While the name Little X may not be familiar in most homes, his work is recognizable to just about everyone who hasn’t been living in a cave.

Born Julien Lutz in Ontario, Canada, this low-key individual is a sought-after music video director. Not only does he have over 100 music videos to his credit for artists like Kanye West and Jay-Z, he has also done commercials for Bacardi and Chrysler.

The Toronto-based group Time and Space Education Exchange puts on lectures featuring Little X, the first of which happened in December.

While he’s not shy about talking to people, X says the class is a new experience for him.

“Ive done stuff along these lines,” X said. “But never anything like this. I was approached by a friend and it just happened.”

For those who missed the first talk , it wasn’t a replay of dull high school lectures. With his mom and sister in attendance, he offered insights such as how making music video is not like McDonald’s. Directors are not around to serve people everything they want, because letting some clients “have it their way” completely will force projects over budget.

At one point he even got up and danced to articulate a point about the “four bar eight” rule of musical rhythm.

Little X was also quick to share tips for success with aspiring filmmakers. While he was not formally trained, he did take a course in cinematography.

“For film, people do it through school, or they do it the other way,” he said, and learn by doing.

For people pursuing either path he strongly recommends reading about all aspects of directing in books by the masters, as well as learning lighting and being on set for a real experience.

As for the ideas behind his much-admired music videos X said, “I hear the song and let it take me somewhere,”

His first talk, back in December will be followed by two more. A lecture titled “Little X speaks out about music video performance in front of the camera.” He will his craft on a mocked up set using live performers from the audience.

His third lecture, on Feb. 6, is called “Little X’s favourite videos from the masters of the craft.” He will be showing and critiquing his favorite music videos for the audience.

Locations have not yet been finalized for the lectures.