Spike Jonze

Spike Jonze, born Adam Spiegel on October 22, 1969, is an American filmmaker, actor, and photographer. He gained recognition for his work in various mediums, including films, commercials, music videos, skateboard videos, and television. Jonze started his career as a photographer, capturing images of BMX riders and skateboarders for Freestylin' Magazine and Transworld Skateboarding. He also co-founded the youth culture magazine Dirt. Transitioning to filmmaking, he directed street skateboarding films like Video Days (1991), which had a significant impact. In 1993, Jonze co-founded the skateboard company Girl Skateboards. Throughout the 1990s, Jonze became a sought-after music video director, collaborating with artists like R.E.M., Sonic Youth, Beastie Boys, and Kanye West. He made his feature film directing debut with Being John Malkovich (1999) and Adaptation (2002), both written by Charlie Kaufman.