Ivan Alexeev (John Cusack) and Josh Tager (Tim Robbins) are two best friends and former security guards who share a passion for music videos. When they are laid off from their job, they come up with a plan to start their own music video production company.
With their limited knowledge about the industry, they begin to make their way around the music scene in LA. They meet a sleazy music executive named Mo Fuzz (played by Sam Moore), who takes them under his wing and helps them navigate the complex world of the music industry.
The duo soon begins to create their own music videos, featuring bands such as The Dead Kennedys and Fishbone. Their success in the industry grows rapidly, and they become the go-to production company for music videos.
However, their biggest challenge arises when they attempt to resurrect the career of their favorite R&B duo, the Swanky Modes, who have seen better days and are now struggling to remain relevant. The duo manages to create a new music video for the Swanky Modes, which ultimately leads to a highly publicized performance on a national TV show.
But as success continues to come their way, Ivan and Josh find themselves becoming caught up in the ego-driven world of the music industry. They begin to lose sight of their original goals and fall out with each other, leading to a dramatic falling out.
In the end, however, they are able to reconcile and realize the importance of staying true to themselves and their passion for music videos. With their partnership stronger than ever before, they continue to create amazing music videos and shape the industry in their own unique way.
