Hiro Murai

Hiro Murai is a Tokyo-born filmmaker based out of Los Angeles. His most notable works include music videos for internationally successful artists such as Childish Gambino, Earl Sweatshirt, Chet Faker, Flying Lotus, David Guetta, The Shins, The Fray, Bloc Party and Queens of the Stone Age.^[1] In 2013 he directed the short film Clapping for the Wrong Reasons.^[2]^[3] In 2016, he directed several episodes of the comedy-drama Atlanta, collaborating again with Donald Glover aka Childish Gambino.^[4]

Murai moved to Los Angeles when he was nine years old and later graduated with a degree from the USC School of Cinematic Arts.^[5]

Career

In 2016, Murai directed six episodes from the debut season of Atlanta, a comedy-drama series created, executive produced, and starring Donald Glover.^[6] Murai had previously collaborated with Glover, directing music videos for his rapper alter ego Childish Gambino.^[7]
In 2013, Murai directed Hive, a song by American rapper Earl Sweatshirt. It premiered July 15, 2013.
In 2013, Murai directed 3005, A song by American hip hop recording artist Childish Gambino. It premiered December 6, 2013.
In 2013, Murai directed, Telegraph Ave, a song by American hip hop recording artist Childish Gambino.
In 2013, Murai directed, Sweatpants, a song by American hip hop recording artist, Childish Gambino.
In 2013, Murai directed, Smooth Sailing, a song by American rock band, Queens of The Stone Age.
In 2014, Murai directed, Never Catch Me, a song by American music producer, Flying Lotus.
In 2014, Murai directed, #CAKE, a song by American hip hop duo, Shabazz Palaces.
In 2014, Murai directed Gold, a song by Australian musician Chet Faker. It premiered August 12th, 2014.
In 2014, Murai directed Sober, a song by American recording artist, Childish Gambino.
In 2014, Murai directed Do You, a song by American rock band, Spoon.
In 2015, Murai directed Grief, a song by American recording artist, Earl Sweatshirt.
In 2016, Murai directed Take It There, a song by an English trip hop group, Massive Attack.

(2013) MVPA Award for Best Electronic Video for She Wolf.^[8]
(2014) UKMVA Director of the Year / Best Rock / Indie Video International QOTSA for Smooth Sailing.^[9]
(2014) Best Music Videos Lists: The Verge, Pitchfork, IMVDB, Stereogum
(2013) MVPA Best Electronic Video: David Guetta - She Wolf
(2012) Best Music Video Lists: Pitchfork / Buzzfeed / Consequence of Sound / Video Static / Co.Create / NPR Music - for St. Vincent "Cheerleader" and Earl Sweatshirt "Chum"
(2009) MVPA Award for Best Video under $25K. The Fray "Heartless"