How old were u when u did the videos for Belinda?

I was 24 years old when I pitched the "World Of Love" montage/video to Belinda. I did "Little Black Book" a month later for Virgin Records Ltd. in the spring of 1992.

It was a complete follow your dreams type story... I moved to L.A. about two years earlier from New York (where I'm originally from) because I couldn't get time off from my job to see the Go-Go's reunion concerts. So I quit (pretty dedicated huh?), moved west, saw the shows, settled into life in L.A. -- and found myself working with Belinda about two years later.

How did u get to know her in first place and managed to work with her?

I didn't know Belinda at all before I worked with her on "LBB". In 1989, I had my first meeting with her when she appeared on the show "Good Morning America" -- my friend produced the show and arranged our meeting. She was so sweet -- she signed numerous CD sleeves for me as well as 'posed' with me for several pictures. I gave her a lengthy letter about my ideas for her music videos and how much I wanted to work with her. The letter included storyboards and everything -- quite elaborate!!! The way I actually got to work with her was quite brave... I chose "WOL" (as a fan) because it was the best song to cut to and offered great lyrics -- remember, this was my pitch to Belinda to work with her, it had nothing to do with the record label strategy.

After finishing the "World of Love" pitch video, I worked for about a week on a press kit to include with the video. It contained information on the style of the video and a bio to offer more background information on myself and my schooling at N.Y.U. Film. I wanted it to be thorough so she knew that my work and my interest were sincere -- there are a lot of crazy people in L.A..

After the press kit was complete, I forwarded it and the video and to both her and her management -- the video was a lot of work, about 140 hrs. and represented my dream -- I wanted to assure she'd definitely see it. She responded immediately and totally remembered my letter from our '89 meeting. It was funny, her response was "You never said you went to film school!" It was actually the fact that sealed the deal with her management and Virgin Records Ltd. I was working on "Little Black Book" within a few days! Virgin Records Ltd. Picked "LBB" for the single for "Her Greatest Hits Vol. 1", I don't know why, but I was happy to do it...I always focus on the positive!

Were u a fan of Belinda b 4 u work with her? Which is your favourite song/album of Belinda? Did u like the Go-Go's too?

I'm a long-time fan of Belinda (and the Go-Go's). I saw my first show in New York City in 1979 at the Peppermint Lounge -- the band still didn't have Kathy Valentine at that point -- the real early days! My favorite Belinda album is the very first (pink one). My favorite song is "The Air You Breathe" which ironically is the b-side to "Little Black Book" ("Always Breaking My Heart" is a close second).

Was she the first star u ever work with? What was it like working with her? Is there anything that u do not like working with her?

Belinda was the first star I ever worked with. It was also my first break in the business. I owe Belinda for all that has resulted and I'm extremely grateful... I still haven't heard her reaction to my work for the Cher Tour yet. It must have been very cool for her to be hanging with people on the tour (she opened for Cher on a few dates in Europe) and finding out that I created Cher's montages. I hope it made her proud. I just wish I could have attended some of the shows, talk about full "Circle in the Sand!"

Unfortunately, I was too busy working on the Judds tour to travel though. Working on "Little Black Book" with Belinda was an evolution. She originally wasn't going to be in the video -- it was going to be a montage just like "World of Love" with only prior music video clips (and a 50's stock footage storyline) due to Belinda's pregnancy. But as things worked out, Belinda gave birth to James earlier than expected and became available to be in the video! She was a complete trouper.

It was at this point that I realized how very much Belinda loves what she does. The video could have been completed without her, but she made herself available, looked fabulous and turned the video into a wonderful vehicle rather than just a montage. Best of all, I got to work with her on the shoot day and got to know her a little better. The only thing I didn't like about working with Belinda was how nervous I got (and still do). Now, it's especially funny because I'm fortunate enough to work with Cher, Madonna and others -- but they don't make me nervous...only Belinda. It's actually very special to me; she has remained my true idol.

When I think back about how long I've admired Belinda and it culminating in a job with her, it's no wonder I was a nervous wreck!

Why did u did her 2 videos WORLD OF LOVE & LITTLE BLACK BOOK in such a concept? Where did u film the videos?

The concepts for "World of Love" and "LBB" were to include 50's and 60's commercials and industrial films as the storyline to the songs. I always thought many of these retro images would work well as Belinda's image and style has always had a retro flavor. The first album cover for example, is a tribute to Belinda's idol, Ann-Margret. The lyrics to "LBB" almost asks for aretro storyline ("There was a time...").

All the shots in "World of Love" of Belinda are from previous music videos. The "LBB" performance (singing) was shot in downtown L.A. The other shots (dancing and running) were shots that never made it into "Live Your Life Be Free". The 50's footage I've been sourcing and collecting forever! I love the 50's and 60's -- my home in L.A. is decorated completely retro.

If u have a chance, would u work with Belinda again and which past video of hers u would like to get your hands on and rework it? Do u still keep in contact with Belinda?

Of course I'd love to work with Belinda again -- perhaps on montages she can use for touring. It's a little difficult since she's based in Europe now. I can't really say I' d go back and re-work another director's video (it's theirs and it's done) for Belinda.

Though "LBB" remains my only work w/ Belinda, it remains very special for the both because it supported "Her Greatest Hits Volume 1" which became Belinda's first #1 album (U.K.). I see Belinda from time to time at gigs of her own and for the Go-Go's. She ALWAYS spots me in the audience and waves. Last February, I flew to the U.K. to see some dates on her acoustic tour. One night she did "LBB" and acted out parts of the video while pointing and smiling my way. What a treat! Everyone around me was very curious.

Isn't it your dream come through now to work with all these super stars like Cher and Madonna on their videos and projects? Which is your most satisfying one at the moment?

"LBB" was my dream come true. It was difficult to get into projects that soon followed because it just wasn't Belinda. After about a year, I found new interest because Madonna and Cher were beginning to award me projects --that'll spark anyone's interest!

Although "LBB" is still my most sentimental project, I'd have to say my work for the Cher Believe Tour was the most satisfying because of the live concert setting in which my montages would be played. For example, taking 860 hours of the Sonny and Cher show editing it down to a three minute costume-change montage that needed to play in sync with the band describes the very involved type of work I had to pull off. I also created the montage that kick-starts the show.

I found it extremely flattering that Cher entrusted my work to introduce her. Working with her catalogue was simply amazing; the shows, her movies, etc. Cher has included my three montages on her CHER LIVE DVD release. I also have to footnote that my meeting with Ann-Margret was also very special (I created a club video that was a tribute to her films -- she got wind of it and arranged a meeting). Talk about serendipity -- she's Belinda's idol.

What other projects are u going to do in future? What can we look forward to see in your works? Who do u look forward to work with?

The future hopefully holds more work with Madonna and Cher -- they're both releasing new LP's later in the year. I'm creating two dance versions of the "American Pie" video for Madonna at the moment. I'm also looking to direct Erin Hamilton (Carol Burnett's daughter/singer) in her first music video soon. Also, plans are in progress to release a home video collection through Warner Bros. Video that'll contain all my club videos such as Believe, Ray Of Light, Strong Enough and Frozen among many others. I also hope to work with Shania Twain and Britney Spears. I like what they're both doing a lot. And of course, I'm ALWAYS hoping I can work with Belinda again!

Have u ever wonder why Belinda is no longer popular in US anymore? what do u think will make a strong comeback for her?

I NEVER wonder why Belinda isn't popular in the U.S. because as long as she's making music somewhere and I can get it, I'm happy. I saw Belinda two times last year in London plus five times here in the U.S. with the Go-Go's, so she is still very popular here, just not solo. You also have to remember that I got to enjoy her popularity early on with the GO-GO's here (which is going to pick up again with a new GO-GO's LP this spring/summer?) plus the first few years of her solo career, so there were two time periods she was popular here in the U.S. already.

Actually, I think her making music in Europe has lead to her labels releasing more imports and products. People see my Belinda CD collection and are completely amazed she has so many releases. Believe me, if the situation was reversed and she was still on MCA records here in the U.S, it would be everyone's loss. They were terrible to her and never stood behind her when MTV boycotted "Summer Rain" and every video to follow. Her making music in Europe is all for the best! I just need to move.

Have u been to Singapore and were u surprise that this website that u visit so often is from Singapore? How did u get to know my website in the first place?

No, I've never been to Singapore, but I'd love to come -- let me know next time she plays. Yes, I was surprised your website is from there! It truly is one of the best! Always up to date with great features and downloads. I believe I found your site through a link, though I can't remember from where. The point is once you find your site, you'll never need to link again! What I meant by my closing statement is that once you find your site, there is no need to look (or link) further, as it is the best site.