When I made the “Diamond Girl” movie back in 2007, I was doing exactly what I’ve always done: making the best use of my resources to bring a creative vision to life. Imagine my surprise and excitement upon hearing that the creative team at Lexus had interest in using the film as a reference for their latest campaign focused on the all-new, seven-passenger GX460:
Look closely and you’ll recognize the Moschino suit from my performance at the BET Honors, illustrating a creative seamless integration of the campaign’s kickoff with the television special (the ad begins just as I’m walking off stage). I posted this to encourage you all to be fearless. Taking on the challenge of executing your creative vision can be intimidating, especially when you are passionate about the message you wish to convey. At times, you may get caught up in the numbers. How many people are watching? I encourage you to consider that what really matters is who’s watching. In this case, the time and energy invested in making a short film have indirectly influenced a transition from the web to the small screen in the form of this amazing branding partnership. For a behind-the-scenes look at the deal, check the video below:
At this moment, I truly have to give it up to all of you – especially those who have shared my videos with your friends and families. Your support of my creative endeavors is the reason that the Lexus brand has integrated me in their messaging. I appreciate all of you and I’ll be working with Lexus to provide a chance for someone to come and test drive the car in NYC with me. Stay tuned for details.
Yahoo has always been one of the big media channels on-line. This is a piece they commissioned. It was shot and now released in conjunction with the launch of their new campaign:
I love the fact that this piece focuses on Harlem. My ‘hood has been good to me! Shout to Mr. Ferguson at the end who said I’m on my way to being MJ. Trust me, I’m definitely aiming high and enjoying the journey. Thank you all for riding with me (especially Elliott & Casey at PhearCreative, who made this piece come to life and have always made great visual partners).
So much to write about this video. First, I had a concept that I shared with Shiv and the two of us fine tuned it into a treatment. I shopped it to some directors and when they told me how much they expected it to cost ($200K), I decided to direct it myself to give my staff an incredible learning experience. Two weeks into the planning and production process, I ran into Tyson Beckford at the G-star fashion show and invited him to direct the video with me. I could write a book about the production of this video – scripting, rehearsal, styling, filming, editing, sound design, color-correction… Instead, I’d like to focus on three themes:
1. You can do anything you decide to do as long as you have the resources and relationships to do it.
2. Don’t worry about your figure, outward appearance, or financial status with regards to your personal relationships. If someone loves you – they will love you as long as you are a good person on the inside. That goes for friends and lovers alike.
3. When you have something good, it’s inevitable that people will want what you have, and some will even try to (and succeed at) taking something you’ve worked hard to achieve. Your response? Achieve higher heights and greater success.
This is a big one for me. God bless and much love!
One of my favorite songs from the album, “Shouldn’t Have To Wait” inspired a film project that we began shooting last fall. Here’s the last scene:
I never released the film – mostly because it was our first attempt and I felt it was very amateur. Regardless, I love the message in this scene: Don’t make your loved ones wait to see and hear how much you love them. Call or visit them now! I wrote this after losing someone close to me. I’d trade the song for the person any day.
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