Interview with Paul Coy Allen

Paul "Coy" Allen's Projects

Justin Timberlake and Timbaland

Well, if you haven't already heard, he is the man that directed the Timbaland music video Give it To Me featuring Justin Timberlake and Nelly Furtado. Not only that, but he also created a 19-minute video montage for Justin Timberlake's Future Sex/Love Sounds tour. So, aside from working with superstars like Timberlake and Timbaland, just what else is Paul "Coy" Allen up to?

As luck would have it, Allen took time out from his busy schedule to sit down with LoveToKnow Celebrity and answer a few questions about the music industry, other projects in the works, what's in his iPod and future collaborations with other music industry superstars.

How did you and Timbaland first hook-up?

About three years ago, me and a buddy of mine were tossing around a television show idea, and thought he would be a great fit for it. We sold it at the end of last year to VH1, and are waiting for the next move.

When will your Midas Entertainment website be completely up and running so your fans can check out your latest projects?

It will be officially up in February. We’ve been collaborating with an up and coming designer/ photographer, Imani Waddy, on the vision. It took some time but we finally got it together.

You are currently working with Jupiter Rising --which videos have you directed for them and are you slated to direct more in the future?

Me and Spencer were just on the phone this weekend talking about what’s next…we'll see what the next single is. “Electropop,” the first single and video I directed, believe it or not is still going strong!

Getting Personal

The entertainment industry is so heavy with drama, how do you stay grounded as your star is apparently continuing to rise?

I pretty much stay true to myself, and my friends. I realized a long time ago that there are much greater issues in the world than the career path I chose in life. I really think that serves always as a reality check whenever I get a new gig, or make a decision on a project.

How would you describe your musical tastes?

There is no limit to it. I grew up listening to all types of tunes. My mom and dad were big on Stevie Wonder, Earth Wind & Fire, and the Mowtown Sound, so my foundation consisted of some heavyweights. I eventually moved through the sounds of new wave, and hip hop through the late eighties and early nineties. My favorite bands were Devine Styler, the Sugar Cubes. Today you’d find Kanye West, “She Wants Revenge,” and “Taking Back Sundays” playing in my Ipod.

You have stated in the past that director David Fincher, who by the way has directed many music videos as well, is someone you admire. What is it that you admire about his decidedly "dark" movies?

He has truly mastered the art of keeping the audience on the edge of their seat, and his style of filming and angles are unmatched. Seven, my favorite movie of all time by Fincher, is flawless throughout every frame. Just when you thought it was over…he even made the ending credits a work of art.

What type of positive and negative trends do you see in today's music industry?

A big negative trend that seems to be accepted now-a-days is within the element of live performance. Lip-syncing to me is one of the worst things someone in the spotlight could do. If what you portray on an album is something you can’t really do live in front of an audience, you’re just a façade. I really can’t think of a positive trend.

Other Projects and Collaborations

We've heard that you would love to work with fellow Chicago native Common, whose music by the way is amazing -- is there any chance your fans could see a Common/Allen collaboration in the near future?

We'll have to see. I’m scheduled to do a project with a group on Kanye West’s label named "Sa-Ra," so the degree of separation to Common isn’t that much. You never know...I'll keep you posted!

Tell us a little about your projects The Long Night, Headshots Inc., and Brothers Grimm.

“The Long Night” is short film I directed, written by Ryan Stevens, about a husband and wife faced with a life threatening, horrifying dilemma while being trapped within a cabin in the woods. This is scheduled to hit the film festival circuit this year. We're planning to freak some people out with this one.

“Headshots Inc.” now titled “One Last Time” is an action feature presentation my company is developing. This story follows the tribulations of a one time great assassin and his approach to taking revenge on a situation that took place in his past.

“Brothers Grimm” is a drama set in the late 70’s about a good cop who has covered up a lot of his brother’s criminal lifestyle.

Each of these projects started out as short films, but are starting to blossom into bigger and better things.

What other projects are on the horizon for you?

I just shot a music video for a Music District/Universal artist named Twank Starr that will be out in February. The track is called “Free," and features Tommy Daniels. I’m also currently developing a number of films/tv projects with my creative team for this year.