David Bates, Jr. is a New York–based director, video producer, videographer, and editor with more than 25 years of experience. His work spans experimental shorts, music videos, portraits and interviews, documentary pieces, and corporate productions. He uses AI as a creative tool in his projects and works with new programs as they evolve.
 

His lens moves with a natural flow, observing the arts, music, pop culture, and everyday moments through on-the-scene visual storytelling in real-world environments. He has interpreted his subjects through a visual style that captures the energy of cities such as Seoul, Sydney, London, and New York (including passersby experiencing spectacular public art during Times Square's Midnight Moment, one of the most media-saturated public spaces in the world) and through humorous off-the-cuff conversations with high-profile artists and actors.
 

His videos capture abstract geometries and the rhythms and energies of everyday life by zooming in and slowing down to observe details near and far, often bringing humor, futurism, and curiosity into his work. Imagery and meaning evolve in unexpected ways, connecting to the visual experimentation of early film pioneer Maya Deren and the observations of everyday life in the writings of French poet Charles Baudelaire.
 

Bates's work has been recognized by major media and cultural platforms, including Andy Warhol's Interview Magazine Web Superstar "Award for Making People Talk" and Billboard's "Music on the Move" award for live music video work.
 

His work has been exhibited in public spaces on seven continents with Streaming Museum and partnering organizations. Two of his music video artworks were selected for exhibition at ISEA Dubai 2026 (International Symposium on Electronic Art), one of the most prestigious digital art symposiums in the world.