I recently got a tip about a skilled, up and coming videographer in the DMV area, and since we here at The Wall consider film an art, we obviously had to interview him. We talked about his non-traditional route to higher education and what his plans are along that road. Here is what Andre Banks, creator of ABB video had to say.
The Wall Magazine (TWM): How old are you?
Andre Banks: 24
TWM: Where are you from?
Andre Banks : Woodbridge , VA
TWM: Did you go to school? What School?
Andre Banks: Graduated from Hylton High School in 2001. Was lost in the world for a few years, and then enrolled into Marymount University , where I currently study Information Systems, minor in business. My graduation date is unknown… LOL… I just go…
TWM: When did you get into video/ Why?
Andre Banks: I got into video production in my Sophmore year in High School when I signed up for Intro to TV Productions, and thought it was a “fly by” class. Once enrolled, I learned that I would not see the studio until the following year. So after sitting in a classroom for a year, there was no way I was going to back out now. So I continued onto TV 1 my Junior year. Got my hands on a lot of different positions., but never really took liking to a specific position. Going into my senior year I took TV 2 we as students had a lot more control over what we did. At Hylton , our morning announcements were televised so that's when I had the first chance to shine behind the scenes. I was running audio that morning and choose to run a “go-go” track. Early that morning I told all my homies to get into class early, im bout to play some “crank” during the show. They didn't believe me. Once them credits hit, I played a rocking @ss Smoke from NEG solo. After first period, folks was like, Damn Dre , you really did it. At that moment I realized how much behind the scenes effect people. Sidenote .. my friends were actually in class on time anticipating that crank. LOL… After that, It was on.
Fast forward a few years, during my “lost” time, I fell completely out of the mix with not knowing what to do with my life. Pretty much working retail jobs and bs'ing with my homies . It was when my homies created a music group called UNVA, is when I started editing again. Since I have no rhythm at all ( lol ) or can put together lyrics I went with what I knew. Video Producing. From there, I picked up a miniDV cam and started making small projects with them. One project lead to another.
TWM: Do you have any favorite directors?
Andre Banks: Unfortunately I do not have any “mainstream” favorite directors, but Rik Cordero from THREE21 Media is one sick underground director. I have always enjoyed watching his projects unfold. So Rik if your reading this, lets link.
TWM: What are your goals in video? Any full length movies on the way?
Andre Banks: My main goal as a video producer is to create powerful short form projects for local DMV music artists. I want to expose the grind of our artists in a professional manner that can easily play ball with something that you may see on TV. I just want to be an outlet for these artists and let them know they can get quality work from a local dude on the grind just like them.
TWM: What has been the best experience for you in video production?
Andre Banks: Learning how to “GRIND”. Having an understanding of what you put in is what you get out. I know it may sound like advice, but I feel its an experience.
TWM: As an aspiring video production artist, what advice can you give to others soon to be in your position?
Andre Banks: Don't just knock on doors, knock them $hits down. Build relationships. Make it be know “you out here.” Even though as a video producer you play behind the scenes, always be humble.
TWM: TWM has noticed that there is what we like to call a DC Renaissance going on with the music of Raheem DeVaughn, Wale, the Go-go band Mumbo Sauce, and even the art of Demont Picasso, what do you feel your part (if any) is in all of the commotion?
Andre Banks: It kind of funny that you asked this question. Everybody you just named plays their part. Raheem DeVaughn one sick R&B music artists. Wale, dope MC. Mumbo Sauce – “I believe in Miracles” Demont Picasso – “paint me a picture”: You have your solo artists, band, and an artist/designer, but you did not name anyone to capture the moment. I think you know where this is going. LOL
TWM: If there is any message you are trying to get across in your videos, what is it?
Andre Banks: Unfortunately I do not have a message that I am trying to get across in my work, but just to let folks know someone in your backyard is on the grind just like you.
EXTRA:
Currently working with UNVA local music group on various projects
Currently working with J.F.K. & the Yung Boss' with ongoing projects
Pretty Diverse Portfolio to not be a film major
Producing my own series entitled “District Fresh” to highlight local boutiques and music artists
Website – www.abb-video.com
I give out my AIM to everyone – dre3362
Thanks to Andre for sitting down with us.
