Aug 22nd 06
My Very First Music Video
Last summer I took a couple classes at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, one of them being music video production. I fell in love with the entire process and since it has been my goal to work in the field, hopefully one day as a director.
The final assignment was, of course, to write, direct, and shoot a music video. We were responsible for everything, including choosing a song, casting actors (who graciously work for credit and lunch only), lighting, shooting, editing… the works.
I chose Imogen Heap’s electronic ballad Hide and Seek. I love everything about the song: the layered vocals that are almost haunting, the heartfelt lyrics, and from what I’ve read and seen on Imogen’s site, it was recorded by a very talented, down-to-earth person. The video features actress Heather Tyson, who did an incredible job conveying the emotions that run through the song, and took about seven hours to shoot. It’s the first and only music video I have directed so far, and although I have considered re-cutting, I am still proud of how it turned out.
Only a few people have seen this, so I hope you guys like it!
Download a higher-quality Quicktime version of the video.
19 Comments
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Mom on Aug 22nd 06
Sooooo good and soooooo sad. Glad to see it at last.
Mom
Marc on Aug 22nd 06
Hey Adam, did you get my voicemail? Waiting to hear back. C’mon, dude!
What a downer! Just kidding, nice video. The black and white was a good choice.
Hinch on Aug 23rd 06
The fades are executed brilliantly, and coupled with the black and white, really focus attention. It’s a clip that you can’t help but climb into. I wish there were more like it. Impressive stuff Adam.
Flo on Aug 23rd 06
very cool!!! good work!!!!!!
Jorgeq on Aug 23rd 06
Interesting work Adam. I enjoyed the subtlety in the transitions.
Alistair on Aug 24th 06
If that was your first music video Adam, I think you should be very pleased with it; great song selection too.
Al.
wolfgang on Aug 27th 06
nice shots in there. but i missed something. don’t know what exactly. sometimes the actress “singing” the song feels a bit too far away from the real singing. some can see that this is your first music video :)
at all it’s not bad. there is a mood transportet and the music rythm is nicely transportet.
I would like to see something with more speed. in my opinion, if somebody cannot realy sing the song (or is not trained to sing playback) you should do something else than let sing her the song :) it realy feels a bit disturbing to me…
nice try, keep on.
Jaryl on Aug 29th 06
Well done, I felt it was very well executed and great choice of song, rather catchy. Especially enjoyed the part where the letter was tore and the exasperation of the actress – felt that strength of emotion.
In the other new, what video camcorder did you use to record the video? ;)
Jar.
cristinamarie on Sep 3rd 06
Great video. Send it to MTV or VH1.
Jamie on Sep 5th 06
I thought parts of this video were really good (the b&w, the camera work and the transitions), but am in close agreement with Wolfgang… it’s missing something.
In order to feel how much she’s lost, I think the audience needs some kind of reference as to how great their relationship used to be. Like flashbacks of happy memories or something.
And, I know the song is slow, but sometimes the video needed some faster motion to keep it from dragging.
Marcellus on Sep 11th 06
you are the man. I’m begging you to direct my music video! congrats budd!
student on Sep 17th 06
hi. i am a student from a school up in canada. i found this site and i love it. the video is amazing and i love the song selection. keep directing stuff and i will keep watching. (and keep taking photos! i thoroughly enjoyed the nature shots)
daniel on Oct 19th 06
Adam,
Kudos. I’ve been an admirer or your work for several years now. You continue to progress with each and every endeavor you do. Keep up the good work! (Now I need a tissue – that video brought a terar to my eye.) Bellisimo!
Alisa on Oct 23rd 06
Wow. That is very moving.
Good work!
Sam on Dec 31st 06
You need to use the fade transition less. A straight cut will do. The fades just got annoying about half way through.
Good first try though.
Ronnie on Feb 5th 07
Thought very disturbing, beautifully done and soooooooooooooooooo Sad
ezgi, ingilizce on Feb 18th 07
Great, Nice video…
james b. on Feb 28th 07
I usually like your work. so i never comment but i must say that this clip is by far the worst i’ve seen.
the story is told in a borring way. and the editing don’t add any intrest.
the woman actor who plays the main part is just not good.
sorry
Fritsie on Mar 2nd 07
I’m glad I watched that one. Very inspirational. You should do more vids.