Marty Callner, Renowned Music Video Director, Passes Away at 78

Marty Callner, the renowned director known for his extensive work in music videos, concert specials, and stand-up performances, has died at the age of 78.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Callner’s spokesperson Gail Parenteau verified that he passed away from natural causes at his residence in Malibu on Monday (March 17).

Callner was born in Chicago in 1946, beginning his directing career at Cincinnati’s WCPO-TV in the news department, moving into commercials and sports until the mid-’70s. It was during this period that he started working with HBO, eventually establishing the benchmark for live comedy specials as the director of their On Location series.

Working on specials featuring Robert Klein, Redd Foxx, Robin Williams, and Myron Cohen, Callner also directed the 1981 production of The Pee-Wee Herman Show, having discovered comedian Paul Reubens at The Groundlings in Los Angeles. He later turned his attention to music, collaborating with artists like Diana Ross, Paul Simon, and Liza Minnelli, ultimately becoming a revered figure in the entertainment industry through his vast catalog of music videos.

In addition to music videos for cherished artists such as Stevie Nicks, Pat Benatar, Heart, and The Bangles, Callner directed some of the most unforgettable music videos ever made. His remarkable portfolio features Cher‘s “If I Could Turn Back Time,” Twisted Sister‘s “We’re Not Gonna Take It” and “I Wanna Rock,” as well as Whitesnake’s “Here I Go Again” and “Is This Love,” Poison’s “Every Rose Has Its Thorn,” and multiple videos for Aerosmith, including “Livin’ on the Edge,” “Dude (Looks Like a Lady),” and “Love in an Elevator.”

Callner’s portfolio also includes a variety of live concert specials, showcasing several famous pop artists from the ‘90s and ‘00s. Highlights include Madonna’s The Girlie Show: Live Down Under, Britney Spears’ Live From Las Vegas, Justin Timberlake’s FutureSex/LoveShow, and NSYNC: Live from Madison Square Garden.

Despite receiving ten nominations for Prime Emmy Awards, Callner did not win any during his lifetime, with his contributions to Jerry Seinfeld: I’m Telling You for the Last Time, Robin Williams: Live on Broadway, and Rolling Stones: Forty Licks World Tour Live at Madison Square Garden all being recognized at the turn of the century.

Callner is also acknowledged as the creator of HBO’s reality sports documentary series Hard Knocks, which has been airing since 2021, providing an inside look at the challenges faced by an NFL team during pre-season preparations for the upcoming games.

Following his death, numerous individuals associated with Callner’s work took to social media to express their tributes. Whitesnake’s David Coverdale described Callner as “an incredible guy” and a “super talent,” while well-known broadcaster Eddie Trunk referred to him as a “legend in music video,” emphasizing that “anyone who watched MTV was familiar with his work.”

Dane Cook, who collaborated with Callner on his 2006 special Vicious Circle and 2022’s Above it All, expressed that he was “heartbroken” after the loss of Callner, whom he regarded as a “friend, collaborator and icon.”

“You put me on the map w/ Vicious Circle at HBO – you encouraged me to dream big and we accomplished it,” Cook remarked. “You directed the people at their best because they were drawn to work with you – the best. You had a remarkable talent for bringing out the finest in a creative person, capturing it beautifully alongside your outstanding team. My heartfelt condolences to the entire family – I love you all. Marty – we always told each other – ‘I love you more!’”

• Source: NEWHD MEDIA