Behind The Lens: The Nabil Elderkin Interview

Directing videos for the likes of Kanye West, including his latest single “Paranoid” starring R&B Singer Rihanna, Nabil Elderkin has solidified himself as one of the industry’s best. Utilizing his innovative abstract style with CG effects and pop art visuals, Nabil effectively conveys the vision of the song to the video.

Even with his busy schedule, Nabil made time to talk with Manolith about everything from his favorite movies to his upcoming picture book with Mr. West. Born and raised in Australia, Nabil started out shooting still photography, eventually leading to career in film. Hoping to one day get into movies, Nabil is definitely one director to keep your eye on.

What type of music do you listen to?  
I listen to everything.. really everything.. in the car it’s one extreme or the other… 60% classical 40% whatever i can manage to burn to a CD , my favorite musician is John Frusciante… I think he is one of the most talented musicians of all time…

Who are your favorite artists to work with (videos, photo shoots etc…)?    
I enjoy working with Damian Marley, I really like his music and respect him very much as a person.  It is a good feeling being in his presence. Kanye is great to work with, he is definitely one to push things far, but all in the sake of his art…  we are very eye to eye on that.

Have you ever thought of going into movies?  
Yes, definitely want to eventually get there.. i am taking it slowly and trying to make sure it happens naturally, if that makes sense..  Not rush into anything…

When did you decide you wanted to be a filmmaker?   I never really made a formal decision?  
I did my first video for the Black Eyed Peas “like that”  after vibing out with Will.i.am at a photo shoot i was shooting.. he was really cool and asked me if i ever thought of doing a music video, and i had.. so he gave me the opportunity to do my first video!  and i thank him very much for that!  i had always dabbled in a little motion..  

What artist (actor, singer, rapper etc…) would you really like to work with? 
I would love to work with MANY people… But my mind goes a little blank as i am typing?  I really like Vincent Cassel, Ralph Fiennes,  Gael Garcia Bernel,  i have a crush on Audrey Tatou… I really would love to work with non-formally trained actors also.. On my last trip to africa i saw some village plays type things.. and i saw so much talent amongst people in the village, they felt so honest in there approach to storytelling? Idont really know all what i want to do yet… I just want to work in Drama… I love a good drama.

What current projects are you working on?  
A photo book with Kanye, a couple little music videos, a documentary on hip-hop/b-boying being used as a tool for positive social change in Uganda, another doc on Damian Marley/ Nas project… And a bunch of other things formulating in my head.

What are some of your favorite movies and directors?  
5 movies that come to mind… City of God, Life is Beautiful, Constant Gardner, I think i loved The Game,  La heine.

What has been the biggest challenge for you in this industry?  
I guess being organized and aligning the stars? I dont know… Hard question.

Is there anything you would like to say to you’re fans and/or admirers?
are you out there?

Manolith would like to thank Nabil and his team for taking the time to chat with us. He’s definitely found his own niche, and I’m excited to see what he has bubbling for the future. In the meantime, here’s a sample of his work: