the vfx adventure begins
Okay, here’s new news.
Creed is looking to, finally, do a full-length concert video. This project is nothing new, we’ve been over this territory a few times — being asked to put together premilinary bids or introductory schedules. It’s never gotten very far.
Well, it’s all up for discussion again. So, like any production company, we find out what they’re willing to spend (roughly) and force the numbers to fit that mold (think round peg, square hole), but always trying to add production value to the project. Give the project more credibility, a broader scope.
So, since I am head of the production team in charge of this video I start thinking…”Who can we get to direct this project? Anyone with stature who’d work for just around scale? They’ve gotta be a really kick-ass multi-camera director but also have some clout in the work they’ve done.”
The list for productions like this is very small. Not more that about 5 - 10 names. Also, as a producer, you must come into the project with your own views of who you’d like to see in the director’s seat. (let’s be honest, the list of people I’d like to work with looks like a “who’s who” list, and when it comes to rock concerts there aren’t many that I really, really like)
So, as a matter of job security, I must keep up on what type of long form music videos are out there and who did them (read: I buy two of everything, one for the office and one for home). That said, I started parusing the ones I really like…Nine Inch Nails:All that could have been, U2:Rattle and Hum, U2:Elevation, Metallica: Cunning Stunts, Sarah McLachlan:Mirrorball and a few others. These concerts were monumental, especially Rattle and Hum.
So, knowing that Creed likes U2, I like U2 and we don’t have the money for a Rattle & Hum type documentary…I started watching Elevation (for the umpteenth time). It’s great! It’s all that a concert video should be. It’s beautiful, got timely pacing, and focuses on one thing: THE BAND!
That puts Hamish Hamilton at the top of my list for directors. But I know, just like everyone else, that he does a ton of shows every year including The Brits (the UK version of the Grammys). I know our budget is no where near the size of U2 or the Brits, but I send off a quick email anyway. I don’t expect a reply and if one does show up it will likely be from someone in his company Done and Dusted giving me a curt “thanks for writing, but we’re too busy for your sorry ass…”
As luck would have it, Hamish did write back. It was waiting for me in my INBOX this morning! Holy shit! Not only is he a fan of Creed, but he’s totally interested in the show! once again…HOLY SHIT!
It’s a very nice email saying that he’s interested and to give him a call on his cell phone…in the UK. Well, as I’m skittering around the office, elated, our secretary chimes in, “Uh, J., there’s a mister Hamilton on line 3″.
cut to: dolly rushing into J as it’s zooming out.
*gulp*
—more next time—
