Trinidadian born award-winning filmmaker Janelle Abraham has built quite the career, shooting over 80 music videos for many of your favorite artists including Jim Jones, Maino, Method Man and more. The acclaimed director took time away her projects to share her story and personal insight on her craft.
Tell us who are some of the people that inspired you to become a video director?
Some of the people that inspired me to direct videos are Hype Williams and Nzingha Stewart. I also like Paul Hunter’s work.
Which do you like more, shooting music videos or editing?
I love shooting and directing visual content across the board. Editing is not my thing at all.
What is your favorite editing suite, Adobe Premier or Final Cut?
My favorite editing suite is Final Cut.
Is there a specific style of shooting or technique you prefer over others?
I don’t have a favorite. I love everything about shooting visual content.
Name a few of the artists you have worked with over the last few years.
The artists I have shot visuals for include Wyclef Jean, Shaggy, Jim Jones, Maino, Papoose, Flavor Nabania (Nigerian artist), Tu Face Idibia (Nigeria artist), Demarco (Jamaican artist), Raekwon, Noriega, Method Man and many many more.
Having worked with so many celebrities, describe the turning point for your career.
The turning point of my career was in 2016 when I was called to produce my first movie “Dope fiend” Starring Malik Yoba.
Share with us the most common falsehood people believe when it comes to video direction/editing.
The most common falsehood I have seen that people believe when it comes to directing a music video is that it’s an easy job. It’s NOT! There’s scouting, making sure you find the right locations that fit the story. Sometimes, you have to spend long hours on set hoping not to go over the scheduled time. There are times when you have talent showing up late on set which throws everything off schedule and can affect the overall production budget. I can go on and on.
What is the next major video you have planned in the near future?
I’m currently working on the Roy Jones Jr and NDO Champ fight at the Metaverse on January 28th, 2023. I’m very excited about this one. It’s not a music video but a documentary styled film covering story leading up to their fight night.
Be’n Original
