Scott Kalvert

Biography

​Scott Kalvert (August 15, 1964 – March 5, 2014) was an American director and producer, best remembered for his impactful work in both music videos and feature films.​

Career Highlights

Kalvert began his career directing music videos in the late 1980s, quickly establishing himself as a creative force in the industry. He collaborated with prominent artists such as DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, Salt-N-Pepa, Cyndi Lauper, LL Cool J, and Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch. Notably, his direction of Marky Mark's "Good Vibrations" played a pivotal role in launching Mark Wahlberg's entertainment career

Transitioning to feature films, Kalvert made his directorial debut with The Basketball Diaries (1995), an adaptation of Jim Carroll's autobiographical work. The film starred Leonardo DiCaprio and Mark Wahlberg, portraying the harrowing descent of a promising basketball player into drug addiction.

In 2002, Kalvert directed Deuces Wild, a crime drama set in 1950s Brooklyn, featuring Stephen Dorff and Brad Renfro. While the film received mixed reviews, it showcased Kalvert's continued interest in gritty, character-driven narratives.

Beyond directing, Kalvert also served as an executive producer for the 2009 Nickelodeon musical School Gyrls, which included appearances by Justin Bieber and Soulja Boy.

Music Video Contributions

Kalvert's influence in the music industry is marked by his direction of several iconic music videos, including:​

"Parents Just Don't Understand" by DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince

"Shoop" by Salt-N-Pepa​

"I Drove All Night" by Cyndi Lauper​

"I'm That Type of Guy" by LL Cool J

Personal Life and Legacy

Born in New York City, Kalvert pursued his passion for film from a young age. He was married to Sonia Kalvert, with whom he had two daughters. ​

Tragically, on March 5, 2014, Kalvert was found deceased in his Woodland Hills, Los Angeles home. His death was ruled an apparent suicide at the age of 49. ​

Scott Kalvert's contributions to film and music video direction left an indelible mark on both industries, remembered for his authentic storytelling and visual innovation.