Hype Williams, or HYPE, is an American music video director, screen writer, film producer and film director of Honduran descent. Williams has received the Billboard Music Video Award for Best Director of the Year (1996), BET Award for Best Director (2006). In 2006, he was honored by MTV with its Video Vanguard Award, presented in honor of his achievements as a filmmaker, joining the ranks with people such as, Kanye West, Beyoncé, The Rolling Stones and Michael Jackson.
Notable videos:
Notorious BIG feat. Puff Daddy, Mase - Mo Money Mo Problems (1998):
The video begins with an introductory narrative at the beginning. The video features frequent use of the Fisheye lens which distorts the camera view around the central focus which is one of Williams' signature styles. The shots have a limited colour palate. The artists in each shot will be wearing clothes which match their surroundings. At 5:16 another style trait of Hype Williams is the use of slow motion.
'What's It Gonna Be' is still to this day Williams' most expensive music video. At the time, the CGI effects were jaw-dropping, costing $2.4m to produce.
Aaliyah - Rock The Boat (2001):
Aaliyah - Rock The Boat (2001):
Williams frequently uses aerial and tracking shots which move backwards and forwards, this technique can be observed at 0:39 for instance. This music video was shot several hours before Aaliyah's tragic death.
