In our new series about creatives making an impact with their work in music videos in 2024, we catch up with Prettybird director and artist Joseph Wilson - who enjoys spending time with his favourite superstars. 

From queer drag performer, to visual artist and director, Joseph Wilson is building a body of work that has real substance. Wilson's work explores LGBTQ+ narratives, taking inspiration from his own lived experiences as well as documenting the people and places around him, amplifying their voices and celebrating their stories through his work.  

That work can take different forms, including installation art and live performance - both of which feature in a recent exhibition, held last month in London. And as a director of moving image, Joseph has explored those themes in a variety of projects, from documentaries to music videos.

Having worked last year with Patrick Wolf and Autoheart, he has recently addressed the East London Queer experience in new videos for The Irrepressibles - the musical project of musician Jamie McDermott.

So we sent over our new Snapshot Q&A to Joseph, and he snappily sent back his responses. Above: photo of Joseph by Dani D’Ingeo. 

Name: Joseph Wilson

Birthday: 16/10/88

Where did you grow up? Surrey

Place of further education and course (if any)? Camberwell College of Art (Foundation), Wimbledon College of Art (BA Hons)

Where do you live now? Hackney

What were the important first projects for you, in terms of a learning experience and getting noticed?

Isn’t It A Beautiful World. I started developing this through the Film London Artist Moving Image Network in 2020 before receiving my first Arts Council England grant to complete it. The film then went on to win the CIRCA Class of 2021 and premiere at BFI London Film Festival.

Best film you’ve seen this year? Crossing, directed by Levan Akin

Favourite song/album/music artist this year? Tom Rassmussen

Favourite music video/videos you’ve seen this year? IDLES - Gift Horse [directed by David M. Helman]

Most annoying thing? Straight pop stars coining in on the queer community.

What has been (or usually is) your favourite night out this year? NYC Downlow at Glastonbury

Name a film or video or other creative work that had a huge influence on your career choice? Tarnation, directed by Jonathan Caouette.

In terms of music video-related jobs of the past year or so - what was the most rewarding creatively, and why?

Working with performers from the East London queer community on all of my videos. They’re all superstars!

And any music video project, or aspect of a project, that completely sucked? Travelling back from Margate after shooting the Juggernaut video for Autoheart. There was a fire in the Blackwall Tunnel.

What are your favourite other (non-mv) projects of the past year or so? My recent show LUV SHANNON X. which ran for two weeks at Seventeen Gallery, London.

What’s the most surprising thing that’s happened this year? Tia Kofe winning Drag Race.

Most annoying/irksome thing that’s been going on this year (work-related or otherwise)? James Corden stopping his play to watch the football. Straight pop stars coining in on the queer community.

Your top suggestion to change and improve how the music video industry works? Pay directors to pitch!

What are you looking forward to most for the summer and/or the rest of the year? My niece being born :)

• Joseph Wilson is a director at Prettybird, and represented for music videos by Mouthpiece. Watch his showreel here