Draft:Richard Stan

Richard Stan
Richard Stan (born December 1, 1981 in Romania) is a music video director, living in Los Angeles, who has collaborated with some of the most influential national and international artists (Krayzie Bone of Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Chingy, Rick Ross, Antonia, Compact, Marcel Pavel, Alex Velea, Connect-R, La Familia, Freestay, Alina Eremia, Delia etc.)== Early Life and Career ==

Richard Stan's journey in the music industry began in Bucharest his hometown in Romania. At the age of seven, his initial dream was to become a footballer, and he practiced football at the former Progresul Bucharest, later known as FC Național. However, due to various circumstances, he had to quit football.

At 15, while in high school, Stan developed an interest in rap music, inspired by American artists like 2 Pac, Dr Dre, Bone Thugs and Harmony and Romanian bands like Bug Mafia, La Familia, Il-egal. Encouraged by his physics teacher to sing at the Freshman Ball, Stan performed "Inca o zi, Inca o poveste" by BUG Mafia, which solidified his passion for music. He soon formed the band K-rtel with friends Mitelea and Tony, later renamed Kartel. The band gained significant popularity, performing hundreds of concerts across Romania, particularly at high school events in Bucharest. However, in 2003, personal tragedies struck: Tony was arrested, and Mitelea was killed. Determined to continue, Stan brought his brother, Claudiu Stan, into the band.

Career in the National Theater of Bucharest
In addition to his work in the music industry, Richard Stan has also been involved with the National Theater of Bucharest (TNB). His experiences at the theater enriched his understanding of narrative construction and visual composition, which he effectively integrates into his music video projects.

Transition to Music Video Direction
Stan's transition from music performance to directing was marked by his keen eye for visual aesthetics and his ability to translate musical narratives into compelling visual stories. His directorial debut was met with critical acclaim, setting the stage for a prolific career in music video production. Working alongside his brother, Claudiu Stan, he brought a fresh and distinctive style to the Romanian music video scene.

As a director, Richard Stan has worked with a diverse range of artists across various genres, bringing their music to life through his innovative and stylistic approach. His work is characterized by a strong narrative sense, dynamic visuals, and meticulous attention to detail, which have become his trademarks.

Notable Works
Richard Stan has directed over 400 music videos, amassing more than 1 billion views. Some of his notable works include collaborations with international and Romanian artists such as:

- **Krayzie Bone**: Directed multiple music videos including "Kray Kray," "Surfing the Sky," "We Don't Go Home," "Hustle 101," and "My Blessings."

- **Chingy**: Worked on videos like "Ballen" and "Dat Good."

- **Rick Ross**: Directed the music video for "Bands" featuring Drei.

Directorial Style and Philosophy
Richard Stan is known for his versatile directorial style, which encompasses a wide range of genres and themes. His work often features bold visual concepts, intricate storytelling, and meticulous attention to detail. Stan's philosophy on art is deeply rooted in the belief that true artistry should not be confined to a niche. In an interview with Money.ro, he articulated this belief, stating, "Art does not mean doing something just for a certain niche and dying poor." This perspective drives his commitment to creating music videos that appeal to both niche audiences and mainstream viewers.

Personal Life
Richard Stan's personal life has been shaped by a series of significant events and experiences. Born in Romania, he initially dreamed of becoming a footballer and practiced at Progresul Bucharest. After quitting football, he turned to rap music during high school, forming the band Kartel with friends. His brother Claudiu Stan later joined the band, and together they navigated the challenges of the music industry.

Stan's upbringing was marked by personal struggles and a challenging environment. His parents divorced in the 1990s, and his mother raised him and his siblings. Despite the hostile environment and societal biases against children of divorced parents, Stan found solace and strength in his music and the streets of Berceni, a neighborhood in Bucharest. These experiences, combined with the lessons learned from the National Theater of Bucharest, shaped his resilient and determined character.

Stan's early encounters with the music industry, including performing at numerous high school events and navigating the dangers of Bucharest's streets during the 2000s, provided him with a unique perspective that he brings to his work as a director. His background in music continues to influence his creative vision, allowing him to create music videos that resonate deeply with audiences.

Awards

 * Best Music Video Director "Golden Panther Awards" New York 2019
 * Nominated as The Best Balkan music video director "Golden Panther Awards" New York 2020