Today we’d like to introduce you to Azzie Scott.
Hi Azzie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I initially started as a recording artist and producer. I had an album that was released independently and I and my team was preparing to shoot a video for the single. I have always been a fan of cinema and the art of music videos so I decided I was going to direct my music video. I invested in some camera gear and I and my creative team shot my first music video. Of course, I couldn’t film myself, so I had one of my filmmaker friends shoot the video. After directing and editing the visual, I put it out. The video received so much positive feedback, several independent artists in my circle wanted me to direct their music videos and that was the spark that ignited me as a filmmaker. I’ve always been a student of my craft so I constantly study great filmmakers and directors like Colin Tilley, Elf Rivera, Michael Bay, and Eli Roth just to name a few.
I own a film production company named The Dream Dept. which has a full team of directors, editors, and VFX artists. I was blessed with the opportunity to direct Queen Naija’s first music video titled “Medicine” which currently has over 200 million views and counting. That lead to me directing her second music video “Mama’s Hand” which we filmed in Atlanta. Queen was a newly signed artist to Capitol records so this was the first music video I directed of an artist signed to a major record label. And the rest is history.
I’ve had the pleasure of directing videos for so many amazing artists such as Jack Harlow, Latto, PNB Rock, Swae Lee, Pink SweatS, Wiz Khalifa, Teddy Swims, and so many others. Being a filmmaker is such a blessing because I get to tell stories through motion one frame at a time. Not just any story I get to tell “your” story. I love what I do and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has most definitely not been a smooth journey. There have been many peaks and valleys, lots of wins, and many disappointments. But with any form of success comes several failures, but using those failures as lessons and fuel to drive forward is the key. I feel some of the challenges I have faced as a director and filmmaker is keeping my creativity fresh and new. This is particularly true in the music video industry because when you submit concepts for videos most times you competing with other directors for the project so your ideas and concepts need to be different and unique hoping it resonates with the artist. Other challenges as a director you are dealing with so many different people and personalities and not everyone is going to be on the same page with your vision for a project. So you must learn to navigate those personalities.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a director, editor, and DP (Director of photography). I would say I’m primarily known for directing music videos but my portfolio goes way beyond that. I’ve shot and directed content for several commercial brands like Hennessy, Foot Locker, Pepsi, Tommy Hilfiger, Vibe magazine, and H&M. I’ve also executive produced a short film for Star Wars x Sprayground. Having the opportunity to work with Lucas Films and Star Wars on that project was a proud moment.
I directed PNB Rock’s “Forever Never” music video which featured Swae Lee and Pink Sweat$. This was his last big-budget music video before his untimely passing. This was a bittersweet moment for me because we lost such a humble person and talented artist but I get comfort in knowing I had the true honor of being able to work with him on such an amazing visual.
What sets me apart from others is my true attention to detail and aesthetics. I’m very strategic with my visuals. I always try to apply a cinematic approach to all my work. When you watch any of my visuals, know that every single element of that visual was thought out.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Being a good person and doing good business. Treating your team and people in general with respect is so important. I truly believe that collaboration and inclusion are the success formula. I don’t care how talented you are if you are not a nice person nobody and I mean nobody will want to work with you. Equally, as important is to do good business! Period. I’ve heard about and have encountered people doing poor and dishonorable business. They say your reputation precedes you, and this will always remain true. So “do good business” Period!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://azziescott.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/azziescott/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/azziescott
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thedreamdept
- Other: IMDB – https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10778606/
