Ernie Gilbert

Ernie Gilbert’s name might not ring out in every household, but the guy’s been quietly shaping some seriously bold visual stories. You’ve definitely seen his fingerprints on “Childish Gambino: This Is America”—yeah, that fever dream of a music video that crashed the internet and had everyone dissecting every frame like it was the Zapruder film for pop culture. Ernie’s work behind the camera helped crank up the tension and weirdness, turning every shot into something you couldn’t look away from, even if you wanted to. But that’s not all he’s got in the bag. With “Nine Minutes,” he steered things into short film territory, experimenting with time, memory, and, honestly, just making you question what you’d do if the clock was running out. There’s this sort of kinetic energy in his stuff—a rhythm that’s part music video, part fever dream, and part punch to the gut. “Easy 8” shows off another side, blending drama and a little bit of absurdity, capturing characters at their most offbeat, yet still relatable in their own messy way. What’s wild is how Ernie seems to thrive at the intersection of chaos and beauty, never settling for the obvious shot or the easy answer. Whether it’s high-concept visuals or grounded, emotional moments, he manages to keep things fresh, unpredictable, and just a little bit unhinged. Not everyone can pull that off, but for Ernie Gilbert, it’s just another day on set.