he directed the music video for Sir Elton John and Britney Spears’ collaborative track Hold Me Closer say the experience was “an emotional one.”
Tanu Muino said she was inspired to become a director after seeing one of Spears’ videos and that she “matured” listening to Sir Elton’s work.
Hold Me Closer mixes Sir Elton’s 1971 hit Tiny Dancer with his 1992 song The One, while parts of 1976’s Don’t Go Breaking My Heart also appear in the song.
The official video, released Tuesday, shows couples of dancers performing intimate routines and embracing each other in different vibrantly colored environments.
Muino, who is also known for directing music videos for artists such as Harry Styles, Lil Nas X, Cardi B and Lizzosaid she wanted to create something that would “raise eyebrows” and make Sir Elton and Spears “proud”.
“This was an emotional one for me growing up with Britney,” she said.
“After seeing Slave For You, I decided I wanted to be a video director (and) Elton John is an icon that I and the world listened to.”
She continued: “Going into this video I knew there would be a lot of emotional expectations from the audience and the fans.
This was an emotional one for me growing up with Britney… (and) Elton John is an icon that I and the world listened to.
“With this responsibility, I had to do something different and unexpected. The visuals had to be different.
“The dance had to be progressive to raise eyebrows and make Elton and Britney proud.
“Getting the best dancers, crew and access to some of the most private locations in the world was easy because everyone wanted to work with Elton John and be part of his legacy.”
Hold Me Closer marks Spears’ first new music in six years and her first release since the end of a controversial 13-year conservatory.
Sir Elton previously said he wanted the partnership to “enlighten everyone” that Spears is “one of the great pop stars of the world”.