Northern California born, David Michael Max…
Began his journey in film while attending college at California State University, Chico. He started as a First Assistant Director landing his first feature film at the age of 22 and went on perfecting his craft on 4 more feature films, and numerous commercials and music videos.
In his late twenties, David realized as an Assistant Director, his job while fulfilling, left none of his creativity on screen. He began Art Directing and quickly started designing exclusively. His Design career has been diverse ranging from music videos and commercials to industrial product design to designing for the Paris Opera.
David’s music video design work include projects for The Rolling Stones, Fiona Apple, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Ke$ha. He also worked on Janet Jackson’s “Got Til It’s Gone” which received the VH1 Style Award for most stylish video of the year and the Grammy for Best Art Direction short form. His commercials include work for brands including Chevy, Nissan, Toyota, Ford, Apple, Kmart, McDonald’s, Burger King and Audi to name a few.
In the art world, David worked with Bill Viola for over 15 years which includes a great many works that have been on exhibit in both Guggenheims, The Getty, and MoCA among other art institutions. Mary and the Martyrs originally commissioned by the Vatican is now permanently installed in the portico of St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. The Tristan Project is a production of Wagner’s Tristan and Isolde created for the Paris Opera. Directed by Peter Sellars it incorporates large format video art that drives the performances on stage. With a soft opening at the Disney Hall in Los Angeles conducted by Isa Peca Solinin it then opened at the Paris Opera for the 2004 season where it has recurring appearances.
David has also worked with supreme talents such as Mark Coppos, Miguel Arteta, Mark Romanik, Michel Gondry, Zach Math, Alan White, Denny Harris, Trish Sie, Joe Kosinski, Brigg Bloomquist, The Argentines, Spencer Susser, Guy Shelmerdine, Jason Woliner and Bill Viola.
David’s side obsession is industrial design. With multiple patents now awarded worldwide, David has developed a line of artist easels for painting and table top display (JackKnifeEasel.com), as well as guitar stands for Fender, keyboard stands, folding tables, book and tablet stands, as well as a full line of other innovative products for the mass market.