (Cedric Gervais Remix) in 2012 with Spencer Susser, creating an emotionally charged, retro-inspired video that captured themes of longing and loss through dramatic black-and-white imagery and symbolic elements like crashing waves. He also directed Del Rey's "Bel Air" that same year, emphasizing ethereal, paradise-lost motifs in a concise promotional clip. These collaborations highlighted Newman's ability to adapt his filmmaking style to pop music's narrative demands, often incorporating personal connections—such as his friendship with Swift's associate Jaime King—to foster creative synergy.[39] Beyond directing, Newman produced supplementary content for major artists, including lyric videos and tour visuals. For Taylor Swift, he directed the "Clean" lyric video in 2015 and created behind-the-scenes and performance footage for her 1989 World Tour, featuring collaborations with artists like Selena Gomez to enhance live show projections and promotional materials.[11][40] In July 2025, Newman was appointed Director of the Broadcast Production Program at the Beverly Hills Unified School District (BHUSD), a role aimed at expanding hands-on training in film, television, and narrative arts for high school students. Drawing on his industry experience, he leads curriculum development to equip participants with practical skills in production, editing, and storytelling, preparing them for careers in media while integrating professional-grade equipment and mentorship opportunities into the district's educational framework. As of November 2025, Newman has launched new initiatives for the KBEV student broadcast network, taking the program to innovative heights.[6][41][42][43] Newman has also ventured into game design, particularly within the Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) universe. In 2023, he co-created Dungeons & Dragons: Trials of Tempus, an officially licensed cooperative board game that adapts D&D mechanics for tabletop play, emphasizing narrative-driven quests and character progression to engage both newcomers and longtime fans.[44] This project built on his earlier D&D-related work, including co-authoring illustrated histories that explore the game's visual and cultural evolution.[45]Personal life
Marriage and divorce
Kyle Newman married actress Jaime King on November 23, 2007, in Los Angeles.[46] The couple separated in May 2020, when King filed for divorce citing irreconcilable differences after nearly 13 years of marriage; reports at the time indicated Newman had begun a new relationship, of which King was unaware during the initial filing.[47] Newman and King reached a settlement on September 19, 2023, agreeing to divide their community property and debts, establish spousal and child support obligations, and share joint physical and legal custody of their children on an initial 50/50 basis. The divorce received official finalization from the Los Angeles Superior Court on May 14, 2024, terminating their marital status effective that date.[47][48] Post-finalization, a highly contentious custody dispute unfolded from late 2024 into 2025. In October 2024, Newman petitioned for sole physical and legal custody in court filings, alleging King had repeatedly appeared intoxicated or under the influence of substances while supervising the children, including documented incidents where the children called him in distress describing her as "drunk" or "strung out," and citing her history of addiction issues that posed risks to their well-being.[49][8] On March 11, 2025, the court granted Newman sole physical custody, while retaining joint legal custody with Newman given tie-breaking authority; King was mandated to complete a six-month inpatient rehabilitation program for drugs and alcohol prior to regaining visitation rights, amid evidence from drug tests and witness accounts supporting Newman's claims. In April 2025, King publicly responded to the ruling, describing the custody battle as "scary" and stating that the family court system is "really unfair." This prolonged legal conflict strained family dynamics and stability.[50][51][52]Family
Kyle Newman shares two sons with his ex-wife Jaime King: James Knight Newman, born on October 6, 2013, and Leo Thames Newman, born on July 16, 2015.[53][54] In March 2025, a Los Angeles court awarded Newman sole physical custody of James and Leo, with King required to complete a rehabilitation program prior to regaining visitation rights, following a contentious custody dispute.[8][55] Newman has two children with his wife, singer Cyn (born Cynthia Nabozny): son Etienne Noel Newman, born on February 17, 2021, and daughter Beatrix Rose Newman, born on August 23, 2023.[56][57] Newman and Cyn married in an intimate ceremony in Hawaii on May 20, 2023. The family resides in Los Angeles, where Newman primarily raises all four children.[55] Newman has publicly described fatherhood as challenging yet fulfilling, stating in June 2025 that "being a father of four is downright hard, but I couldn't imagine my life any other way."[58]Filmography
Feature films
Kyle Newman's feature film credits as director are detailed below, drawn from verified production records.[1]| Film Title | Year | Role | Medium |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Hollow | 2004 | Director | TV movie |
| Fanboys | 2009 | Director | Theatrical |
| Barely Lethal | 2015 | Director | Theatrical |
| 1UP | 2022 | Director | Streaming |
| Chewie | TBA | Director | Upcoming |
Documentaries
Kyle Newman has primarily contributed to documentaries as a producer, often focusing on themes of fan-driven filmmaking and pop culture phenomena, particularly within the realms of science fiction and adventure cinema.[59][60]| Title | Year | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raiders!: The Story of the Greatest Fan Film Ever Made | 2016 | Producer | Chronicles the decades-long effort by three childhood friends to remake Raiders of the Lost Ark as a fan project.[59] |
| A Disturbance in the Force | 2023 | Producer | Explores the production and legacy of the 1978 Star Wars Holiday Special.[61] |
| Untitled Dungeons & Dragons Documentary | TBA | Co-director | Co-directed with Joe Manganiello; chronicles the history of the role-playing game using over 400 hours of archived footage.[28] |
Music videos and shorts
Newman's early career in filmmaking began with short films that showcased his emerging directorial style, often exploring themes of perception, emotion, and the supernatural. His debut short, The Cyclist (1997), follows a man's journey through reincarnation, earning early recognition for its introspective narrative.[62] This was followed by Bitten by Love (1998), a romantic drama that won the Coca-Cola Refreshing Filmmaker's Award while Newman was a student at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts. Drone (2000), a sci-fi-inspired piece examining religion and childhood in a dystopian setting, further demonstrated his versatility in genre storytelling.[63] Later, The Cube (2008) served as the opening act for an interactive online filmmaking contest sponsored by Microsoft, blending suspense with audience participation elements.[64] These shorts provided foundational experience that influenced his approach to visual pacing and thematic depth in subsequent works. Newman transitioned into music videos in the late 2000s, directing for prominent artists and emphasizing cinematic visuals, emotional resonance, and innovative editing. His collaborations often featured high-profile cameos and production values comparable to feature films. Below is a selected list of his music videos and notable shorts:| Title | Year | Artist/Project |
|---|---|---|
| The Cyclist | 1997 | Short film |
| Bitten by Love | 1998 | Short film |
| Drone | 2000 | Short film |
| Bury Me Alive | 2010 | We Are the Fallen |
| Summertime Sadness | 2012 | Lana Del Rey (co-directed with Spencer Susser) |
| Bel Air | 2012 | Lana Del Rey (co-directed with Spencer Susser) |
| 31 Seconds | 2015 | Jaime King feat. J. Ralph |
| Style | 2015 | Taylor Swift |
| Clean (1989 World Tour) | 2015 | Taylor Swift |
| House with a View | 2022 | Cyn (featuring Katy Perry) |
| Losing Sleep | 2023 | Cyn |
| Clean (Taylor's Version) lyric video | 2023 | Taylor Swift |
| The Cube | 2008 | Short film (Act I for Microsoft contest) |
Bibliography
Books
| Title | Year | Publisher | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dungeons & Dragons: Art & Arcana: A Visual History | 2018 | Ten Speed Press | Co-author (with Michael Witwer, Sam Witwer, and Jon Peterson) | Finalist for the Hugo Award; Finalist for the Locus Award; Nominated for the Diana Jones Award.[4] |
| Heroes' Feast: The Official Dungeons & Dragons Cookbook | 2020 | Ten Speed Press | Co-author (with Jon Peterson and Michael Witwer) | New York Times bestseller.[33] |
| Heroes' Feast: Flavors of the Multiverse: An Official D&D Cookbook | 2023 | Ten Speed Press | Co-author (with Jon Peterson, Michael Witwer, and Sam Witwer) | — |
| Dungeons & Dragons: Lore & Legends: A Visual Celebration of the Fifth Edition | 2023 | Ten Speed Press | Co-author (with Michael Witwer, Jon Peterson, and Sam Witwer) | — |
