Guide Note

Spike Jonze is a director who has established himself in film, as well as having a prolific music video directing career.

Fast Facts

1. Real name: Adam Spiegel
2. Born: October 22, 1969
3. Birthplace: Rockville, Maryland
4. Father: Arthur Spiegel III
5. Mother: Sandy Granzow
6. Has a brother, Sam
7. Directed videos for: Beastie Boys, Weezer, Bjork
8. Nominated for Best Director Oscar for Being John Malkovich
9. Co-creator: Jackass
10. Has acted in several films, including Three Kings

After first making a name for himself directing commercials, Jonze went on to film several memorable music videos, including the Happy Days mash-up of Weezer's "Buddy Holly," the crime-drama parody "Sabotage" by the Beastie Boys, and "Wonderboy" by Tenacious D, (plus over 40 others). From 1998-2000, he directed two Fatboy Slim videos that struck a chord with audiences: "Praise You," in which Jonze himself leads a group of amateur dancers in an "impromptu" public performance in front of a movie theater (with a boombox as their sole accompaniment), and "Weapon of Choice," in which ubiquitous actor Christopher Walken shows off his dance moves. On the big screen, Jonze's directing credits include the Charlie Kaufman films Being John Malkovich and Adaptation, and 2009's Where the Wild Things Are, a movie version of the classic children's book.