Abdul Malik Abbott

Following in his father’s footsteps as a filmmaker, Abdul Malik Abbott received his Bachelor’s degree in film at the School of Visual Arts. He got his start in the biz working in the sound department and built 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 all genres of music including many of rap legend Jay-Z’s first videos, including, “Ain’t No…” and “Dead Presidents,” both going to #1. Abdul also directed, co-wrote & edited the Platinum-selling, long-form music video starring Jay-Z entitled “Streets is Watching,” which 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” (Lionsgate) starring Beanie Sigel & Jay-Z.  With it’s limited release, the film had one of the highest per screen average during its initial release and went on to be one of the top-10 selling movies in home video sales.

After moving to Los Angeles and joining the DGA, Abdul continued to direct music videos as well as maintaining a career as a Videographer for several TV networks and continuing his career as an editor.  Abdul wrote, directed & edited the award-winning short film entitled “Curse of War,” and a spin off music video from the film by his band B.O.S.S entitled: “Let It All Go.”  Abdul also directed and edited the erotic, music-driven fashion film “Balance of Power,” which was awarded a People’s Telly Award and Best Experimental Film at Los Angeles Movie Awards. He most recently wrote & directed the dark comedy short film entitled “The Audacity” and produced and directed the dramatic short film “The Ties That Bind” for the organization Kids in the Spotlight.

Abdul also spends a significant amount of time working on behalf of the Directors Guild of America (DGA), spending years as co-chair of the African American Steering Committee, planning and executing events, panels and workshops for the guild.  He is also a mentee for the DGA’s highly sought-after Directors Development Initiative (DDI).