Music Video Production Conference

During my stroll to college in the morning I came across a poster in which was promoting a "Music Video Production Forum". Immediately the poster caught my eye due to the vibrant and bold colours with MUSIC VIDEO plastered bang splat in the middle!!

As I am currently partaking in a music video production I thought it would be very interesting to attend and get some advice from leaders in the industry. The event took place on Nov 15th 12 at 7:00pm at Shorditch Church.

During the conference their were talks from the following; Corin Hardy, Director; Dawn Shadforth, Director; Dominic, Trim Editing; Liz Kessler, Producer.

Coring Hardy - "Inspired by Horror since 1975"

What was it that sparked you interest?

I was 12...inspired by evil dead 2...once I saw that all I wanted to do was make films, in particular horror!"

Corin Hardy said the last production he was involved in was directing a music video: "Devlin - Watchtower ft. Ed Sheeran".

He started off by making his own films as a child with his friends  making films at college, and for a hobby. Corin then got his work shown at film festivals in which his talent was recognised. He has also been involved in films with Steven Spielberg.

Dominic Leung: Trim Editor

Dominic has been editing videos for 20 years, one of his early production was to edit "Chase and Status - Blind Faith" 

Dominc worked with Daniel Wharf, in which he stated they both had a strong vision of what they wanted and put focused minds together in order to reach the end product. Some points of advice Dominic gave were "You get the best work done when their is a strong connection between all participants".

Phill Lee: Art Director

Worked with Excel Recordings since 1989, Graduated as a graphic designer, in which he did some freelance work and then became head of visuals in 2006. He stated he had to become much broader in terms of visual output due to new technologies allowing the rise of motion pictures.

Dawn Shadworth: Director

Dawn has been a Director for the past 12 - 13 years, she did everything herself, learnt on the job and followed her passion for making videos.

One of the music videos she once edited was "Hurts - Wonderful Life" in which was a remake of their original video. She has to follow a brief in which stated they wanted an "80's look, slick and glossy."

Dawn was also involved in directing the following videos: 

Dizzee Rascal - Sirens

Adele - Rolling In The Deep

M.I.A - Paperplanes

Emile Sande - My Kind Of Love

Where do you think the music industry is going?

"The budgets are definitely decreasing, however promoting sheds loads of the budget!"

Liz Kessler - Producer

Some of the music videos in which Liz has produced are the following:

Benga - I Will Never Change:

And...

Antony and The Johnsons: Cut The World:

She never spoke much but she did give some advice in which I took into considertation. Liz stated that "You need good communication and unity within the team in order to produce an amazing end product" 

As a producer she said "the most annoying thing is lack of communication due to people not saying what they really think because there afraid that things will change."

A member in the audience asked the following question and Liz replied with a rather funny response:

What is the most annoying thing during a production?

"The stylists, they drive me fucking crazy!"