Erik White
Erik White is a veteran of music videos, commercials and films, holding a record 3 BET Viewers Choice Video of the Year awards as well as an MTV Best Male video award. He created the story and directed "Lottery Ticket" starring Ice Cube, and in 2017 completed the upcoming comedy "The Trap" starring Queen Latifa. In addition, in 2017 Erik completed directing an episode of the television series "TALES" on BET, as well as directing for the entire season of the sketch comedy show "50 Central".
Born in Brooklyn, raised in Queens and New Jersey, Erik White always had an an intense passion for films and how they could immerse him into a story. As a kid, he spent countless hours at the movie theater watching films as a way to stay out of trouble. That's where the love and appreciation began. He graduated from CMA in New York with a degree in engineering and became a highly sought after audio mixer in the city, but there was always a calling inside for something else. In 1997, Erik White visited his Uncle - music video icon Hype Williams - on the set of a video shoot. From that moment forward, everything changed. He quit engineering that day and started the journey to becoming a filmmaker.
Realizing there was a process to directing, Erik began to observe from the fringe while operating the sound equipment on Hype's videos, and then learning every other department on set. This invaluable hands on experience became his playground. Erik quickly gained the knowledge and passion to eventually get behind the lens for Hype as a second unit director/ DP. After two years of providing the quality of work Hype demanded and expected, it was time for Erik to do his thing.
With his own unique style, keen eye, and over 250 videos under his belt, Erik is the driving force behind many of the most compelling and entertaining videos, working with established artists like Chris Brown, Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne, Mary J Blige, Diddy, Christina Aguilera, Fabolous, and Ludacris, among others. He has appeared on MTV, BET, and even Oprah. Erik was also a speaker on a panel at the CMJ music conference alongside the heads of MTV and BET discussing the state of music video. Additionally, he was a Creative Producer and director for Ryan Murphy's reality competition show "The Glee Project" for Oxygen Network, running for two seasons.
Between directing Erik also produces music and photography, is a motivational speaker for youth programs, and recently started the "E WHITE FOUNDATION", which helps young people find their voice through the arts.
Partial credit for Erik's winning sensibilities and storytelling skills can go to the influence of film making greats like Steven Spielberg, David Fincher, and Alfred Hitchcock.