Born in South Africa, raised in London, Earle aspired to be in film from a very young age. His first jobs in the industry as a PA led to an introduction with the camera department. The acid jazz scene in 1980s London brought together dance, fashion, and music, to which Earle added film and video. He started directing music videos in 1990 as a way to give visual form to a community and groove. After arriving in New York City in 1994, he continued making music videos with Missy Elliot, Madonna with Massive Attack and Mary J. Blige, among others.