Samuel Bayer (born February 17, 1965) is an American visual artist and director, best known for his groundbreaking music videos and commercials. He rose to fame by directing Nirvana's iconic video for 'Smells Like Teen Spirit,' widely considered one of the most influential music videos of the 1990s. Bayer's work is characterized by a gritty, realistic style often infused with surreal elements, shaping the visual identity of alternative rock and grunge. He has directed over 300 music videos and ads for artists like Green Day, Metallica, and Madonna, and brands such as Nike and BMW. His contributions have earned him Grammy and MTV Video Music Awards, cementing his legacy as a pioneer in visual storytelling.