Visual Artist/Animator and MV director Choz Belen (who’s done work for FM & IZ, and Deep Foundation & Jay Legaspi) sat down and chatted with Steve Nguyen. So he’s not exactly a musician (not counting when he moonlights as a DJ), but he’s made such huge contributions to the scene we thought this was still required viewing. If you ever wondered who the man behind the (digital) paint brush this is your opportunity to hear him out! The dude is incredibly talented and we can’t wait to see what he does next.
More info after the break.
Film producer Steve Nguyen talks with New Jersey based filmmaker/graphic artist Choz Belen.
Choz is a huge enthusiast and dedicated fan of New York sports, especially the Knicks, Yankees, and Giants, and also refines his vinyl skills by DJ-ing on the side. His passion in the field rooted from the form of urban art otherwise known as graffiti. Choz refined his interests in directing and producing through shows as a choreographer for his dance troupe Moshn, and was able to fine-tune his artistic skills while being a student and eventual graduate of Computer Art from the School of Visual Arts in New York City. After finishing grad school, Belen became one of the chosen few to take part in an exclusive filmmakers program based in California and see firsthand all the work that was put into creating films.
Choz made his first marks in the industry utilizing his skills in such films as Orphan, The Factory, and Whiteout. After going through various freelance projects, his first true noteworthy independent work was found in his role as director in the music video Sleep, written by Deep Foundation and featuring Jay Legaspi. Belen was friends with the group beforehand, and was more than willing to lend his talent to visualize the concept that Deep Foundation wanted to portray. Nothing but rave reviews were given to Belen and his final piece, and his unique style caught the eye of the music group Far East Movement. They personally contacted him to direct a music video for one of tracks from their latest album, entitled Animal. Well known through their nationwide hit Girls On the Dance Floor, FM wanted Belen to direct their next video since they were so impressed with his presentation. Choz was shocked, at the very least, at the opportunity and immediately jumped on board to handle one of their tracks. He chose to use the song I Party because he felt his style of work fit that song perfectly. The road to creating his latest piece did not come easily to Choz. Feeding off the never ending desire to put out the most innovative images out there for the viewing public and with the ability to manipulate still images into life-like maneuverable figures, the sky’s the limit for Choz Belen and the opportunities he will encounter.
To learn more about Choz, visit his website at chozbelen.com.
Source: bakitwhy.com/exclusive-interview-with-choz-belen
Special Thanks:
Yuefan Weng
Alan Hau
James MalimbanSoundtrack:
Far East Movement feat. IZ & DB Tonic – I Party
Deep Foundation feat. Jay Legaspi – Sleep
a-Tunes 