DIRECTOR STUDY

• Now 42 years old, Hype Williams was born in Queens, New York and earnt his nickname 'Hype' because of his hyperactive personality as a child (his original name is Harold).
• He attended the Andrew Jackson High School of Music and Art, graduating in 1987 and then going on to Adelphi University.
• He first set off in his director career when he started working with Classic Concepts Video Productions, Lionel "Vid Kid" Martin & VJ Ralph McDaniels created Hype's first opportunity with the "Filmmakers With Attitude" moniker (FWA), which became Hype's first video company.
• Hype has worked with many artists, such as Kanye West (see video), Christina Aguilera and Coldplay but appears to be more involved in the hip hop/ R&B scene more than any other, with work with artists such as The Notorious BIG, Kelis, LL Cool J and Jay Z (etc.).

• As well as directing many music videos. Hype Williams was also the director and writer of a film called 'Belly' (1998). However this was unsuccessful. Likewise, he was an actor in TV programme 'Lil Jon Makes a Video: Snap Yo Fingers' alongside Sean Paul but this was even more unsuccessful.