Video clip shooting with the Sachtler Video 25

Texas-based Director/Producer Randall P. Dark wanted an intimate feel for the video clip of Eddie Willis’ Glow from the new After the Music CD. While listening to the rough track of Glow, Dark realized that the track, sung by Willis with backup vocals by Willis’ daughter Kadison, would make a perfect “up close and personal” video. “Lately, it seems that music videos attempt to tell a silly, unrelated story or they rarely let you enjoy the performer singing,” says Dark. “I wanted the viewer, for the most part, to have a one-to-one type of experience with this song.” Dark worked with cinematographer Jim Flores to produce a video to fit the song.

INTIMATE LOOK

The team shot at several locations. One of the final recording sessions was at a brand new stage in Austin. “The stage gave the controlled intimate isolated

look I wanted while a forest location gave the isolation and sunset shots. We also shot Eddie and Kadison in concert, again, isolating on them and not the audience or the band and venue.

INDESTRUCTABLE EQUIPMENT

I have been using Sachtler’s products for over 20 years,” Dark adds. “My workhorse has been the Video 25, which allowed me to get exactly what I needed for this video, without a moment’s worry.” Dark also uses the Video 10 when he is doing run-and-gun shooting for documentaries in Europe. Dark counts Sachtler’s durability as of prime importance. “I know I can ship this gear anywhere in the world and, unlike less sturdy equipment, when it arrives it works flawlessly.“

EXTREMELY SMOOTH CAMERA MOVEMENTS

“Performance music video is all about an intimate relationship with the artist per-forming his or her music”, Randall P. Dark adds. “Camera movement needs to be subtle and controlled; not a distraction. Technology and the equipment should enhance the experience and not distract. On this video, the Sachtler was key to allowing us to isolate Eddie’s performance from the rest of the world, when needed, with simple and smooth moves. Sachtler heads make extremely smooth camera moves, whether we are shooting performance videos at home or documentaries halfway around the world.”

ABOUT RANDALL P. DARK

Founded ”HD Vision“ in New York City and Dallas.
Is a member of the Television Arts and Sciences Academy.
Received the Pioneer Award, bestowed in recognition of extraordinary contributions to the success of HDTV at the International Electronic Cinema Festival.
Recognized globally as an expert in emerging technologies.

IMPRESSIONS

"Concerning music videos I want the viewer, for the most part, to have a one-to-one type of experience with the song."
Randall P. Dark

INTERESTING LINKS

Watch the video clip here.
Learn more about director and producer Randall P. Dark here.
Here you can get all important information about the Sachtler Video 25 fluid head.