Music Videos have always provided an opportunity for me to inject a bit of my own passion for narrative filmmaking. Filming a band or artist performing to camera personally gives me no sense of challenge. And If I’m not challenged then I’m not producing the level of work that I always aim for. I think that a “lack of budget” is an excuse tossed around too much by “Filmmakers” or “Directors” that are producing band performance videos. When juggling varying music video budgets, collaboration is the key to success and something that I am always harping on about!
Photograph by Mike Toner
The Jepettos were very interested in getting a video made by Scattered Images and they already had a concept in mind, which was a good start. After several script development phases both parties were happy and we moved Pre Production on. I like to give the band or artist as much creative input as possible during the organisation and planning of the video as well as awarding them a Producer credit at the same time. I find that most bands that I have worked with treat a video like they would when making an EP for example. They know exactly what they want and I’m happy to work with them all of the way to the end.
Photograph by Mike Toner
Photograph by Mike Toner
After the ‘Desecration’ production in December last year, I promised myself that I would have a little time off from working with child actors. Not that I had a negative experience in the past but it is difficult and the way you communicate and your approach has to be modified. My years as a secondary school teacher have definitely come in handy! Freiah-Beth, the daughter of lead singers Mike and Ruth, was cast for the main role in the video. This was great because they could work with her on her scenes prior to the shooting dates. Mike had written the original short story ‘The Loft’ that the music video is based on, which meant that he knew the story inside out. I had also worked with Frieh-Beth on the ‘Fairy Magic’ promotional video a few weeks before so a little bit of trust was formed between us already.
Frame grab from raw footage
In anything I do, there has to be an element of fun involved. If the crew aren’t enjoying themselves then they won’t deliver what I know they’re capable of delivering. If the band or artist feels uneasy and uncomfortable then they’re not going to be giving the performance that they or I want. The experience has to be pleasurable for both parties and that is something that I strive for in all areas of my work.
Photograph by Mike Toner
Frame grab from raw footage
Photograph by Mike Toner
I treat bands and artists the same as any of my corporate clients. If they’re not happy with the finished product then I’m not happy. They will be posting and sharing the video with fans and friends as part of their PR and EP launch and it is important that what we talked about in the early stages of production is what they see in front of them at the last phase. The Jepettos and the actors involved were a joy to work with and the music video for The Jepettos single ‘Goldrush’ will be online soon so watch this space!
Frame grab from raw footage
