In many cases, Hip Hop fans are initially introduced to their favorite lyricists through a variety of creative music videos that showcase the style and charisma of the artist. However, viewers rarely get a chance to glimpse the talented visionaries behind the scenes who create the visuals and bring their music to life. Insomniac Magazine sat down with one of the most imaginative and prolific video directors in the industry, Olise Forel, to discuss his creative process, origins in the industry, and business plans for the future.
The Insomniac staff are always impressed by the talent and creativity you place into each video. When did you begin your career in video production and take over the helm as director of production company Moving Silence?
The first music video I ever filmed and edited was in 1993 when I was 13 years old. I used two old VCRs with a Hi 8mm Sony camera. It wasn’t broadcast quality yet, but it definitely got me started early on in life and gave me the passion for production. By the age of 23, I wanted to take it to the next level, so I saved up every penny for a computer and a Mini DV camera. In 2006, Moving Silence was founded by my main man Supastar, so we instantly started to build. We have been in motion ever since and humility is key in life. One for all!
You directed a variety of videos for a diverse range of Hip Hop acts. What made you initially gravitate toward the music and who were the first artists you worked with? Also, who are your favorite artists to collaborate with and why?
Music has always been my favorite thing. I like a lot of different genres from Jazz to Funk, Reggae, and even Punk. I 
got into Hip Hop when I was 3 years old with the Breakbeat compilation records, and by 6 I was all about RUN DMC, The Beastie Boys, LL Cool J, and The Fat Boys. I started a Hip Hop group with two friends from school when I was 13. I rapped and produced the music since I had access to a 4-track Fostex tape recorder, a Roland TR505 drum machine, a Yamaha synthesizer, a drumset, a bass guitar, electric guitar, and two microphones. Thanks to my father for playing musical instruments and being in a band, because I would not have been able to do it without his help. He gave me a one hour tutorial on how to use the instruments/equipment and the rest I learned through experience. I had been playing bongos since I was 9, so rhythm had already been implemented in my life. Video editing is the same brain muscle as playing drums or bass guitar for me, so I often approach my video editing as a musical instrument.
The first artists I directed videos for were local rappers from Montreal, but the first artists in NYC were Shyheim, then DcQ from Medina Green. After that I directed for Tragedy Khadafi, Smif N Wessun, Large Professor, Shabaam Sahdeeq, Grand Daddy IU, Sadat X, Ruste Juxx, and the list kept growing.
I always enjoy directing a video with Large Pro. He is on point every time. Knowing every single lyric without fault. XP has a very creative, artistic style, and he lets me come up with wild ideas. Not every idea makes it in the final video, but experimentation is key and that’s how we learn.
Whenever I direct for Shabaam Sahdeeq, we are cracking jokes and laughing. It’s always fun times. Sadat X is a true natural, plus he always comes through with the good wine he makes, so that’s always a bonus (Check www.TrueWineShow.com). Working with A-F-R-O was great too. He is a really down to earth MC and he has a wicked flow.
Crazy DJ Bazarro and General Steele are really talented artists! Shoutout to the whole Bucktown USA family.
What makes your music videos distinctive from other videos currently airing? Do you feel that your knowledge and implementation of animation gives you an edge?
Having taught myself to play several musical instruments really has a huge part in my editing style. I know about rhythm, melodies, harmonies, syncopation, and music in general. Music videos would have never existed without music, but music will always exist even without a video. I was also really into drawing scenes and characters when I was in my teens so I feel that also helped me expand my knowledge.
Many video directors such as David Fincher, F. Gary Gray, Hype Williams and most recently, Benny Boom, have ventured into feature films. Do you have plans to take your career in that direction? If so, would your projects continue to incorporate elements of Hip Hop or would you branch out to focus on other subject matter?
Yes, I do have plans on releasing some Hip Hop documentaries. I have miles of footage, and have been working on a few ideas. I still have a lot of work to put in for that, and I want to include subjects such as health and food/diet.
I am partners with Buckshot, Danny Shaw, and Coach Hayes in TRPL Threat Footwear, and that has amassed a lot of attention thus far. With the new TRPL Hip Hop Series shoes that just came out, we are gearing up for a lot of videos on our TRPL TV web series, which I direct. We are currently working with Brand Nubian, Duck Down, Naughty By Nature, Onyx, Public Enemy, and The GZA.
Detail your greatest struggles in the industry as well as your greatest achievements.
Here is a condensed list: 1) Follow Your Dreams 2) Stay Focused 3) Know Who To Trust 4) Keep Learning 5) Repeat
Who were your major influences artistically and on the business end of things?
Stevie Wonder is my favorite musician. Every song of his is so descriptive and would make such a great short film/music video. I really love The Meters too, especially their instrumental songs. Herbie, Bootsy, Sly & Robbie, Buckwild, DITC, DJ Evil Dee all have had huge impacts on my creativity.
As far as film and animation directors are concerned, I will say that Ralph Bakshi single-handedly got me into film and animation. His mix of live footage with traditional animation was executed like no one had achieved before. I first saw his film “Street Fight” when I was 14 years old and instantly I was hooked on visual effects and film magic.
What business-related goals do you hope to achieve in the next five years?
I live one day at a time staying busy and learning as much as I can. I hope to be able to continue making music videos and branch off into films and particularly documentaries. I also want to be at the beach more often.
(Laughs) Don’t we all! Do you have any final thoughts and shoutouts?
Special shout outs to: Sun Bronx, Big Bro, Jon Foe, Red Loxx, Supastar, Fred Ones & the entire TME family, Buckshot, Danny Shaw, Coach Hayes, D-Shade, Revolution, DJ Storm, Duck Down family, Joseph Blackwell, Joel Grimard, MC White Owl, Janet Williams, Mobetta Brown, Kelly TV, Cella Dwellas, The Last American B-Boy, El Gant, Bekay, Mic Handz, Prince Po, VinRock, DistroLord, Jahmal Frazier, FOD, Kyo Itachi, and all my friends and family! Extra special shout out to everyone that has supported me and shown me love! Thanks and Praises! L’Union Fait La Force!
Moving Silence Videos
TRPL TV
Interview by Kevin Keith
