ROBERT ALEXANDER is a self-taught, Emmy-winning Director. Born in Michigan, he attended Syracuse University on a soccer scholarship before deciding to move to New York City to chase his dream as an artist instead. His early days in NYC were spent working as a photographer, and later directing music videos for aspiring musicians and filming interviews and producing concerts for the iconic radio station HOT 97. This led to work as a creative executive for companies including Complex, YouTube Music, and then in the advertising space producing and directing campaigns for Nike, Hennessy, Ciroc, Kia, and Under Armour amongst other brands. Eventually Robert moved to LA to oversee programming for Lebron James’ platform Uninterrupted where he led creative and production for work featured on Facebook, Netflix, ESPN+, Amazon and more. He reimagined the interview format directing the LeBron James hosted series The Shop for 6 years on HBO, earning multiple Emmy nominations and a win in 2020. This was the end of Robert’s life in the corporate space as he transitioned to running Hardware Studios with his Partner Katy Murakami. He’s since produced and directed projects for HBO, AMAZON, PEACOCK, APPLE TV and NETFLIX. 

On his feature directing: 

In 2021, Robert was asked to helm a Documentary feature on Kid Cudi, which he crafted into the innovative and experimental project “A Man Named Scott.” This film explores the sacrifices necessary to make culture-shifting art. The NY Times on the film:

”…director Robert Alexander’s documentary doesn’t only remind you that the artist (whose real name is Scott Mescudi) revolutionized the genre, softening its conventional definition of masculinity by simply being himself. The film additionally presents a moving rumination on art and individuality, and the invaluable connection between both.

Thanks to its perceptive insights and a range of interviewees, from fellow industry professionals to a clinical psychologist, “A Man Named Scott” is that rare musician-focused doc, one as sensitive, fully formed and noble in its intentions as Cudi himself.”

Robert followed that up with the 4-part HBO series on the career of NBA legend Shaquille O’ Neal called SHAQ which was HBO’s most watched Doc in 2022 and earned 5 Emmy nominations including Outstanding Documentary Series. 

In 2024 Robert directed the film 5 Minutes about the famed SNL audition process as the premiere film for the Peacock series Beyond Saturday Night celebrating SNL’s 50th anniversary. The series was nominated for Outstanding Documentary Series for the 2025 Primetime Emmy’s.