Celebrating an Old Boy’s Impact on the Entertainment Industry

Selwyn House School takes immense pride in the accomplishments of its alumni, and one individual who continues to make waves in the entertainment industry is Ethan Tobman, a graduate of the Class of '96. With a career that spans across Hollywood productions, music videos, and international tours, Tobman has established himself as a visionary in the world of production design and creative direction.

 

Ethan recently garnered acclaim by clinching the prestigious Short Format and Music Video award at the 2024 Art Director’s Guild Awards for his work on Taylor Swift's "I Can See You" video, further solidifying his reputation as a trailblazer in his field. His innovative and visually stunning production designs have captivated audiences worldwide, from placing Beyoncé atop a sinking New Orleans police cruiser in the iconic "Formation" music video to perching Taylor Swift on the roof of her "Folklore" cabin.

 

Ethan's journey to success began with a passion for film, which led him to study in New York and pursue a career in Hollywood production design. Over the years, he has lent his artistic vision to a diverse range of projects, including acclaimed films like "Room" and "Free Guy," as well as groundbreaking music videos such as Eminem's "Not Afraid." Notably, Ethan served as the creative director for Swift's Eras Tour, a monumental undertaking that saw his visual work travel the globe as part of the tour's immersive experience.

 

Together with his childhood friend Allison Russell, Ethan Tobman aimed for the stars. In his directorial debut for a music video, Tobman crafted a visually striking narrative, guiding Russell to the edge of a cliff where a group of cloaked dancers symbolically submerged her into a computer-generated ocean below. Their collaborative efforts reached a peak at an industry gala this past Saturday, March 23, as the duo secured a shared Juno award for Music Video of the Year, representing a significant milestone in Tobman and Russell's creative journey.

 

Beyond his achievements in film and music, Ethan's influence extends to national commercial campaigns for brands like Target and Cadillac, where his creative flair has left an indelible mark on popular culture.

 

We congratulate Ethan on his recent accolades and look forward to witnessing the continued impact of his work on the world stage. His journey from our halls to the pinnacle of the entertainment industry serves as an inspiration to current and future students, demonstrating the transformative power of passion, dedication, and artistic vision.

 

 

Make sure to mark your calendars for May 8th at 8:00 PM to join us in hearing from esteemed Selwyn House Old Boys who are currently making waves in the Visual Arts and Related Industries virtual panel. Discover firsthand where their careers have taken them since their time at Selwyn House and gain valuable insights into their journeys of success. Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our talented alumni and be inspired by their stories of creativity and innovation.