# Jemaine Clement

> New Zealand actor and musician

**Wikidata**: [Q439315](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q439315)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jemaine_Clement)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/jemaine-clement

## Summary
Jemaine Clement is a New Zealand actor, musician, and comedian best known as one half of the musical comedy duo *Flight of the Conchords* and for co-creating the acclaimed mockumentary series *What We Do in the Shadows*. His work spans film, television, music, and comedy, blending sharp wit with deadpan humor and original songwriting.

## Biography
- **Born**: [No date or place provided in source material]
- **Nationality**: New Zealand
- **Education**: [No data available]
- **Known for**: Co-founding *Flight of the Conchords*, co-creating *What We Do in the Shadows*, and contributions to comedy, music, and film as an actor, director, producer, and screenwriter.
- **Employer(s)**: Sub Pop (record label), Writers Guild of America West (member)
- **Field(s)**: Acting (film, television), music (singing, composing), comedy (stand-up, screenwriting), film production (directing, producing)

## Contributions
- **Flight of the Conchords (1998–present)**: Co-founded the New Zealand-based musical comedy duo with Bret McKenzie, blending folk, comedy, and deadpan humor. The duo gained international fame through their HBO television series (2007–2009), which Clement co-wrote, starred in, and composed music for. Their work earned a cult following and critical acclaim, including a Grammy Award nomination.
- **What We Do in the Shadows (2014–present)**: Co-created, co-wrote, and starred in the mockumentary-style horror-comedy film (2014) and its television adaptation (2019–present). The film, directed by Clement and Taika Waititi, became a cult classic, while the FX series expanded the universe and won multiple awards, including an Emmy.
- **Film and Television Roles**: Acted in films such as *Eagle vs Shark* (2007), *Dinner for Schmucks* (2010), and *Moana* (2016, as voice actor for Tamatoa). Directed and produced projects like *People Places Things* (2015) and *Time Bandits* (2023, TV series).
- **Music**: Composed and performed original songs for *Flight of the Conchords*, blending genres like folk, alternative rock, and comedy. Released albums including *Flight of the Conchords* (2008) under Sub Pop Records.
- **Screenwriting and Directing**: Wrote and directed films such as *Gentlemen Broncos* (2009) and contributed to scripts for *Rio* (2011) and *Next Goal Wins* (2023). Served as executive producer on multiple projects, including *Wellington Paranormal* (2018–present).

## FAQs
**What is Jemaine Clement best known for?**
Jemaine Clement is best known for co-creating and starring in *Flight of the Conchords* and *What We Do in the Shadows*, both of which blend comedy, music, and horror in unique ways. His deadpan humor and musical talent have made him a distinctive figure in alternative comedy.

**What musical projects has Jemaine Clement been involved in?**
Clement is a singer, composer, and member of *Flight of the Conchords*, known for their comedic folk and alternative rock songs. He has also contributed to film soundtracks, including *Moana* (2016), where he voiced the crab Tamatoa and co-wrote the song *Shiny*.

**Has Jemaine Clement worked behind the camera?**
Yes, Clement has directed and produced several projects, including the film *What We Do in the Shadows* (2014) and the TV series *Wellington Paranormal* (2018–present). He also co-wrote and directed *Gentlemen Broncos* (2009) and served as an executive producer on multiple shows.

**What awards or recognition has Jemaine Clement received?**
While specific awards aren’t listed in the source material, *Flight of the Conchords* received a Grammy nomination, and *What We Do in the Shadows* (TV series) has won Emmys and other accolades. His work is widely celebrated in comedy and indie film circles.

**Is Jemaine Clement involved in any labor unions or professional organizations?**
Yes, he is a member of the **Writers Guild of America West**, a labor union representing screenwriters in the U.S. entertainment industry.

## Why They Matter
Jemaine Clement has redefined comedy by merging music, horror, and deadpan humor into a distinct artistic voice. His work with *Flight of the Conchords* brought New Zealand’s quirky comedy to global audiences, while *What We Do in the Shadows* revitalized the mockumentary genre and spawned a successful franchise. As a multi-hyphenate creator—actor, writer, director, musician—he has influenced a generation of comedians and filmmakers, proving that niche, absurdist humor can achieve mainstream success. His collaborations with Taika Waititi and others have also helped elevate New Zealand’s creative industry on the world stage.

## Notable For
- Co-founder of the Grammy-nominated musical comedy duo *Flight of the Conchords*.
- Co-creator, writer, and star of the cult film and Emmy-winning TV series *What We Do in the Shadows*.
- Voice actor in Disney’s *Moana* (2016), contributing both vocals and songwriting (*Shiny*).
- Director and screenwriter of films like *Gentlemen Broncos* (2009) and *People Places Things* (2015).
- Member of the **Writers Guild of America West** and affiliated with **Sub Pop Records**.
- Executive producer of *Wellington Paranormal* (2018–present) and *Time Bandits* (2023).

## Body
### Early Life and Career Beginnings
Jemaine Clement’s career began in the mid-1990s, though specific details about his early life and education are not provided in the source material. He emerged as a stand-up comedian and musician, quickly gaining recognition in New Zealand’s comedy scene.

### Flight of the Conchords: A Comedy-Music Phenomenon
In **1998**, Clement co-founded *Flight of the Conchords* with Bret McKenzie. The duo’s act combined folk music, comedy, and deadpan delivery, earning a devoted following. Their self-titled HBO series (2007–2009) became a breakthrough, showcasing their musical talents and absurdist humor. The show’s soundtrack, released under **Sub Pop Records**, included hits like *Business Time* and *The Most Beautiful Girl (In the Room)*, blending alternative rock and comedy. The duo’s work earned a **Grammy nomination** and cemented their status as pioneers of musical comedy.

### Film and Television Work
Clement’s acting career spans film and television, with notable roles in:
- *Eagle vs Shark* (2007), a New Zealand indie film.
- *Dinner for Schmucks* (2010), a Hollywood comedy.
- *Moana* (2016), where he voiced the crab **Tamatoa** and co-wrote the song *Shiny*.

As a **film director and screenwriter**, he co-created *What We Do in the Shadows* (2014) with Taika Waititi, a mockumentary about vampire flatmates that became a cult hit. The film’s success led to an **FX television series** (2019–present), which Clement co-wrote, executive produced, and occasionally appeared in. The show expanded the original concept, winning **Emmy Awards** and critical praise.

Other directing credits include:
- *Gentlemen Broncos* (2009), a comedy about a sci-fi writer.
- *People Places Things* (2015), a dramedy about a graphic novelist.

### Behind the Scenes: Producing and Writing
Beyond performing, Clement has been deeply involved in **film production** and **screenwriting**. He served as an **executive producer** for:
- *Wellington Paranormal* (2018–present), a spin-off of *What We Do in the Shadows*.
- *Time Bandits* (2023), a TV adaptation of the 1981 film.

His screenwriting credits include *Rio* (2011) and *Next Goal Wins* (2023), showcasing his versatility in both comedy and drama.

### Music and Composition
Clement’s musical contributions extend beyond *Flight of the Conchords*. He has composed for film and television, often blending humor with catchy melodies. His work on *Moana* highlighted his ability to craft memorable, genre-defying songs.

### Influence and Legacy
Jemaine Clement’s impact on comedy and music is significant. His work with *Flight of the Conchords* introduced a new style of musical comedy, while *What We Do in the Shadows* revitalized the mockumentary format and inspired a franchise. His collaborations with **Taika Waititi** and others have helped bring New Zealand’s creative talent to international audiences. As a multi-disciplinary artist—actor, musician, writer, director—he has influenced a generation of comedians and filmmakers, proving that niche, absurdist humor can resonate widely.

### Professional Affiliations
Clement is a member of the **Writers Guild of America West**, reflecting his commitment to screenwriting and industry standards. His association with **Sub Pop Records** underscores his roots in alternative music and comedy.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. datos.bne.es
4. Czech National Authority Database
5. International Standard Name Identifier
6. MusicBrainz
7. [Source](https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2021/aug/21/were-beating-this-together-jemaine-clement-on-covid-and-his-friend-taika-waititi)
8. Discogs
9. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
10. [Source](https://www.filmfestival.nl/persoon/jemaine-clement)
11. CONOR.SI
12. BBC Things
13. Quora
14. [Source](https://www.podchaser.com/creators/jemaine-clement-107ZzsBeGC/appearances)
15. [Jemaine Clement MBTI Personality Type: INTP](https://www.personality-database.com/profile/1082)
16. The Movie Database