Bille Woodruff

Bille Woodruff has worked with some of the biggest names in entertainment. Raised in Virginia, Bille attended University of Maryland, College Park, as a National Merit Scholar on a full academic scholarship with plans of becoming an anthropologist. Things took an unexpected twist once he began an internship at Black Entertainment Television (BET) in Washington, DC, and switched his major to film. Bille's career in show biz began as he worked his way up through the ranks at BET, where he initially acquired practical production knowledge and experience, topping off his rise from intern to Executive Producer of Specials and Original Programming. It is while at BET that Bille also began directing EPKs and Music Videos for up-and-coming artists. After his successful stint at BET and a rapidly growing list of credits, Bille felt that it was time for a change. That change came with an offer from Atlanta-based LaFace Records, the label started by L.A. Reid and Kenneth 'Babyface' Edmonds, to serve as Senior National Director of Music Videos and Video Production. Spending three years at LaFace, Bille felt that it was time yet again to move on in his career. Backed by a solid reputation as one of the most desired music video directors in the business, Bille relocated to Los Angeles to venture off on his own. Bille's distinct searing visuals have earned him a special place in the Industry. He has directed some of the most memorable videos for artists such as Jessica Simpson, Lil' Kim, Britney Spears, Céline Dion, R. Kelly, Nas, OutKast, Aaliyah, Missy Elliott, TLC, Toni Braxton, Trisha Yearwood, and Usher, among many others. He has been nominated for numerous MTV video awards, and won a VH-1 Fashion award. Bille's foray into feature films was Universal Pictures' _Honey (2003/I)_, starring Jessica Alba and Mekhi Phifer, which has grossed US$60 million worldwide. Most recently, Bille directed the MGM feature Beauty Shop (2005), starring Queen Latifah, with Djimon Hounsou, Kevin Bacon, Andie MacDowell, Mena Suvari, Alicia Silverstone, and Alfre Woodard. This highly anticipated feature spin-off from the hit BARBERSHOP films was released in the Spring of 2005.