Full given name: Howard Gibson
Current Project: The Crossroads, an 11 Eleven 11 Project
What drew you to this project?
My understanding of any thing urban. [Laughs] I’ve shot over 100 hip-hop music videos.
Where you were born/where you were raised: In Washington, D.C. metro area
Zodiac Sign: Virgo
What is your background in the industry?
I’ve spent 20 years working professionally in the commercial and music video field.
Why do you mentor?
It’s necessary to help younger filmmakers navigate through the maze of the industry and help the newbies around some of the pitfalls I [encountered].
How do you assess your mentee (student)?
I try to show them how to maximize their limitations and find the most practical way of getting the job done.
What is the ideal mentor/student relationship?
Collaboration. Vibing off of one another gives both mentor and student a chance to learn new things. To me, the line [between] mentor and student is cloudy, because I always find myself learning too. That’ the best.
How would you describe your personal style?
Polished. After 20 years, I’ve come to accept that I am a perfectionist, but in a good way. I like to think I am very sharp, but I don’t go overboard with how I express that perfectionism. I’m a team player.
How do you give credit where credit is due?
I don’t feel self-made. Anything is real. I think it’s all divine order. I give love and show respect when someone earns it. I believe, if you ask for something and work towards it, even through the storms, you will arrive [at] your destiny. Those good and bad experiences help you to reach a certain place in life, so the ultimate credit goes to the divine order — which is God
How do you show others that you believe in them?
I allow people an opportunity to express themselves, and if they think they fail, I remind them, it’s not over. Learn from it, build upon it, and go back into the fight. It ain’t over until your dead. [Laughs]
Who has influenced you the most?
For me, it’s really my belief system and my wife. She reminds me of hope.
How do you guide your student to approach the unknown?
Don’t want for anything in your past. Never be afraid of the unknown, because it’s the only place where your destiny lies.
