The Audacity

Following in his father’s footsteps as a filmmaker, Abdul Malik Abbott received his (film) Bachelor’s of fine arts degree at New York's School of Visual Arts. He got his start in the biz working in the sound dept. and earned his creative reputation first as a Music Video editor editing well over 200 music videos for major labels and recording artists, then made his way up the ranks at the helm of music videos, directing many of Jay-Z’s first videos, including, “Ain’t No...” and “Dead Presidents”, both going to #1 on MTV and BET. Abdul also directed, co-wrote & edited the Platinum-selling, music video-mini-movie starring Jay-Z entitled “Streets is Watching”. It earned a #1 slot in Billboard. Specializing in narrative/story-telling structures with a lot of his music videos, Abdul was hired to direct the scripted hip-hop infused gangster drama entitled “State Property” starring Beanie Sigel & Jay-Z. After relocating to LA, Abdul began working in his other passion as a videographer/cameraman for several TV networks such as BET, VH1, TV-One, Own, MTV, Viacom and many others. Mr. Abbott directed the award-winning short film in which he wrote and directed entitled “Curse of War”, and the spin off music video from the film by the band B.O.S.S entitled “Let it all go”. Abdul directed & edited the short, erotic, music-driven short fashion film “Balance of Power”, which was awarded a “People’s Telly Award” & "Best Experimental Film" at The Los Angeles Movie Awards and Flickfair Film Festival. Abdul recently Produced & Directed "The Ties That Bind", a short film for the Kids in the Spotlight organization that teaches and mentors foster youth to become filmmakers. Abdul continues to serve in leadership roles at the Directors Guild of America, serving several terms as Co-Chair of the African American Steering committee and is also a member of WGA(w), SESAC and a voting member of the Recording Academy.