Phillip Atwell
Encyclopedia
Philip G. Atwell is an American music video
, television commercial
and feature film
director. Starting out as a music video producer, he took up directing in 1999. Often co-directing with Dr. Dre
, he has helmed many music videos for Eminem
and other hip hop
artists.
In 2000 Atwell directed and executive-produced the concert documentary The Up in Smoke Tour
. He also produced and co-wrote Murder Was the Case
, a short movie released in 1995 by Death Row Records
, directed by Dr. Dre
and starring Snoop Dogg
. In 2001 he produced DJ Pooh
's feature film The Wash
featuring Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Xzibit
and Eminem, among others. In 2005 he executive-produced both Damon Johnson's The Game: Documentary and Donn J. Viola's Eminem Presents: The Anger Management Tour.
In 2003 Atwell directed the Turbo Charged Prelude to '2 Fast 2 Furious, a short film bridging The Fast and the Furious
with its sequel
, as well as "Severance Pay", a one-minute-movie for NBC
's 1MMs series.
Atwell also directed two episodes of The Shield
and served as second unit director on both National Treasure
movies.
In 2007 he directed his first fiction feature, War, which starred Jet Li
and Jason Statham
.
Music video
A music video or song video is a short film integrating a song and imagery, produced for promotional or artistic purposes. Modern music videos are primarily made and used as a marketing device intended to promote the sale of music recordings...
, television commercial
Television advertisement
A television advertisement or television commercial, often just commercial, advert, ad, or ad-film – is a span of television programming produced and paid for by an organization that conveys a message, typically one intended to market a product...
and feature film
Feature film
In the film industry, a feature film is a film production made for initial distribution in theaters and being the main attraction of the screening, rather than a short film screened before it; a full length movie...
director. Starting out as a music video producer, he took up directing in 1999. Often co-directing with Dr. Dre
Dr. Dre
Andre Romelle Young , primarily known by his stage name Dr. Dre, is an American record producer, rapper, record executive, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. He is the founder and current CEO of Aftermath Entertainment and a former co-owner and artist of Death Row Records...
, he has helmed many music videos for Eminem
Eminem
Marshall Bruce Mathers III , better known by his stage name Eminem or his alter ego Slim Shady, is an American rapper, record producer, songwriter and actor. Eminem's popularity brought his group project, D12, to mainstream recognition...
and other hip hop
Hip hop
Hip hop is a form of musical expression and artistic culture that originated in African-American and Latino communities during the 1970s in New York City, specifically the Bronx. DJ Afrika Bambaataa outlined the four pillars of hip hop culture: MCing, DJing, breaking and graffiti writing...
artists.
In 2000 Atwell directed and executive-produced the concert documentary The Up in Smoke Tour
Up in Smoke Tour
The Up in Smoke Tour was a West Coast hip hop tour in 2000 featuring artists Ice Cube, Eminem, Proof, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Nate Dogg, Kurupt, D12, MC Ren, Westside Connection, Mel-Man, Tha Eastsidaz, Doggy's Angels, Devin The Dude, Warren G, TQ, Truth Hurts and Xzibit.- Background :The tour was...
. He also produced and co-wrote Murder Was the Case
Murder Was the Case
Murder Was the Case is a 1994 short film and soundtrack album starring Snoop Doggy Dogg. The 18 minute film was directed by Dr. Dre and Fab Five Freddy and chronicles the fictional death of Snoop Dogg and his resurrection after making a deal with the Devil...
, a short movie released in 1995 by Death Row Records
Death Row Records
Death Row Records is a record label founded in 1991 by Marion "Suge" Knight Jr., Andre Young , Tracy Lynn Curry and Michael Harris . It is known to have been home to many popular West Coast hip hop artists such as Dr...
, directed by Dr. Dre
Dr. Dre
Andre Romelle Young , primarily known by his stage name Dr. Dre, is an American record producer, rapper, record executive, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. He is the founder and current CEO of Aftermath Entertainment and a former co-owner and artist of Death Row Records...
and starring Snoop Dogg
Snoop Dogg
Calvin Cordozar Broadus, Jr. , better known by his stage name Snoop Dogg, is an American rapper, record producer, and actor. Snoop is best known as a rapper in the West Coast hip hop scene, and for being one of Dr. Dre's most notable protégés. Snoop Dogg was a Crip gang member while in high school...
. In 2001 he produced DJ Pooh
DJ Pooh
DJ Pooh is an American record producer, rapper, screenwriter and film director.-Biography:...
's feature film The Wash
The Wash (film)
The Wash is a hip hop-styled film written and directed by DJ Pooh and starring Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg and DJ Pooh, with appearances by Eminem and Ludacris. The film was released on November 16, 2001.-Plot:...
featuring Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Xzibit
Xzibit
Alvin Nathaniel Joiner , better known by his stage name Xzibit , is an American rapper, actor, and television host. He is known as the host of the MTV show Pimp My Ride, which brought him mainstream success...
and Eminem, among others. In 2005 he executive-produced both Damon Johnson's The Game: Documentary and Donn J. Viola's Eminem Presents: The Anger Management Tour.
In 2003 Atwell directed the Turbo Charged Prelude to '2 Fast 2 Furious, a short film bridging The Fast and the Furious
The Fast and the Furious (2001 film)
The Fast and the Furious is a 2001 street racing action film starring Paul Walker, Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez and Jordana Brewster. Directed by Rob Cohen, The Fast and the Furious was the first mainstream film to feature the Asian automotive import scene in North America. It is the first film...
with its sequel
2 Fast 2 Furious
2 Fast 2 Furious is a 2003 street racing action film directed by John Singleton. It is the second film in The Fast and the Furious film series following The Fast and the Furious . It stars Paul Walker, Tyrese Gibson, Eva Mendes, Devon Aoki, and Chris Bridges; and was directed by John Singleton. The...
, as well as "Severance Pay", a one-minute-movie for NBC
NBC
The National Broadcasting Company is an American commercial broadcasting television network and former radio network headquartered in the GE Building in New York City's Rockefeller Center with additional major offices near Los Angeles and in Chicago...
's 1MMs series.
Atwell also directed two episodes of The Shield
The Shield
The Shield is an American television drama series starring Michael Chiklis which premiered on March 12, 2002 on FX in the United States and concluded on November 25, 2008 after seven seasons...
and served as second unit director on both National Treasure
National Treasure (franchise)
National Treasure is a series of theatrical action-adventure mystery films distributed by Walt Disney Pictures, produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and starring Nicolas Cage as Benjamin Franklin Gates, a treasure hunter who, with the help of his father, Patrick Henry Gates , his girlfriend, Abigail Chase...
movies.
In 2007 he directed his first fiction feature, War, which starred Jet Li
Jet Li
The fame gained by his sports winnings led to a career as a martial arts film star, beginning in mainland China and then continuing into Hong Kong. Li acquired his screen name in 1982 in the Philippines when a publicity company thought his real name was too hard to pronounce...
and Jason Statham
Jason Statham
Jason Statham born 12 September1967) is an English actor and former diver, known for his roles in the Guy Ritchie crime films Revolver, Snatch and Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels...
.
Feature films
- The Up in Smoke TourUp in Smoke TourThe Up in Smoke Tour was a West Coast hip hop tour in 2000 featuring artists Ice Cube, Eminem, Proof, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Nate Dogg, Kurupt, D12, MC Ren, Westside Connection, Mel-Man, Tha Eastsidaz, Doggy's Angels, Devin The Dude, Warren G, TQ, Truth Hurts and Xzibit.- Background :The tour was...
(2000) - War (2007)
- War2 (2012)
TV series
- 1 episode of 1MMs: "Severance Pay" (2003)
- 2 episodes of The ShieldThe ShieldThe Shield is an American television drama series starring Michael Chiklis which premiered on March 12, 2002 on FX in the United States and concluded on November 25, 2008 after seven seasons...
: "Trophy" (2006) and "String Theory" (2005)
Music videos
- EminemEminemMarshall Bruce Mathers III , better known by his stage name Eminem or his alter ego Slim Shady, is an American rapper, record producer, songwriter and actor. Eminem's popularity brought his group project, D12, to mainstream recognition...
- "My Name IsMy Name Is"My Name Is" is a song by Eminem released in 1999. It is the debut single overall from his major label debut album, The Slim Shady LP. The song was ranked at #26 on "VH1's 100 Greatest Songs of the 90's". "My Name Is" also was ranked #6 on Q Magazine's "1001 Best Songs Ever"...
" (1999) (co-directed by Dr. DreDr. DreAndre Romelle Young , primarily known by his stage name Dr. Dre, is an American record producer, rapper, record executive, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. He is the founder and current CEO of Aftermath Entertainment and a former co-owner and artist of Death Row Records...
) - Eminem feat. Dr. Dre - "Guilty ConscienceGuilty Conscience"Guilty Conscience" is a song released in 1999 by rap artist Eminem featuring his mentor, Dr. Dre. It was the third single from his major label debut album, The Slim Shady LP, also released in 1999...
" (1999) (co-directed by Dr. Dre) - Eminem - "Role ModelRole Model (song)"Role Model" is a rap song by Eminem on his second studio album The Slim Shady LP. The song also appears on Curtain Call: The Hits bonus disc Stan's Mixtape. Eminem claimed the song is essentially about suicide, which may be mocking his own experiences in 1996. During the song, he also mocks...
" (1999) (co-directed by Dr. Dre) - Snoop DoggSnoop DoggCalvin Cordozar Broadus, Jr. , better known by his stage name Snoop Dogg, is an American rapper, record producer, and actor. Snoop is best known as a rapper in the West Coast hip hop scene, and for being one of Dr. Dre's most notable protégés. Snoop Dogg was a Crip gang member while in high school...
feat. XzibitXzibitAlvin Nathaniel Joiner , better known by his stage name Xzibit , is an American rapper, actor, and television host. He is known as the host of the MTV show Pimp My Ride, which brought him mainstream success...
& Nate DoggNate DoggNathaniel Dwayne Hale , better known by his stage name Nate Dogg, was an American musician. He is noted for his membership of rap trio 213 and his solo career in which he collaborated with Dr. Dre, Warren G, Tupac and Snoop Dogg on many hit releases. Nate Dogg released three solo albums, G-Funk...
- "Bitch PleaseBitch Please"Bitch Please" is a song by Snoop Dogg featuring Nate Dogg and Xzibit from his fourth album, No Limit Top Dogg. Its music video was directed by Dr. Dre and Phillip Atwell. A follow up, "Bitch Please II", featured Dr. Dre and Eminem and appeared on Eminem's third studio album, The Marshall Mathers...
" (1999) (co-directed by Dr. Dre) - Snoop Dogg feat. Dr. Dre & JewellJewell (singer)Jewell is a female R&B singer who was signed to Death Row Records from 1992-1996. She was working part-time - though still unsigned - for IV Life Records. She had a video and charting hit "Woman to Woman", that reached 72nd on the Billboard Hot 100...
- "Just Dippin'" (1999) - Dr. Dre feat. Eminem - "Forgot About DreForgot About Dre-Peak positions:-End of year charts:-Awards:"Forgot About Dre" won Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group at the 2001 Grammy Awards....
" (2000) - Xzibit - "Year 2000" (2000) (co-directed by Xzibit)
- Eminem - "The Real Slim ShadyThe Real Slim Shady"The Real Slim Shady" is a hip hop song written by Eminem for his third studio album The Marshall Mathers LP . It was released as the lead single a week before the album's release...
" (2000) (co-directed by Dr. Dre) - Ice CubeIce CubeO'Shea Jackson , better known by his stage name Ice Cube, is an American rapper and actor. He began his career as a member of the hip-hop group C.I.A. and later joined the rap group N.W.A. After leaving N.W.A in December 1989, he built a successful solo career in music, and also as a writer,...
feat. Dr. Dre & MC RenMC RenLorenzo Jerald Patterson , better known by his stage name MC Ren, is a rapper who formed part of the group N.W.A. His moniker is derived from his first name .-Early life:...
- "HelloHello (Ice Cube song)"Hello" is the first single from Ice Cube's sixth studio album War & Peace Vol. 2 . The song is an N.W.A reunion featuring former groupmates Dr. Dre and MC Ren. The lyrics to the chorus are:"I started this gangsta shit....
" (2000) - Eminem feat. DidoDido (singer)Dido Florian Cloud de Bounevialle O'Malley Armstrong , known as Dido, is an English singer-songwriter.Dido shot to worldwide success with her debut album, No Angel...
- "StanStan (song)"Stan" is the third single from The Marshall Mathers LP, by rapper Eminem featuring Dido. It peaked at number one in the United Kingdom and Australia. It is also included on Curtain Call: The Hits, performed with Eminem and Dido as well track 17 on Curtain Call: The Hits as a live Performance from...
" (2000) (co-directed by Dr. Dre) - Eve feat. Gwen StefaniGwen StefaniGwen Renée Stefani is an American singer-songwriter and fashion designer. Stefani is the lead vocalist for the rock and ska band No Doubt. Stefani recorded her first solo album Love. Angel. Music. Baby. in 2004. The album was inspired by music of the 1980s, and was a success with sales of over...
- "Let Me Blow Ya MindLet Me Blow Ya Mind"Let Me Blow Ya Mind" is the second and final single from Eve's second album, Scorpion. Released in 2001, the single peaked at number two in the United States; it also reached number 29 in Canada, and was also her second hit in the United Kingdom, peaking at number four...
" (2001) - Kool G RapKool G RapNathaniel Thomas Wilson , better known by his stage names Kool G Rap , Kool G. Rap, and Giancana , is an American rapper, from the Corona neighborhood of Queens, New York. He began his career in the mid-1980s as one half of the group Kool G Rap & DJ Polo and as a member of the Juice Crew...
- "My Life" (2001) - Dr. Dre feat. Knoc-turn'alKnoc-turn'alRoyal Harbor , known by stage name Knoc-turn'al, is a songwriter and rapper. He is known to write for Dr. Dre.-Albums:...
- "Bad IntentionsBad Intentions"Bad Intentions" is a single by Dr. Dre and Knoc-turn'al from the soundtrack to the film The Wash. The song was produced by Mahogany Music and co-produced by Dr. Dre himself...
" (2001) (co-directed by Dr. Dre) - Marilyn MansonMarilyn Manson (band)Marilyn Manson is an American metal band from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Formed in 1989 by Brian Warner and Scott Putesky, the group was originally named Marilyn Manson & the Spooky Kids with their uniquely theatrical performances gathering a local cult following in the early '90s. This attention...
- "Tainted Love" (2001) - Truth HurtsTruth HurtsShare Watson , known as Truth Hurts, is an American Contemporary R&B singer-songwriter.-Albums:-Singles:* 2002: "Addictive" Share Watson (born October 10, 1971, St. Louis, Missouri), known as Truth Hurts, is an American Contemporary R&B singer-songwriter.-Albums:-Singles:* 2002: "Addictive"...
feat. RakimRakimWilliam Michael Griffin Jr. , known by his stage names Rakim , Rakim Allah, R.A.K.I.M., and The Master, is an American rapper. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential and most skilled emcees of all time. Eric B...
- "AddictiveAddictive (song)"Addictive" is a 2002 single recorded by Truth Hurts for Dr. Dre's Aftermath label. One of the label's few R&B hits, "Addictive" features a guest rap from Rakim, and is based around a Hindi music sample, which eventually brought on a $500 million lawsuit against Aftermath...
" (2002) - Eminem - "Cleanin' Out My ClosetCleanin' Out My Closet"Cleanin' Out My Closet" is a song by American rapper Eminem released in 2002. It was from his worldwide hit album, The Eminem Show and was later re-released in 2005 for Eminem's greatest hits album Curtain Call: The Hits. "Cleanin' Out My Closet" was the second single released from the album...
" (2002) (co-directed by Dr. Dre) - Eminem - "Lose YourselfLose Yourself"Lose Yourself" is an Academy Award winning song by American hip-hop artist Eminem, released as the first single from the original soundtrack to the movie 8 Mile on October 22, 2002. It was written and produced by Eminem himself, along with longtime collaborator Jeff Bass, one half of the...
" (2002) (co-directed by Eminem & Paul RosenbergPaul Rosenberg (music manager)Paul Rosenberg is an American music manager known for his association with hip hop artists Eminem, The Knux and pop punk band Blink-182. As well as managing said artists, Rosenberg is also the co-founder of hip hop record label Shady Records, founded in 1999...
) - 50 Cent50 CentCurtis James Jackson III , better known by his stage name 50 Cent, is an American rapper, entrepreneur, investor, record producer, and actor. He rose to fame with the release of his albums Get Rich or Die Tryin and The Massacre . Get Rich or Die Tryin has been certified eight times platinum by...
- "In da ClubIn da Club"In Da Club" is a hip hop song performed by rapper 50 Cent from his commercial debut album Get Rich or Die Tryin. The song was produced by Dr. Dre with co-production from Mike Elizondo. 50 Cent, Dr. Dre, and Elizondo wrote the song...
" (2003) - Eminem - "Sing for the MomentSing for the Moment"Sing for the Moment" is a song by American rapper Eminem from the album The Eminem Show, released in 2002. It was released as a music single in 2003.-Song information:Eminem samples the song "Dream On" by rock group Aerosmith...
" (2003) - 50 Cent feat. Nate Dogg - "21 Questions21 Questions"21 Questions" is a song performed by American rapper 50 Cent and Nate Dogg. The song was written by 50 Cent, K. Risto, J. Cameron, and V. Cameron for 50 Cent's commercial debut album Get Rich or Die Tryin . Released in 2003 as the album's second single, it became his second number one song in the...
" (2003) (co-directed by Dr. Dre & Damon Johnson) - Obie TriceObie TriceObie Trice III is an American rapper and songwriter. He began rapping at the age of 11, and is most known for his time spent signed to Shady Records. Obie Trice has formed his own record label, Black Market Entertainment.-Biography:...
- "Got Some TeethGot Some Teeth"Got Some Teeth" is Obie Trice's first single from his debut album Cheers. The song was used as the theme song for the character "Compton-Ass Terry" in the TV show Viva la Bam on MTV.-Background:...
" (2003) (co-directed by Eminem) - TupacTupac ShakurTupac Amaru Shakur , known by his stage names 2Pac and Makaveli, was an American rapper and actor. Shakur has sold over 75 million albums worldwide as of 2007, making him one of the best-selling music artists in the world...
feat. The Notorious B.I.G.The Notorious B.I.G.Christopher George Latore Wallace , best known as The Notorious B.I.G., was an American rapper. He was also known as Biggie Smalls , Big Poppa, and The Black Frank White .Wallace was raised in the Brooklyn borough...
- "Runnin' (Dying to Live)Runnin' (Dying to Live)"Runnin' ", by 2Pac and The Notorious B.I.G. was the first released single from the posthumous soundtrack album Tupac: Resurrection. The video contains interviews of both Tupac and Biggie. It is the only song from the album to feature a music video...
" (2004) - D12D12D12, an acronym for The Dirty Dozen, is an American hip hop group from Detroit, Michigan. D12 has had chart-topping albums in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia...
- "My BandMy Band"My Band" is a 2004 rap single by the rap group D12. It is the first single from their second album D12 World. The song is a parody of the false concept that Eminem is the lead singer of the "band" D12. The single became the group's most successful so far , reaching #2 in the United Kingdom, #6 in...
" (2004) (co-directed by Eminem) - Simple PlanSimple PlanSimple Plan is a Canadian pop punk band from Montréal, Québec. The band has had no line up changes since its inception in 1999. Members are Pierre Bouvier , Jeff Stinco , Sébastien Lefebvre , David Desrosiers and Chuck Comeau...
- "Welcome to My LifeWelcome to My Life"Welcome to My Life" is the first single taken from Simple Plan's second studio album, Still Not Getting Any....The song's intention is to express teenage angst about life becoming so frustrating that no one can understand how awful it is for them...
" (2004) - Eminem - "Just Lose ItJust Lose It"Just Lose It" is the first single from Eminem's fifth studio album Encore and was later included on his 2005 compilation album, Curtain Call: The Hits. The song caused controversy as its lyrics and music video parodies Michael Jackson, who was being accused of child molestation at the time. The...
" (2004) - The Game - "DreamsDreams (The Game song)"Dreams" is a song by American rapper and West Coast hip hop artist The Game, from his debut album, The Documentary. It was released as the fourth official single from the album. The song was produced by Kanye West and features a sample of "No Money Down" by soul music singer Jerry Butler...
" (2005) - Eminem - "Ass Like ThatAss Like That"Ass Like That" is a 2005 single by the rapper Eminem from his album, Encore.-Background:...
" (2005)
External links
- Philip G. Atwell at the Music Video DataBase
- Geronimo Film Productions, his production company