Watch: The Early Works of ‘Man of Steel’ Director Zack Snyder

All directors start somewhere. Whether it’s music videos, commercials or short films, the stepping stones for a filmmaker leading up to their feature debut can provide vital exposure and a hint of what’s to come. With our recurring article The Early Works, we dive into the beginnings of a director who has a new film landing in theaters the upcoming weekend.

Not unlike our recap of Michael Bay‘s early career, Zack Snyder is often heralded (or lambasted) for his visual style, so it comes to no surprise that the Hollywood director got his start in the land of flashy music videos and high-budgeted commercials. Although it wasn’t until the age of 37 when he directed his first feature with an update on Dawn of the Dead, the filmmaker secured a footing following his graduation at Pasadena’s Art Center College of Design (where Bay also attended).

Starting with a Michael Jordan-centured music video/montage, he went on to helm music videos for ZZ Top, Morrissey and more throughout the ’90’s, while also directing major commercials for brands such as Budweiser, Subaru and Nissan. Perhaps most notably is a “Frisbee” spot for Jeep, for which he received a Gold Lion Award at Cannes and displays some of his slow-motion techniques that would become popularized in films like 300.

Also included is a banned beer commercial, a 9/11 tribute Super Bowl commercial for Budweiser that only aired once, spots featuring Lance Armstrong, Paul Hogan and more. Check out the rundown of his early work below and on the next few pages, leading up to the end of the previous decade with a My Chemical Romance music video and a BMW spot. Let us know your favorites in the comments and read our review of Snyder’s latest, Man of Steel, if you missed it.

Michael Jordan – “Playground” Music Video (1990)