Emil Nava began his career as a runner for film production companies and worked his way up to assistant director. He has since directed over 24 music videos, with budgets ranging from ?5,000 to ?160,000 for a Jessie J video. Some of his most notable music videos include works for Jessie J, Calvin Harris, Pusha T, and Ed Sheeran. Nava has also begun directing commercials, though he finds them more restrictive than music videos in terms of creative freedom.