Before majoring in cinematography, Clarence had already developed a strong understanding of filmmaking after spending three years at the production company Alpha Vision. The experience gave him an edge during his programme.

"I technically was a year ahead of my class. Because there were a lot of things that they were trying to teach that I already knew. There were also a lot of things that they were teaching that I didn't know" - Afrobeats Intelligence, 2020. 

Returning from South Africa, he founded CAPital Dream Pictures, which quickly became one of Nigeria’s premier video production companies, and co-founded CAPital Hill Music with Tha Suspect, which housed Chidinma, IllBliss, Kel, and others.

Citing producer, director, and writer Oliver Aleogena, and photographer Wasiu Onitilo as some of his biggest influences, Clarence has established a cinematic visual standard that elevated African music, left a lasting cultural impact, and inspired a generation of African filmmakers.

"Think how much bliss the videos of Clarence Peters have brought to audiences home and abroad" - Yemi Osinbajo, Former Vice President of Nigeria

Aside from directing thousands of music videos for nearly every African superstar and earning numerous accolades, including five Headies Awards for Best Music Video Director and an MTV Africa Music Award, Clarence released the eerie horror short film HEX in 2015. It premiered at the 5th Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF), where it won Best Short Film. 

In 2022, he released Knee Down, a narrative short film inspired by Falz’s song of the same name, starring Falz, Osas Ighodaro, and Chike; the Netflix limited series Inside Life in 2024, which earned an AMVCA nomination; and his biggest scripted television project yet, Scratch, a dialogue-driven thriller built around mystery, crime, and psychological tension, in 2026.

Having shaped the visuals and branding strategy for Burna Boy’s Grammy-winning album Twice as Tall, as well as creative campaigns for Fireboy and other artists, Clarence demonstrates an eagle eye for detail and a gift for visual storytelling.

"Visual literacy and film appreciation, which is film history, made me understand just what history really means, not just as a filmmaker but as a human being. Being able to understand your history. I was tutored in world cinema so my influences range. That is why I'm not ecstatic about music videos, because in music videos I think I only give about 30% of myself " - Afrobeats Intelligence, 2020. 

After three decades of experience in creative direction, Clarence shared his approach to directing:

"For me, a director directs what's not on the page or the script. Anyone can take the script and tell the actors to say their lines. A director is paid to see the things that are not on the page," says Clarence Peters on directing." - Afrobeats Intelligence, 2020. 

On the vast filmmaking ecosystem, Clarence explains how the industry extends far beyond the screen.

"I like to think about the business of entertainment, of film, as an ecosystem that incorporates everything else. So, there’s fashion in film, there is woodwork in film, there is hospitality in film, there is financing in film. There are all of these other things. There’s no business that you can think about that doesn’t exist in film. So, if you’re a filmmaker, then you essentially can do every single kind of business that there is because of that" - Independent newspaper, 2024.