Who Directed Tate McRae’s “It’s OK I’m OK” Music Video? Everything You Need to Know About Hannah Lux Davis, Sean Bankhead’s Choreography, and That Viral Fake Nude Police Scene
When Tate McRae dropped “It’s OK I’m OK” on September 12, 2024, the accompanying music video immediately became one of the most talked-about pop visuals of the year. Strutting through city streets in multiple outfits, delivering razor-sharp choreography, and featuring a jaw-dropping (and highly debated) police arrest scene, the video perfectly matched the song’s confident, playful energy. Fans quickly started searching for answers: Who directed Tate McRae’s “It’s OK I’m OK” music video? Who created that addictive choreography? And was she really naked in that police stop scene?
This deep dive covers every major detail — from the director and choreographer to the full production notes and the wholesome truth behind the most viral moment.
Who Directed Tate McRae’s “It’s OK I’m OK” Music Video?
The official music video for “It’s OK I’m OK” was directed by Hannah Lux Davis, one of the most in-demand directors in modern pop. Davis has built a powerhouse résumé working with artists including Ariana Grande (“thank u, next,” “7 rings,” “Side to Side”), Doja Cat (“Agora Hills,” “Say So”), Charli XCX, Demi Lovato, Nicki Minaj, and many others. Her signature style blends high-fashion visuals, strong performance energy, and clever narrative touches that still leave room for pure star power.
For Tate McRae, Davis crafted a campy, high-energy street narrative that feels like a love letter to early-2000s pop videos. McRae herself described the inspiration as “so many pop videos. Old Britney, old Christina. It’s very campy.” The result is a visual that feels both nostalgic and current — full of attitude, quick outfit changes, and theatrical moments without ever losing McRae’s signature cool.
The entire video was shot in a single day on the New York Street backlot at Universal Studios. That tight schedule forced the team to maximize every setup, which is why the finished product packs so many looks and locations into just three minutes. Creative director Brett Alan Nelson worked alongside Davis, while the production came from London Alley with executive producers Brandon Bonfiglio and Luga Podesta.
More pictures of Tate McRae at the Calvin Klein Spring /Summer 2027 Fashion Show during New York Fashion Week in New York City. pic.twitter.com/QNxcO8Vnj6
— Tate McRae Feed (@t8mcraefeed) September 12, 2026
Tate McRae “It’s OK I’m OK” Choreography by Sean Bankhead
If the direction sets the tone, the choreography by Sean Bankhead is what makes the video unforgettable. Bankhead is one of the most respected choreographers in the industry, known for his work with Cardi B, Lil Nas X (“Industry Baby”), Normani, and previous Tate McRae projects including “Exes” and “Greedy.”
McRae has publicly praised him, saying he “absolutely devoured the choreo.” The routines are athletic, precise, and full of attitude — sharp isolations, powerful group sections, and moments that feel both sexy and playful. Bankhead’s style perfectly matches the song’s mix of swagger and emotional distance. The nighttime dance sequences in particular stand out, showing McRae and her dancers (Delaney Glazer, Stevie Doré, Maycee Steele, and Joya Jackson) moving with total command of the space.
An official dance masterclass later released by Tate McRae further broke down Bankhead’s choreography, giving fans a closer look at the intricate footwork and body rolls that made the video such a TikTok favorite. The combination of Davis’s cinematic framing and Bankhead’s movement creates a complete pop package that feels designed for both big screens and phone screens.
Hannah Lux Davis & Tate McRae Music Video Details: Concept, Locations & Production
Beyond the big names, the full production details paint a picture of an efficient, high-level shoot. Director of photography Corey Waters captured the glossy yet street-ready look. Editor Graham Patterson shaped the fast-paced cuts that keep the energy high. The creative team packed multiple wardrobe changes and distinct “characters” into the one-day schedule, including the confident “I ❤️ Me” strut, glamorous performance looks, and the now-famous arrest sequence.
Visually, the video draws clear inspiration from classic pop moments. Fans and critics immediately noted references to Britney Spears’ “I Wanna Go” and “Womanizer” (especially the police interaction) and the Pussycat Dolls’ “When I Grow Up” (scaffolding and street energy). Davis has spoken about wanting to create a strong splash while giving McRae room to perform, packing action into limited time rather than building a heavy narrative.
The song itself was written by Tate McRae with Ryan Tedder, Savan Kotecha, and Ilya, and produced by Ilya. Released as the lead single from her third studio album So Close to What, it marked a new chapter after the Think Later era. The video amplified that shift, presenting McRae as fully in control — unbothered, stylish, and completely at ease with her power.
Tate McRae Fake Nude Police Stop Scene: The Truth (and Why Her Parents Were on Set)
No element of the video generated more conversation than the police stop scene. In the clip, McRae appears to be completely nude while being arrested by two officers (played by James Leon and Frank Nicholas Jr.). The moment is both shocking and humorous — she presses against the car window, blows kisses, and treats the situation with total nonchalance.
Here’s the important truth: Tate McRae was not actually naked.
In interviews, McRae clarified that she wore a Skims nude tube top and matching hotpants. The “nudity” effect was created in post-production through careful editing and strategic blurring/mosaic techniques. She described the final result as surprisingly realistic, noting that people assumed she was fully exposed when in reality she was wearing something she “would wear to the gym.”
Even more surprising to many fans was the atmosphere on set. McRae called the shoot “very wholesome.” Her parents were present and actively cheering her on. She recalled them saying things like “Whoo, this is so fire!” while watching the scenes unfold. Far from a scandalous or uncomfortable environment, the day felt collaborative and supportive — a detail that completely changes how many people view the finished product.
The creative choice paid off. The scene became one of the most discussed and shared moments of the video, driving massive engagement while staying true to the campy, larger-than-life spirit of classic pop videos. It also reinforced McRae’s growing reputation as an artist willing to push boundaries without losing control of her image.
Why the Video Works So Well
Several elements come together to make “It’s OK I’m OK” a standout visual:
- Direction: Hannah Lux Davis delivers polished, high-impact imagery with a clear sense of fun and nostalgia.
- Choreography: Sean Bankhead’s routines are both technically impressive and perfectly matched to McRae’s performance style.
- Concept: Multiple looks, street energy, and a memorable set piece (the arrest) keep viewers engaged from start to finish.
- Behind-the-scenes reality: Knowing the “nude” scene was a clever edit and that the set was family-friendly adds an extra layer of appreciation for the craft involved.
Together, these choices helped the video rack up tens of millions of views quickly and sparked endless recreations, dance challenges, and online discussion.
Final Thoughts
Tate McRae’s “It’s OK I’m OK” music video is a textbook example of modern pop done right. Directed by Hannah Lux Davis, choreographed by Sean Bankhead, and packed with memorable moments — including that carefully crafted fake nude police scene — it showcases an artist fully stepping into her next era. The fact that her parents were on set cheering while the team pulled off such a bold visual only makes the story better.
Whether you came looking for the director credit, the choreographer’s name, production details, or the real story behind the most viral scene, the answer is clear: this was a carefully planned, expertly executed piece of pop filmmaking that delivered both shock value and substance. And with McRae’s continued rise, it’s safe to say we’ll be seeing more high-concept, high-energy visuals from her in the years ahead.
Key credits at a glance:
Director: Hannah Lux Davis
Choreographer: Sean Bankhead
Creative Director: Brett Alan Nelson
Production Company: London Alley
Dancers: Delaney Glazer, Stevie Doré, Maycee Steele, Joya Jackson
Police Officers: James Leon, Frank Nicholas Jr.
Stream the song, watch the official video, and keep an eye on whatever McRae, Davis, and Bankhead cook up next — the standard has officially been raised.
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