Well it appears that music videos go and music videos come… OK so this wasn’t really “ours” but Lee and I have just spent two days on the set of a Music Video for a NZ Rap group called Smash Proof.
When I say 2 days, I REALLY, REALLY Mean 2 days! Monday was a 5.30am start and we didn’t get back until after 9.30pm, and Tuesday was a little better starting at 6 and ending about 8...! But this is par for the course with shooting days and although I hate to say it – did we even get off a little lightly???
Lee’s designated position was Assistant Director of Photography for the “making-of” video. (I knew there was some good reason to lug his camera here!) So he was in his element, camera in hand, getting in on the action and seeing it all unfold… I had the auspicious title of Assistant to the Assistant Director and Set PA. (Hmm. An assistant’s assistant? – could I get any further down the chain of command?!!) What this actually meant was that I was everybody’s assistant and had to look after everyone and everything with all the practical details from hydrating, sun-blocking, muesli-bar-ing and basically initiating the needs of the crew and band…..PHEW!
I am convinced that I put in the most foot miles of anyone. I ran here, I ran there. I moved stuff to here, I moved stuff to there. I moved people, I stopped cars. I needed 8 arms and cursed my mere two. I lamented my inadequacy of being unable to bi-locate. I was supposed to know everything but knew nothing…But I had a walkie-talkie and a high vis jacket. What more could an ambitious girl ask for?!
Although it was really hard work and we finished knackered and sunburnt, we both had an amazing time. It was fantastic to see the process of filming a project, and to get to work with some great people. I don’t know whether I would want to (or really COULD) do it every day, but despite the lows and the down times – for those two long days, it was FUN!
The basic premise of the vid was to have the three boys in the band floating round in an imaginary car viewing the state of things in South Auckland. (Its apparently the roughest part of town and is experiencing the same sort of problems we see in urban areas everywhere in the developed world – but compared to some places we’ve all seen, it all looks pretty quaint and nice – especially with the sun shining!) This “floating” look, was achieved by strapping the lads onto chairs which were in turn strapped onto the back of a big low trailer. They were then pulled around Otara whilst the camera rolled… We then went to a funeral home where we did some scenes there with 60 extras. On Tuesday we did the POV (point of view) shots as if showing what the boys were looking at from their car windows – all sorts of different scenarios taken from the lyrics of the song – a drug deal, a kid being shouted at, a tagger being chased by someone, a family mourning a death…etc etc.
The song is called “Brother” and the video is due to be out in about 2/3 weeks so when we see it we will try to get it posted here or at least linked to from here. It will be cool to see it all put together and the maybe we’ll see Lee’s efforts in the making of, too!
I wish I'd been able to take some decent photos but I am afraid this was a "too few arms" situation! Maybe next time?
It's actually quite amazing how involved you get when you've done something like this - I am sure that both lee and I know exactly how we think it all should look! Whether our separate ideas will be actualised in any way remains to be seen...
Levi - Can usually be found playing Age of Empires, asleep, or trying to get out of performing dog related chores. Loves - Ciabatta, cooking, fashion. Hates - seeing the morning, school work, Dog Chores.
Hmm what can be said? This is Patrick. Father, Photographer, Designer, Teacher, Grand Overlord of all Auckland, Guru. He's helping us pin down the core of our Identities so that we can live out of them with confidence, and not faff around trying to look to others to tell us what we should be doing... When he's not doing that, he can usually be found in the kitchen cooking up a storm. On the menu last night - Morrocan layered couscous with roasted vegetables, nuts, dates, feta etc etc etc with flat breads.... Oh My!!!
This is Heather - the wonderful, beautiful, patient woman that holds life together here in the Dodson household. As a fellow morning person we often have a little time to chat before the night owls arise and I have the privilege of spending every Wednesday morning with her in some cafe or other, talking about life, the universe and everything... When I have it all figured out, I'll let you know...
This is Jordan, the guy we're working with and the second son of the family we're staying with. He's a director but don't let the pipe fool you - he's only 20 years old. Saying that he's had a small head start on us - he knew what he wanted to do from the age of 9 and has had a camera in his hands since then... It could be a bit awkward learning from someone so young, but we think he's pretty great so we don't mind! He's a ball of energy and enthusiasm and has the same passion to see film have a hand in shaping and forming culture.
Monday was the first official day of Spring so it seemed only fair that the weather should pay attention and well...erm...stop this darn rain and get hot?
At the end of last week we went on a small road trip to collect our wheels, so we are now officially mobile!
We are living in a place called Mount Albert about 10 minutes drive from Auckland City centre. The "Mountain" of Mount Albert is actually a small inactive volcano. We had a little wander the other day up to the "summit" (not a hard climb it has to be said!) to see the views over Auckland.
Do we look tired?
