Laura Dern, the Oscar-winning actress, recently shared insights into her collaboration with Taylor Swift, shedding light on the pop sensation’s burgeoning career as a director. In a revealing discussion on the UnWrapped podcast’s March 29 episode, Dern delved into her experiences while working with Swift on the set of the Bejeweled music video in 2022, affirming the singer’s directorial prowess and multifaceted talents.
Having previously collaborated with Swift on the Bejeweled music video, Dern expressed admiration for the Grammy-winning artist’s directorial skills, describing her as the “real deal.” The Jurassic Park star lauded Swift’s abilities behind the camera, asserting her belief that the singer has the potential to excel in the filmmaking industry alongside her other remarkable achievements.
Swift’s foray into directing dates back to 2010 when she co-directed the music video for “Mine” with Roman White, marking her directorial debut. Since then, she has continued to explore storytelling through her music videos, co-directing several acclaimed visuals such as “You Need to Calm Down,” “Lover,” and “Me.” In 2020, Swift made her solo directorial debut with “The Man” music video, further establishing her reputation as a filmmaker with subsequent projects like “cardigan,” “Willow,” and “All Too Well: The Short Film.”
The culmination of Swift’s directorial journey led her to helm the Bejeweled music video in 2022, where she took on the role of director, bringing her creative vision to life with the assistance of collaborators like Dita Von Teese, the HAIM sisters, and Laura Dern. Dern, reflecting on her experience on set, expressed admiration for Swift’s directorial acumen, highlighting her preparedness, improvisational skills, and the enjoyable atmosphere she fostered.
Swift’s directorial ambitions extend beyond music videos, as she announced plans for her feature directorial debut with Searchlight Pictures two years ago. The multi-talented artist, known for her storytelling prowess, has reportedly penned an original script for the project. Swift’s directorial achievements have already garnered recognition, with two Best Direction trophies at the MTV VMAs for her work on “All Too Well: The Short Film” and “The Man” videos.
Looking ahead, Dern expressed her eagerness to collaborate with Swift in the future, emphasizing her admiration and willingness to support the singer in her creative endeavors. As Dern continues to captivate audiences with her latest project, the period comedy-drama series “Palm Royale,” premiering on Apple TV+ in March 2024, Swift prepares for the release of her highly anticipated album, “The Tortured Poets Department,” slated for April 19.
The partnership between Laura Dern and Taylor Swift exemplifies the collaborative spirit and creative synergy that defines the entertainment industry, paving the way for future collaborations and artistic exploration.