As a preteen, Cameron Dean wandered Seward Park in Seattle, lost in thought, with his mind filled with visions of the music videos he wished he could create. What began as a childhood dream has now become a thriving career, with Dean directing videos for some of the biggest names in hip-hop, including Grammy nominee Teddy Swims. His journey, filled with self-doubt and perseverance, is a testament to the power of resilience and following one’s passion.
Dean’s roots are deeply planted in Seattle, where he taught dance at Rainier Beach High School, performed in summer musicals, worked at the Regal Meridian downtown, and enjoyed the occasional Dick’s Deluxe with extra tartar sauce. “Seattle has always been a place that’s been in my spirit, and in my soul,” Dean said. “It birthed me … I always thought of it as, like, a really inspiring place.” The city’s vibrant arts scene helped shape his early years, and it was here where his love for music and movement began to take root.
After graduating from Garfield High School, Dean left Seattle for Los Angeles, where he attended American Jewish University. Though the school was small, with only about 100 students, it provided Dean with a foothold in the city’s music industry, a place where connections were key. However, his transition to adulthood wasn’t without its struggles. Dean battled self-doubt and depression, a difficult period that forced him to question his place in the industry. “Depression … it really killed me, it changed my body, it changed my spirit,” Dean shared. “It’s so possible to fall to the depths of it … it’s also possible to rise beyond.”
Despite these challenges, Dean continued to push forward. He spent years navigating the industry, interning for Def Jam, where he began organizing songwriting camps and gaining a deeper understanding of the music production side of things. His big break came at a songwriting camp in Finland, where he helped create the 2013 hit “Replay,” which became one of Zendaya’s first major songs as a singer. “I’ve never seen such a young dude with so much swag and confidence,” said Paul Phamous, a songwriter who became close friends with Dean after they met at the camp. “I’ve never seen anybody move like this kid.”
For years, Dean secretly wrote video scripts, imagining himself behind the camera, but it wasn’t until he shared his aspirations with Phamous that he began to truly step into his role as a director. Phamous, who had known Dean for over a decade, was shocked when Dean finally told him about his desire to direct music videos. However, Phamous had no doubt that Dean would succeed. “I think we’re scared to tell people because we think they’re not going to support us,” Phamous said. “But I knew Cam was going to make it.”
One of Dean’s breakthrough moments came in 2023 when he directed Chris Brown’s music video for “Psychic,” featuring Jack Harlow. The video, which now has over 30 million views, marked a pivotal moment in his career. Reflecting on his experience, Dean said, “Being petrified was an understatement. I was too stunned to think.” The success of the video was a testament to Dean’s creativity and dedication to his craft. Robert Blair II, an assistant director on the “Psychic” video and one of Dean’s collaborators, praised his meticulous attention to detail, particularly in choreography. Unlike most directors, Dean attended dance rehearsals, ensuring that the camera movements enhanced the performance rather than simply accommodating it. “For Cam … it’s about what can we do with this scene to make it feel like something that we haven’t felt?” Blair said. “He will challenge you to come up with something different … he’s very collaborative.”
Phamous believes that Dean’s success comes from his ability to view every aspect of a music video—from the music and lyrics to the choreography and cinematography. His diverse background in songwriting, dance, and choreography gives him a unique perspective and an ability to seamlessly integrate every element of a video. “He sees the bigger picture,” Phamous said. “It’s not just about the visuals; it’s about telling a story and evoking emotion in a way that feels real.”
From his humble beginnings in Seattle to becoming a sought-after director in the music industry, Cameron Dean’s journey proves that dreams, no matter how big, are worth pursuing. His ability to translate his experiences into art and his commitment to creative collaboration continue to define his work, making him a rising star in the world of music video direction. As he continues to work with top-tier artists, there’s no doubt that this is just the beginning for Dean—and his story serves as an inspiration to anyone with a dream to chase.
