SHOT: Fergie f/ John Legend - Marc Webb, director
artist: Fergie feat. John Legend
song: "Finally"
label: A&M/Interscope
director(s): Marc Webb
production co: DNA
March 10, 2008 in DNA, Interscope | Permalink
BOOKED: Karmina - Anastasia & Ian, directors
artist: Karmina
song: "The Kiss"
label: CBS
director(s): Anastasia & Ian
production co: DNA
March 6, 2008 in CBS, DNA | Permalink
NEW RELEASE: Ashanti "The Way That I Love You"
The video for this "you've done me wrong" ballad opens with a breathy 911 call and a shot of a bloody knife. Ashanti clearly has motive in the muder of her philandering man — and she seems very comfortable handling a blade in the kitchen — but whether or not she did the deed depends on how closely you watch this smooth, yet sharp edged and suspenseful clip from director Kevin Bray. If you find yourself intrigued by the video concept, you should either 1) See a therapist, 2) Get out of your relationship, or 3) check out the Oxygen series Snapped — about women who get driven to kill — that Ashanti told MTV News was the video's inspiration. --> watch "The Way That I Love You" via Yahoo
Ashanti "The Way That I Love You"
(The Inc./Universal Motown)
Kevin Bray, director | Hagai Shaham, producer | DNA, production co | Christopher Probst , DP | Clark Eddy, editor
March 4, 2008 in DNA, Motown, New Releases, Universal | Permalink
BOOKED: From First To Last - Christopher Sims, director
artist: From First To Last
song: "On and On And On"
label: Suretone/Interscope
director(s): Christopher Sims
production co: DNA
February 28, 2008 in DNA, Interscope | Permalink
SHOT: Will.I.Am. - Toben Seymour, director
Featuring Cheryl Cole of Girls Aloud...
artist: Will.I.Am
song: "Hertbreaker"
label: Interscope
director(s): Toben Seymour
production co: DNA
February 22, 2008 in DNA, Interscope | Permalink
BOOKED: Ashanti - Kevin Bray, director
artist: Ashanti
song: "The Way That I Love You"
label: The Inc./Universal Motown
director(s): Kevin Bray
production co: DNA
February 6, 2008 in DNA, Motown, Universal | Permalink
SHOT: Robert Plant & Alison Krauss - Rocky Schenck, director
artist: Robert Plant & Alison Krauss
song: "Please Read The Letter"
label: Rounder
director(s): Rocky Schenck
production co: DNA
February 5, 2008 in DNA, Rounder | Permalink
SHOT: Moby - Toben Seymour, director
Moby, Grandmaster Caz, Lady Bunny, director Toben Seymour and a human-size squid. Sounds like a party, eh? Visit SubterraneanBlog for a photo and more details...
artist: Moby
song: "I Love To Move In Here"
label: Mute
director(s): Toben Seymour
production co: DNA
January 30, 2008 in DNA, Mute | Permalink
SHOT: Hawk Nelson - Christopher Sims, director
Director Christopher Sims (center) and Hawk Nelson in greensville for the "Friend Like That" video shoot.
artist: Hawk Nelson
song: "Friend Like That"
label: Tooth & Nail
director(s): Christopher Sims
production co: DNA
DP: Jessica Young
January 29, 2008 in DNA, Tooth & Nail | Permalink
NEWS: DNA Signs Lil X
Director Lil X has signed with DNA for all music video and commercial work. He will be repped by Inga Veronique of Sugar Management, in addition to DNA's in-house team of executive producer Missy Galanida and rep Isaac Rice.
X's latest and/or greatest includes...
- R. Kelly & Usher "Same Girl"
- Korn "Coming Undone"
- Kanye West "Workout Plan"
- Usher "Yeah"
- Sean Paul "Gimme The Light"
January 16, 2008 in DNA, News | Permalink
BOOKED: Hawk Nelson - Christopher Sims, director
artist: Hawk Nelson
song: "Friend Like That"
label: Tooth & Nail
director(s): Christopher Sims
production co: DNA
January 14, 2008 in DNA, Tooth & Nail | Permalink
NEW RELEASE: The Cheetah Girls "Fuego"
It might hurt to admit it, but the music industry is driven by teenyboppers. Be it the Mickey Mouse Club, Debbie Gibson and Tiffany (aka the First Wave Of American Pop Music), the NWOAPM crew of Britney, 'Nsync, and Backstreet Boys, bubblegum music aimed at kids spending their allowances is proven lucrative game. The current craze centers around the stable of stars at Walt Disney's Hollywood Records, which has figured out the formula of leveraging TV show and movie opportunities into pop stars. We're talking The Jonas Brothers, Hilary Duff, Hannah Miley Montana Cyrus, Jesse McCartney and the whole High School Musical jackpot. Right in the thick of all that is The Cheetah Girls, a pop trio with a successful series of Disney Channel movies to drive music sales. Although the next CG movie is reportedly set to be a Bollywood adventure, "Fuego" is a slight bilingual tribute to Tropicalia and the Isla Bonita of your choice. The video itself mixes some typical pop teen performance set-ups with backgrounds that have a Washington Heights and West Side Story vibe. Although the girls don't quite hit all their choreography marks — which might be part of the charm, actually — the clip is as on target as it needs to be to help grab some allowance money from the kiddies. --> watch "Fuego" via YouTube plus a Behind The Scenes short
Cheetah Girls "Fuego" (Hollywood)
Marcus Raboy, director | Hagai Shaham, producer | DNA, production co | Welles Hackett, DP | Mario Mares , editor | Skulley Effects, vfx
January 10, 2008 in DNA, Hollywood, New Releases | Permalink
SHOT: Maroon 5 - Marc Webb, director
Shooting this week in Los Angeles...
artist: Maroon 5
song: "Goodnight, Goodnight"
label: Octone/A&M/Interscope
director(s): Marc Webb
production co: DNA
January 9, 2008 in DNA, Interscope | Permalink
SHOT: Idina Menzel - Liz Friedlander, director
Broadway star Idina Menzel returns to the pop music world with this first clip off her album I Stand, set to hit stores on January 29...
artist: Idina Menzel
song: "Brave"
label: Warner Bros.
director(s): Liz Friedlander
production co: DNA
January 9, 2008 in DNA, Warner Bros. | Permalink
PROFILE: Christopher Sims, director
director: Christopher Sims
title/job: director
company: DNA
first video: It was for my friends' band Eighteen Visions. We wanted to do a play off of the female love story in David Lynch's Mullholland Drive. It pretty much just ended up being a chaotic music video of two girls making out with each other. It was kind of awkward for the girls because, of course, all the guys in Eighteen Visions wanted to be present while they were making out.
I shot it on HD, which I hate, but at the time it was a fairly new and cheap way to make something look half credible. The video cost $6,750. I picked up all the gear myself. I remember pulling up to J.L. Fisher with a friends borrowed pickup truck to get a Model 10 dolly and track and some PA started asking me what job I was working on and who's directing it. I told him that I was going to direct it and he looked at me like I was crazy.
I still actually really love the edit of that video.
--> watch Eighteen Visions "You Broke Like Glass"
strangest video: It's weird because my stranger videos usually involve the supernatural. I'm not one to believe in that or think about it too much, but there is no other explanation really.
I shot the Saosin "Voices" video on Universal's infamous Stage 28, which was used for the old Phantom Of The Opera. We were informed by Universal that they had numerous accounts of odd things happening there. I was eager to get a location and wanted to lock something down, so I didn't think twice about the so called "haunting." On the day of the shoot we set up a series of lights behind our main stage. I wanted the lighting director at the board to manually hit all these cues to certain beats in the song and I was getting furious because the lights were flashing at the wrong rhythm and even at moments that I didn't want any lights. I remember running over to him after a few takes and asking what's wrong and he told me that the lights were going off by themselves. I then remembered Universal's note about Stage 28. A lot of the unwanted light cues actually made the cut so when you watch that video you can see the hand of the supernatural.
--> watch Saosin "Voices"
Another supernatural encounter happened on the set of Eighteen Vision's "Tonightless" video. I don't know why I didn't think it was going to be a big deal to shoot in a cemetery and then a mausoleum back to back, but I didn't. We shot the concept part of the video with this couple in a Pasadena cemetery during daylight hours while the crew worked all day setting up lights in the mausoleum for the performance. We barely finished in the cemetery before the sun went down and we made our way to the mausoleum. The power there kept getting tripped and sending us into darkness. Our gaffer and grip department kept making trips to our 1200 amp tow plant generator to figure out what was tripping things up. I guess our generator finally went completely down so we had another one trucked in. Within 10 minutes of getting our second truck, it went down as well. So now we're on our third 1200 amp tow plant generator, which is insane, and I'm losing my mind because we haven't even shot one frame of the performance. We ended up getting a portion of the lights to work so we just had to shoot it to the best of our electrical ability. It was a long night, to say the least. I remember arriving on set at 4:30am and getting back in my car to go home the following day at 4:15am in the morning. I guess it was the price we had to pay for waking the dead with our lights and sounds.
--> watch Eighteen Visions "Tonightless"
what's next: I'm finishing some "Studio Sessions" special project for the Jimmy Eat World guys at the moment. I shot a few Audi spec ads over the summer that I would love to finish, but we are having trouble finding talented sound designers and voice over characters to work for free. I'll finish them soon though I'm sure and have them up on my site simsdirector.com. I have another Hawk Nelson video scheduled for the third week of January and there's a number of other jobs I've written on... just waiting for the word.
January 4, 2008 in DNA, Profile | Permalink
BOOKED: Louix XIV - Toben Seymour, director
Video for the lead track from the upcoming Louis XIV album, Slick Dogs And Ponies...
artist: Louis XIV
song: "Guilt By Association"
label: Atlantic
director(s): Toben Seymour
production co: DNA
December 19, 2007 in Atlantic, DNA | Permalink
SHOT: The Last Goodnight - Jay Martin, director
artist: The Last Goodnight
song: "Stay Beautiful"
label: Virgin/Capitol
director(s): Jay Martin
production co: DNA
December 5, 2007 in Capitol, DNA | Permalink
BOOKED: The Honorary Title - Toben Seymour, director
artist: The Honorary Title
song: "Stuck At Sea"
label: Reprise/Warner Bros.
director(s): Toben Seymour
production co: DNA
December 5, 2007 in DNA, Warner Bros. | Permalink
NEW RELEASE: MxPx "Shut It Down"
While MxPx never lived up to early indications that they would be the Christian rock band to seamlessly slide unnoticed into the great secular airwaves — an honor that I guess wound up going to Creed, with Switchfoot and Relient K earning honorable mention — the band has evolved from teenage punk-poppers into thirtsomething music industry survivors who have found themselves back at the record label, Tooth & Nail, which originally signed the group. "Shut It Down" doesn't deviate from the musical formula of non-nonsense West Coast punk much at all, thereby making it perfectly sensible that the video is similarly solid, yet not showy. MxPx rock out in the foreground of the L.A. skyline and bust apart TVs and computers to match the song's message that virtual friends and communities ain't quite the same as the real deal. --> watch "Shut It Down"
MxPX "Shut It Down" (Tooth & Nail)
Christopher Sims, director | Ashley Krick, producer | The Valencia Co/DNA, production co | Jessica Young, DP
November 19, 2007 in DNA, New Releases, Tooth & Nail, Valencia Company | Permalink
BOOKED: Ruben Studdard/Deitrick Haddon/Mary Mary - Lenny Bass, director
Off the new Gotta Have Gospel! 5 compilation CD...
artist: Ruben Studdard, Deitrick Haddon and Mary Mary
song: "Love Him Like I Do"
label: Zomba Gospel
director(s): Lenny Bass
production co: DNA
November 8, 2007 in DNA, Zomba | Permalink
NEW RELEASE: Regina Spektor "Better"
With her delicate voice, blue eyes, and talent at the ivories, Regina Spektor is clearly Tori Amos' heir apparent. Director Marc WebbBetter" (YouTube) seems to capitalize on this barely-hidden truth with a playful, tongue-in-cheek video for "Better" that finds Regina looking especially similar to Tori. It's so spot on, it's uncanny, especially when a flock of mini Tori Spektors rush over the hill and cause a ruckus as Regina sings longingly into the camera. If you're frightened by a mass of femininity, it's best to skip this video. But, if you're into worshiping a woman's spirit, there couldn't be a better video. Tori would undoubtedly approve. (review by Kevin Holy) --> watch "Better"
Regina Spektor "Better" (Sire/Warner Bros.)
Marc Webb, director | Michael Angelos, producer | DNA, production co | Simon Thirlaway, DP | Logan Hefflefinger, editor |
November 6, 2007 in DNA, New Releases, Warner Bros. | Permalink
PHOTO: Robert Plant, T. Bone Burnett, Alison Krauss
While you count the days to the upcoming Led Zeppelin reunion gig you won't be attending — it's way sold out and, besides, it was just rescheduled — do yourself a favor and check out singer Robert Plant's new album Rising Sand, which finds him collaborating with folk star Alison Krauss and producer T. Bone Burnett. There's not a "Black Dog" among the bunch, but it's a near perfect collection of atmospheric, yet rough-hewn roots music.
A tour in supposedly in the works, but the video for "Gone Gone Gone" was shot last week with DNA director Rocky Schenck and DP Tom Marvel. Here's a sneak peak photo of Plant, Burnett and Krauss in action on the video set.
November 2, 2007 in DNA, Rounder | Permalink
SHOT: The Cheetah Girls - Marcus Raboy, director
artist: The Cheetah Girls
song: "Fuego"
label: Hollywood
director(s): Marcus Raboy
production co: DNA
October 30, 2007 in DNA, Hollywood | Permalink
BOOKED: Lenny Kravitz - Marc Webb, director
Lenny Kravitz returns with this video in support of his forthcoming album It's Time For A Love Revolution, due out February 5. "I'll Be Waiting" is set to shoot in NYC.
artist: Lenny Kravitz
song: "I'll Be Waiting"
label: Virgin/Capitol
director(s): Marc Webb
production co: DNA
October 24, 2007 in Capitol, DNA, Virgin | Permalink
SHOT: Robert Plant & Alison Krauss - Rocky, Schenck, director
Shot in Nashville to support Raising Sand, an album length collaboration between rock legend Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin fame and folk/bluegrass star Alison Krauss.
artist: Robert Plant & Alison Krauss
song: "Gone Gone Gone"
label: Rounder
director(s): Rocky Schenck
production co: DNA
October 24, 2007 in DNA, Rounder | Permalink
SHOT: Colbie Caillat - Kevin Bray, director
Shot in San Francisco...
artist: Colbie Caillat
song: "Little Things"
label: Universal Republic
director(s): Kevin Bray
production co: DNA
October 24, 2007 in DNA, Universal | Permalink
NEW RELEASE: Herman Dune "1-2-3-Apple-Tree"
With puppets, how can you go wrong? Okay, bad question. Nevertheless, director Toben Seymour's third video for Herman Dune stars felt versions of the band members running down the streets of Los Angeles from a somewhat insane crowd of kids and their adult counterparts. It's kinda weird and fun, but in some people's hearts the Summer of Love never ends. Unless, of course, you don't like hippies. (review by Kevin Holy) --> watch "1-2-3-Apple-Tree"
Herman Dune "1-2-3-Apple-Tree" (EMI)
Toben Seymour, director | Justin Benoliel, producer | Commondeer, production co | Ross Riege, DP | Ryan Bartley, editor | Ghost Town Media, effects
note: Director Toben Seymour is now signed with DNA.
October 10, 2007 in Commondeer, DNA, EMI, New Releases | Permalink
SHOT: Jimmy Eat World - Christopher Sims, director
Director Christopher Sims (center) and Jimmy Eat World on the set of the band's new video, "Big Casino." The shoot took place in the valley of the big casinos aka Las Vegas. (click pic to enlarge)
artist: Jimmy Eat World
song: "Big Casino"
label: Interscope
director(s): Christopher Sims
production co: DNA
September 27, 2007 in DNA, Interscope | Permalink
BOOKED: J. Holiday - Jonathan Mannion, director
Shooting in Paris...
artist: J. Holiday
song: "Suffocate"
label: Capitol
director(s): Jonathan Mannion
production co: DNA
rep: Inga Veronique @ Sugar Management
September 27, 2007 in Capitol, DNA, Sugar Management | Permalink
NEW RELEASE: Evanescence "Good Enough"
Am I insane, but does Evanescence sometimes seem like Celine Dion but with a bit more distortion and styling courtesy of the depressed goth section of Hot Topic? And less French, of course. Yes? No? OK, maybe, I'm insane. This very pretty video from the directing team of Marc Webb and Rich Lee is a visual display of singer Amy Lee's cathartic meltdown. Her image fades and blurs as she looks in a mirror; A champagne flute and a record bubble and melt under the influence of a hotness that makes the entire room burst into flames. No need to stop, drop and roll, however, since water quickly comes pouring down — an exaggerated manifestation of the singer's sadness and tears, perhaps? — and douses the flames and even encourages flowers to spout from the wreckage. If all that is a bit high-falutin' for ya, you can also view the video from the eyes of Beavis: It has fire and then a soaking wet female singer; hence, it is cool. --> watch "Good Enough"
Evanescence "Good Enough" (Wind-Up)
Marc Webb and Rich Lee, director | Hagai Shaham, producer | DNA, production co | Christopher Probst, DP | Gary Knight, editor
September 17, 2007 in DNA, New Releases, Wind-Up | Permalink
NEWS: DNA Signs Director Toben Seymour
Production company DNA has announced the signing of director Toben Seymour to its roster. The director's video directing credits include:
PS: Seymour's best know clip is probably the above-mentioned Willowz "Jubilee" video, which predated the similar "light animated "ad directed by Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris for Sprint. That said, it's an old, albeit very cool trick. Lovers of the genre can also go back to 2006 and check out the Japanese short Pikapika: The Lightning Doodle Project. Or, better yet, make your own.
September 13, 2007 in DNA, News | Permalink
SHOT: Graham Colton - Nigel Dick, director
artist: Graham Colton
song: "Best Days"
label: Universal Republic
director(s): Nigel Dick
production co: DNA
September 13, 2007 in DNA, Universal | Permalink
PHOTO: Regina Spektor and Director Marc Webb
Looks like Regina Spektor has been dipping into the My Chemical Romance wardrobe — or is it Pretty Ricky's? — as she and Marc Webb powwow while on-location for her new "Better" video.
September 13, 2007 in DNA, Warner Bros. | Permalink
SHOT: Regina Spektor - Marc Webb, director
artist: Regina Spektor
song: "Better"
label: Sire/Warner Bros.
director(s): Marc Webb
production co: DNA
September 11, 2007 in DNA, Warner Bros. | Permalink
SHOT: Fergie - Marc Webb & Rich Lee, directors
artist: Fergie
song: "Clumsy"
label: A&M/Interscope
director(s): Marc Webb and Rich Lee
production co: DNA
September 11, 2007 in DNA, Interscope | Permalink
SHOT: Nicole Scherzinger - Francis Lawrence, director
Director Francis Lawrence returns to the video scene — his first in over a year — for Nicole Scherzinger of Pussycat Dolls. The three-day shoot for "Baby Love" took place on Catalina Island, off the coast of California. The video is slated to be the second release off Scherzinger's solo album, Her Name Is Nicole.
artist: Nicole Scherzinger feat. Will I. Am
song: "Baby Love"
label: Interscope
director(s): Francis Lawrence
production co: DNA
If you're wondering what Francis Lawrence was doing in his time away: His second feature film I Am Legend is due to open in December and stars Will Smith.
August 29, 2007 in DNA, Interscope | Permalink
NEWS: DNA Signs Director Christopher Sims
DNA has announced the signing of director Christopher Sims. His music video credits include:
August 29, 2007 in DNA, News | Permalink
NEW RELEASE: Cold War Kids "Hospital Beds"
Two boys are seen growing up in this Cold War Kids video, sharing every experience and forming bonds that should have lasted a lifetime. They got in trouble together, went hunting together. They even had the same tattoo — 1948, presumably the year depicted in the scene — inscribed on their wrists. Unfortunately, they also shared the same interest in a certain girl, thus leading to a falling out that culminates years later in a bloody boxing match that may or may not be metaphorical. As with the ambiguous lyrics of the song — singer Nathan Willetts seems to thrive on placing non sequitur references to "Italian opera" and "fish and chips" in the midst of a vague narative about being in a hospital ward — director Jay Martin maintains a lot of mystery in the clip, purposefully leaving out gaps and placing unexplained clues that could have possibly enabled you to piece the full story together. And speaking of non sequiturs, the boxing motif and the Cold War reference in the band name reminded me of the Frankie Goes To Hollywood "Two Tribes" video. --> watch "Hospital Beds"
Cold War Kids "Hospital Beds" (Downtown)
Jay Martin, director | Michelle Faucheux, producer | DNA, production co | Simon Thirlaway, DP | Jennifer Dean, editor
August 29, 2007 in DNA, Downtown, New Releases | Permalink
SHOT: Motion City Soundtrack - Jay Martin, director
artist: Motion City Soundtrack
song: "This Is For Real"
label: Epitaph
director(s): Jay Martin
production co: DNA
August 16, 2007 in DNA, Epitaph | Permalink
SHOT: Scary Kids Scaring Kids - Jay Martin, director
artist: Scary Kids Scaring Kids
song: "Faces"
label: Immortal/Epic
director(s): Jay Martin
production co: DNA
August 16, 2007 in DNA, Immortal, RCA | Permalink
SHOT: Kid Rock - Jay Martin, director
Kid Rock gears up for the October 9 release of his new album, Rock N Roll Jesus. Video shooting today (Friday) in Los Angeles...
artist: Kid Rock
song: "So Hot"
label: Atlantic
director(s): Jay Martin
production co: DNA
August 10, 2007 in Atlantic, DNA | Permalink
NEW RELEASE: Pharoahe Monch "Body Baby"
Perhaps inspired by the success of Outkast's Andre 3000 — who proved that it was possible to defy musical boundaries and embrace a goofy eccentricity while still being hip-hop — Pharaoahe Monch has finally let his full personality get the fuck up in "Body Baby." This wild ride through retro soul and r&b is matched with a video that incorporates everything from comic book transitions, the yellow Volkswagen van from Little Miss Sunshine, some soda shop sockhopping and even an Elvis impersonation by Mr. Monch. It might all be a touch too out there to achieve a "Hey Ya" level of success, but it's hard to imagine that this longtime underground sensation won't be recognizing for delivering one of the most creative and whimsical hip-hop videos and singles of the year. --> watch "Body Baby" below...
Pharoahe Monch "Body Baby" (SRC/Universal Motown)
Lenny Bass, director | Brian Quinlan, producer | DNA, production co | Kira Kelly, DP | Scott Meyer, editor
August 3, 2007 in DNA, Motown, New Releases, Universal | Permalink
NEW RELEASE: Valeria "Girl I Told Ya"
Pussycat Dolls, Fergie and oh so many other pop tartlets may toy with sexuality, but they don't come close to matching the sheer brazenness of the wonderfully named newcomer Valeria — which I like to think is a mash-up of "venereal" and "malaria." The sexy Latina — who you may recognize from her cohosting duties on Ed McMahon's Next Big Star and a role in Ashton Kutcher's Just Married — spends the bulk of this swank europoppy song cooing suggestive dirty thoughts about what lesbionic fun she plans to have once her gal pal sneaks into the palace. That's right, I wrote "palace." The video is set at a posh Budapest estate where Valeria plays a randy royal who sneaks in singer/friend Aria. The two have a glorious time as they luxuriate in milk baths, play video games, giggle and take each other for rides. Actually, the action in the video is surprisingly PG, although the lyrics could have been taken from a Barely Legal porn script. For example, the song opens with a mock telephone call in which Valeria purrs, "Daddy? She just came to say goodnight," and progresses to lay out a set of instructions on how Aria can infiltrate Valeria's vagina, I mean, palace. And you know what? It's so outlandish that it works. In fact, I dare say it's brilliant. Chalk it up as a guilty pleasure if you must, but it's practically guaranteed that just one listen will have this concoction of whirring Casiotone beats and exotic vocals permanently ingrained in your noggin. --> watch "Girl I Told Ya" below...
Valeria feat. Aria "Girl I Told Ya" (Interscope)
Marc Webb, director | Hagai Shaham, producer | DNA , production co | Welles Hackett, DP | Ken Mowe, editor
July 16, 2007 in DNA, Interscope, New Releases | Permalink
NEW RELEASE: Sean Kingston "Beautiful Girls"
What if there was such a thing as a guaranteed hit record? A mathematical formula that dictated what concoction of beats, melodies and tones would stand the best chance of achieving mass appeal. Without contracting a company — Platinum Blue, for example — that provides exactly that kind of "Music Xray," to verify my gut feeling, I think you'd be hard-pressed to come up with a better blueprint than Sean Kingston's "Beautiful Girl." The song is based on the Ben E. King hit "Stand By Me," one of the most recognizable melodies and musical vamps of all time. The production is kind of hip-hop, kind of pop and kind of savvy in that it that can be a hit at nearly any mainstream format except country and rock (unless it gets covered or remixed). The singer is Sean Kingston, a 17 year old crooner from Jamaican, and the subject is "Beautiful Girls," a subject as universal as it gets. Add it up and it's obvious: Resistance is futile. It's a hit. Your mom will love it, the kids will love it and you will fall in line. It will be inescapable at all summer and will probably live on in the children beauty pageant circle for years to come. Anyway, as for the video, it perfectly capitalizes on the nostalgia inherent in any track that faithfully pays homage to a song from 1961. Kingston performs at a diner where he and his fellow teens alternate between being from the malt shop past and the hip-hop present. --> watch "Beautiful Girls" in the Musicbox Flash player, Quicktime or Windows Media
Sean Kingston "Beautiful Girls" (Beluga Heights/Epic/Koch)
Marcus Raboy, director | DNA, production co | Ketil Dietrichson, DP | Jarrett Fijal, editor
July 9, 2007 in DNA, Epic, Koch, New Releases | Permalink
NEW RELEASE: Yung Joc "Coffee Shop"
Rap has changed a lot in recent years, with kiddie rhymes and sing-song hooks replacing the menace of street thugs. Now we have Yung Joc — who has always come across as harder than hard – doing the joke rap thing. The video works perfectly with the track, including comedic appearances by Joc as a bevy of characters that includes Dorf On Rap, Eddie Murphy in The Klumps and possibly even the Prince sketch from Chappelle’s Show. Director Lenny Bass strikes the right tone with kids helping the rapper(s) sell rims and lattes – disguising the fact that song is really about pushing something just a bit more, um, addictive. (review by Doug Stern) --> watch "Coffee Shop"
Yung Joc feat. Gorilla Zoe
"Coffee Shop" (Bad Boy South)
Lenny Bass, director | Helen Urriola, producer | DNA, production co | Christopher Probst, DP | Zuk, editor
June 27, 2007 in Bad Boy, DNA, New Releases | Permalink
SHOT: Cold War Kids - Jay Martin, director
artist: Cold War Kids
song: "Hospital Beds"
label: Downtown/Atlantic
director(s): Jay Martin
production co: DNA
June 20, 2007 in Atlantic, DNA, Downtown | Permalink
SHOT: J. Holiday - Jonathan Mannion, director
artist: J. Holiday
song: "Bed"
label: Capitol
director(s): Jonathan Mannion
production co: DNA
rep: Inga Veronique/Sugar Management
June 20, 2007 in Capitol, DNA, Sugar Management | Permalink
SHOT: Sean Kingston - Marcus Raboy, director
Director Marcus Raboy and Sean Kingston on the set of "Beautiful Girls."
artist: Sean Kingston
song: "Beautiful Girls"
label: Beluga Heights/Epic/Koch
director(s): Marcus Raboy
production co: DNA
June 11, 2007 in DNA, Epic, Koch | Permalink
BOOKED: Katharine McPhee - Marcus Raboy, director
artist: Katharine McPhee
song: "Love Story"
label: 19/RCA
director(s): Marcus Raboy
production co: DNA
June 11, 2007 in DNA, RCA | Permalink
BOOKED: Evanescence - Marc Webb & Rich Lee, directors
Shooting in Budapest, Hungary...
artist: Evanescence
song: "Good Enough"
label: Wind-Up
director(s): Marc Webb & Rich Lee
production co: DNA
June 8, 2007 in DNA, Wind-Up | Permalink
BOOKED: The Starting Line - Jay Martin, director
artist: The Starting Line
song: "Island"
label: Virgin/Capitol
director(s): Jay Martin
production co: DNA
June 8, 2007 in Capitol, DNA, Virgin | Permalink
SHOT: Yung Joc - Lenny Bass, director
Shot in Atlanta...
artist: Yung Joc feat. Gorilla Zoe
song: "Coffee Shop"
label: Bad Boy
director(s): Lenny Bass
production co: DNA
May 24, 2007 in Bad Boy, DNA | Permalink
SHOT: Valeria - Marc Webb, director
Shot in Budapest, Hungary...
artist: Valeria
song: "Girl, I Told Ya"
label: Interscope
director(s): Marc Webb
production co: DNA
May 24, 2007 in DNA, Interscope | Permalink
SHOT: Colbie Caillat - Liz Friedlander, director
artist: Colbie Caillat
song: "Bubbly"
label: Universal Republic
director(s): Liz Friedlander
production co: DNA
May 24, 2007 in DNA, Universal | Permalink
NEWS: DNA Signs Adria Petty
Production company DNA has announced the signing of director Adria Petty, whose credits include:
She will continue to be represented by Robin Frank Management, in conjunction with DNA.
May 17, 2007 in DNA, News, RFM | Permalink
SHOT: Queens Of The Stone Age - Brett Simon, director
artist: Queens Of The Stone Age
song: "Sick Sick Sick"
label: Interscope
director(s): Brett Simon
production co: DNA
May 3, 2007 in DNA, Interscope | Permalink
SHOT: Skinny Puppy - Jay Martin, director
Video shot in Wisconsin for industrial music vets Skinny Puppy...
artist: Skinny Puppy
song: "Haze"
label: Synthetic Symphony/SPV
director(s): Jay Martin
production co: DNA
May 3, 2007 in DNA, SPV | Permalink
PHOTO: My Chemical Romance "Teenagers"
Have director Marc Webb and My Chemical Romance frontman Gerard Way wandered into the wrong locker room, or are they just on the set of the band's new video, "Teenagers?"
April 13, 2007 in DNA, Warner Bros. | Permalink
SHOT: Mat Kearny - Adria Petty, director
artist: Mat Kearny
song: "Undeniable"
label: Aware/Columbia
director(s): Adria Petty
production co: DNA
rep: Robin Frank Management
April 2, 2007 in Columbia, DNA, RFM | Permalink
SHOT: My Chemical Romance - Marc Webb, director
artist: My Chemical Romance
song: "Teenagers"
label: Reprise/Warner Bros.
director(s): Marc Webb
production co: DNA
March 22, 2007 in DNA, Warner Bros. | Permalink
SHOT: Kelly Rowland - Mike Ruiz, director
Photographer Mike Ruiz directed a video for Destiny's Child member Kelly Rowland on-location at a Hollywood Hills house. This will be the first release off Rowland's album Ms. Kelly, due out June 26.
artist: Kelly Rowland feat. Eve
song: "Like This"
label: Music World/Columbia
director(s): Mike Ruiz
production co: DNA
March 19, 2007 in Columbia, DNA | Permalink
SHOT: Corbin Bleu - Lenny Bass, director
Director Lenny Bass oversaw a shoot in Las Vegas for Corbin Bleu, who appeared in the hit Disney Channel flicks High School Musical and Jump In.
artist: Corbin Bleu
song: "Deal With It"
label: Hollywood
director(s): Lenny Bass
production co: DNA
March 19, 2007 in DNA, Hollywood | Permalink
BOOKED: The Cribs - Diane Martel, director
artist: The Cribs
song: "Men's Needs"
label: Warner Bros./Wichita UK
director(s): Diane Martel
production co: DNA
commissioner: Jill Kaplan/Skyway Productions
February 28, 2007 in DNA, Skyway, Warner Bros., Wichita | Permalink
NEW RELEASE: Diddy "Last Night"
Poor Diddy. He may have the house in The Hills and all the trappings of fame and fortune, but he doesn't have the the woman he really loves. When not fixating on a gigantic photograph of her in his den — probably a mistake keeping that up — he's either attempting to reconcile or exorcising his emotional demons on stage with guest singer Keyshia Cole. When neither works, he does what you'd expect he'd do in any situation where he doesn't get what he wants: He breaks shit. --> watch "Last Night"
Diddy feat. Keyshia Cole "Last Night" (Bad Boy)
Marc Webb, director | Hagai Shaham, producer | DNA, production co | Jeff Cutter, DP | Harvey White, editor
February 26, 2007 in Bad Boy, DNA, New Releases | Permalink
SHOT: Hinder - Nigel Dick, director
artist: Hinder
song: "Better Than Me"
label: Universal Republic
director(s): Nigel Dick
production co: DNA
February 15, 2007 in DNA, Universal | Permalink
SHOT: Ciara - Diane Martel, director
artist: Ciara
song: "Like A Boy"
label: LaFace/ZLG
director(s): Diane Martel
production co: DNA
February 15, 2007 in DNA, Zomba | Permalink
SHOT: My Chemical Romance - Marc Webb, director
My Chemical Romance singer Gerard Way and director Marc Webb on the set of the band's new video, "I Don't Love You." Webb directed all the videos off MCR's last album, Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge.
artist: My Chemical Romance
song: "I Don't Love You"
label: Reprise/Warner Bros
director(s): Marc Webb
production co: DNA
February 12, 2007 in DNA, Warner Bros. | Permalink
SHOT: Katharine McPhee - Liz Friedlander, director
First video from the American Idol runner-up...
artist: Katharine McPhee
song: "Over It"
label: RCA
director(s): Liz Friedlander
production co: DNA
February 1, 2007 in DNA, RCA | Permalink
SHOT: Natasha f/ Clipse - Lenny Bass, director
Shot in Brooklyn...
artist: Natasha feat. Clipse
song: "So Sick"
label: Jive/ZLG
director(s): Lenny Bass
production co: DNA
February 1, 2007 in DNA, Zomba | Permalink
NEW RELEASE: Lil Scrappy "Oh Yeah"
Although many rap videos are bereft of the clever twists and effects that appeal to the video cognoscenti, they do excel at making an artist look darn cool and/or dangerous. That's the case in this video for Lil' Scrappy featuring Sean "no relation" Paul of YoungBloodz and E-40. A very loose conceptual anchor shows promo copies of the CD being duplicated, but the real point here is to show Scrappy shining bright (literally, thanks to his blinging ring) and holding his own when in the sketchiest parts of Atlanta. --> watch "Oh Yeah" in Quicktime or Windows Media
Lil Scrappy feat. Sean Paul & E-40
"Oh Yeah" (BME/Reprise)
Marcus Raboy, director | John Thorpe, producer | DNA, production co | Niels Alpert, DP | T David Binns, editor
January 29, 2007 in DNA, New Releases, Warner Bros. | Permalink
SHOT: The Killers - Diane Martel, director
Shot on-location with band in Tokyo...
artist: The Killers
song: "Read My Mind"
label: Island Def Jam
director(s): Diane Martel
production co: DNA
January 12, 2007 in DNA, Island Def Jam | Permalink
BOOKED: Diddy - Marc Webb, director
artist: Diddy feat. Keyshia Cole
song: "Last Night"
label: Bad Boy
director(s): Marc Webb
production co: DNA
January 12, 2007 in Bad Boy, DNA | Permalink
NEW RELEASE: Daughtry "It's Not Over"
Editor Brian Kushner of Purple Cow Post splices together performance footage directed by Dean Karr and a narrative by director Jay Martin in this video for American Idol rocker Chris Daughtry. Fans familiar with his background will undoubtedly find connections with the video's tale of a man getting a second chance to right his life through hard work and a committed relationship. --> watch "It's Not Over" (AOL video link)
Daughtry "It's Not Over" (RCA)
Dean Karr & Jay Martin, directors| Arthur Gorson, producer (performance) | Muriel Samuel, producer (narrative) | Karma, production co (performance) | DNA, production co (narrative) | Heidi Gregory, rep for Dean Karr | Vance Burberry, DP (performance) | Jaron Presant, DP (narrative) | Brian Kushner, editor
January 11, 2007 in DNA, Karma, New Releases, RCA | Permalink
BOOKED: Relient K - Marc Webb, director
artist: Relient K
song: "Must Have Done Something Right"
label: Capitol
director(s): Marc Webb
production co: DNA
December 15, 2006 in Capitol, DNA | Permalink
SHOT: Lil Scrappy - Marcus Raboy, director
Shot in Atlanta...
artist: Lil Scrappy feat. Sean Paul of Youngbloodz
song: "Oh Yeah"
label: BME/Reprise/Warner Bros.
director(s): Marcus Raboy
production co: DNA
December 15, 2006 in DNA, Warner Bros. | Permalink
BOOKED: Good Charlotte - Marc Webb, director
artist: Good Charlotte
song: "The River"
label: Epic
director(s): Marc Webb
production co: DNA
December 6, 2006 in DNA, Epic | Permalink
BOOKED: Alison Krauss - Rocky Schenck, director
artist: Alison Krauss + Union Station
song: "Missing You"
label: Rounder
director(s): Rocky Schenck
production co: DNA
December 6, 2006 in DNA, Rounder | Permalink
SHOT: Dashboard Confessional - Jay Martin, director
artist: Dashboard Confessional
song: "Stolen"
label: Vagrant/Interscope
director(s): Jay Martin
production co: DNA
November 7, 2006 in DNA, Interscope, Vagrant | Permalink
SHOT: Jibbs f/ Chamillionaire - Jonathan Mannion, director
artist: Jibbs feat. Chamillionaire
song: "King Kong"
label: Geffen
director(s): Jonathan Mannion
production co: DNA
November 7, 2006 in DNA, Geffen | Permalink
BOOKED: Danity Kane - Marcus Raboy, director
artist: Danity Kane
song: "Ride For You"
label: Bad Boy
director(s): Marcus Raboy
production co: DNA
November 2, 2006 in Bad Boy, DNA | Permalink
NEW RELEASE: RBD "Tu Amor"
Co-ed Mexican pop act RBD spend a complete day and night by the ocean. They huddle together through the cool morning until the sun peaks out and they can brave the surf and take part in other beach activities. Come sunset, they sit around the campfire and sing this bilingual ballad penned by Diane Warren. -- watch "Tu Amor" in Windows Media
RBD "Tu Amor" (Virgin)
Diane Martel, director | Gina Leonard, producer | DNA, production co | Shawn Kim, DP | Jen Dean, editor
November 1, 2006 in DNA, New Releases, Virgin | Permalink
SHOT: Ciara - Diane Martel, director
artist: Ciara
song: "Promise"
label: LaFace/ZLG
director(s): Diane Martel
production co: DNA
October 16, 2006 in DNA, Zomba | Permalink
SHOT: Stefy - Nigel Dick, director
artist: Stefy
song: "Hey School Boy"
label: Wind-Up
director(s): Nigel Dick
production co: DNA
October 16, 2006 in DNA, Wind-Up | Permalink
SHOT: The Pussycat Dolls - Marc Webb, director
artist: The Pussycat Dolls feat. Timbaland
song: "Wait A Minute"
label: A&M/Interscope
director(s): Marc Webb
production co: DNA
October 13, 2006 in DNA, Interscope | Permalink
NEW RELEASE: AFI "Love Like Winter"
AFI's Davey Havoc learns the hard way that you have to be very careful when stalking a mysterious woman through a wintry wonderland. Namely, you never know when a bank of snow is concealing a thin layer of ice. For more on this new video from the prolific director Marc Webb, check out MTV2's AFI Makes A Video ("making of" co-directed by Marc Steinberger and John Logsdon of Never Give Up Productions). -- watch "Love Like Winter" in Quicktime, Real or Windows Media
AFI "Love Like Winter" (Interscope)
Marc Webb, director | Michael Angelos, producer | DNA, production co | Jonathan Sela, DP | Mario Mares, editor
October 5, 2006 in DNA, Interscope, New Releases | Permalink
SHOT: +44 - Liz Friedlander, director
The first video has been shot for +44, a new band boasting former Blink-182 members Mark Hoppus and Travis Barker.
artist: +44
song: "When Your Heart Stops Beating"
label: Interscope
director(s): Liz Friedlander
production co: DNA
September 25, 2006 in DNA, Interscope | Permalink
SHOT: Senses Fail - Jay Martin, director
artist: Senses Fail
song: "Calling All Cars"
label: Vagrant
director(s): Jay Martin
production co: DNA
September 25, 2006 in DNA, Vagrant | Permalink
NEW RELEASE: Jack's Mannequin - Brett Simon, director
Jack's Mannequinn
"Dark Blue" (Maverick/Warner Bros.)
Brett Simon, director | Jonathan Lia, producer | DNA, production co | Jonathan Sela, DP | David Baum, editor | Description: Singer/keyboardist Andrew MacMahon and his band Jack's Mannequin perform in the midst of a '50s era multi-day, high stakes dance competition. -- watch "Dark Blue" at this Jack's Mannequin player
September 21, 2006 in DNA, New Releases, Warner Bros. | Permalink
SHOT: RBD - Diane Martel, director
Mexican pop group RBD recently shot a video for this track off their upcoming English language debut album.
artist: RBD
song: "Tu Amor"
label: Virgin
director(s): Diane Martel
production co: DNA
September 15, 2006 in DNA, Virgin | Permalink
SHOT: Rod Stewart - Nigel Dick, director
Having made his way through the standards, Rod Stewart now turns his attention back to rock music with Still The Same... Great Rock Classics Of Our Time. This video for the Creedence Clearwater Revival hit "Have You Ever Seen The Rain" was shot at a mock live concert staged in London.
artist: Rod Stewart
song: "Have You Ever Seen The Rain"
label: J Records
director(s): Nigel Dick
production co: DNA
August 30, 2006 in DNA, J | Permalink
SHOT: Ruben Studdard - Lenny Bass, director
2004 American Idol winner Ruben Studdard returns with "Change Me." The video was shot in NYC and will feature America's Next Top Model contestant Bre.
artist: Ruben Studdard
song: "Change Me"
label: J Records
director(s): Lenny Bass
production co: DNA
August 28, 2006 in DNA, J | Permalink
SHOT: Robert Randolph - Lenny Bass, director
artist: Robert Randolph And The Family Band
song: "Thrill Of It"
label: Warner Bros.
director(s): Lenny Bass
production co: DNA
August 28, 2006 in DNA, Warner Bros. | Permalink
BOOKED: Elisabeth Withers - Lenny Bass, director
Broadway star Elizabeth Withers of The Color Purple will debut as a Blue Note recording artist with this video scheduled to shoot in NYC...
artist: Elisabeth Withers
song: "Be With You"
label: Blue Note
director(s): Lenny Bass
production co: DNA
August 28, 2006 in Blue Note, DNA | Permalink
NEW RELEASE: Regina Spektor "Fidelity"
Regina Spektor
"Fidelity" (Sire/Warner Bros.)
Marc Webb, director | Michael Angelos, producer | DNA, production co | Matthew Santo, DP | Lenny Mesina, editor | Description: Regina Spektor's surroundings are virtually colorless — the video isn't black & white, but the set is decorated in only blacks and whites — and her awfully proper relationship with an invisible man seems doomed in this video for "Fidelity." Things change for the brighter and better, however, when Spektor decides to let her heart literally break. A heart-shaped pendant that she wears on a necklace comes crashing to the ground, exposing the colorful sand that was hidden inside it and exposing the real man that was previously unseen. All in all a clever clip that manages to give Spektor a major label caliber sheen, while still preserving her quirks and personality (kind of like the song itself). -- watch "Fidelity" in Quicktime or Windows Media
August 11, 2006 in DNA, New Releases, Warner Bros. | Permalink
SHOT: Plain White T's - Jay Martin, director
artist: Plain White T's
song: "Hate"
label: Hollywood
director(s): Jay Martin
production co: DNA
August 9, 2006 in DNA, Hollywood | Permalink
SHOT: Trinity Stone - Nzingha Stewart, director
artist: Trinity Stone
song: "Move A Little Closer"
label: Brightside/SonyBMG UK
director(s): Nzingha Stewart
production co: DNA
August 9, 2006 in DNA, UK Labels | Permalink
PHOTO: Lenny Bass on set of "Chicken Noodle Soup"
DNA director Lenny Bass with Young B and DJ Webstar on the Harlem, NY set for the "Chicken Noodle Soup" video.
Photo courtesy John Ricard.
August 9, 2006 in DNA, Universal | Permalink
SHOT: Pitbull f/ Lil Jon & Ying Yang Twins - Marcus Raboy, director
artist: Pitbull feat. Lil Jon & Ying Yang Twins
song: "Bojangles"
label: TVT
director(s): Marcus Raboy
production co: DNA
August 4, 2006 in DNA, TVT | Permalink
SHOT: DJ Webstar & Young B - Lenny Bass, director
Los Angeles may have clown dancing and krumping, but New York City has its own dance with a silly name: The Chicken Noodle Soup. This video was shot in Harlem, which is the epicenter of this dance movement.
artist: DJ Webstar & Young B
song: "Chicken Noodle Soup"
label: Scrilla Hill/Universal
director(s): Lenny Bass
production co: DNA
August 4, 2006 in DNA, Universal | Permalink
SHOT: Jack's Mannequin - Brett Simon, director
artist: Jack's Manequin
song: "Dark Blue"
label: Maverick/Warner Bros.
director(s): Brett Simon
production co: DNA
August 3, 2006 in DNA, Warner Bros. | Permalink
SHOT: Lostprophets - Brett Simon, director
Shot in London...
artist: Lostprophets
song: "A Town Called Hypocrisy"
label: Columbia
director(s): Brett Simon
production co: DNA
August 3, 2006 in Columbia, DNA | Permalink
SHOT: Teddy Geiger - Marc Webb, director
artist: Teddy Geiger
song: "These Walls"
label: Columbia
director(s): Marc Webb
production co: DNA
August 3, 2006 in Columbia, DNA | Permalink
SHOT: Lil Scrappy - Marcus Raboy, director
artist: Lil Scrappy
song: "Gangsta, Gangsta"
label: BME/Reprise/Warner Bros.
director(s): Marcus Raboy
production co: DNA
July 13, 2006 in DNA, Warner Bros. | Permalink
SHOT: Hinder - Nigel Dick, director
artist: Hinder
song: "Lips Of An Angel"
label: Universal
director(s): Nigel Dick
production co: DNA
July 13, 2006 in DNA, Universal | Permalink
BOOKED: John Mayer - Liz Friedlander, director
artist: John Mayer
song: "Waiting On The World To Change"
label: Columbia
director(s): Liz Friedlander
production co: DNA
July 7, 2006 in Columbia, DNA | Permalink
BOOKED: Sugarcult - Brett Simon, director
artist: Sugarcult
song: "Do It Alone"
label: Fearless/V2
director(s): Brett Simon
production co: DNA
July 7, 2006 in DNA, V2 | Permalink
BOOKED: Evanescence - Marc Webb, director
Shooting over two days in Los Angeles... This will be the first video off the upcoming Evanescence album The Open Door.
artist: Evanescence
song: "Call Me When You're Sober"
label: Wind-Up
director(s): Marc Webb
production co: DNA
July 6, 2006 in DNA, Wind-Up | Permalink
SHOT: Chamillionaire - Rich Lee, director
Director Rich Lee threw a fashion runway show with a twist over the long July 4 weekend for this video follow-up to Chamillionaire's hit "Ridin'."
artist: Chamillionaire
song: "Grown And Sexy"
label: Universal
director(s): Rich Lee
production co: DNA
July 6, 2006 in DNA, Universal | Permalink
PHOTO: Stefy On The Set
Stefy frontwoman Stefy Rae and her bandmates get going for the camera on the set of their new video, "Chelsea," directed by Nigel Dick.
July 6, 2006 in DNA, Wind-Up | Permalink
NEW RELEASE: Five For Fighting "The Riddle"
Five For Fighting
"The Riddle" (Columbia)
Vem, director/editor | Jonathan Lia, producer | DNA, production co | Brandon Cox, DP | Description: Five For Fighting frontman John Ondrasik's imagination takes flight when he finds a crayon in the sand while waiting for a tow truck to collect his overheated car. H hastily scribbles a piano to perform the ballad and then starts coloring in all sorts of distractions, such as buzzards, rainclouds and jet fighters. -- watch "The Riddle" (AOL Video link)
July 5, 2006 in Columbia, DNA, New Releases | Permalink
SHOT: New Found Glory - Brett Simon, director
artist: New Found Glory
song: "It's Not Your Fault"
label: Geffen
director(s): Brett Simon
production co: DNA
June 29, 2006 in DNA, Geffen | Permalink
BOOKED: Jesse McCartney - Big TV!, directors
artist: Jesse McCartney
song: "Right Where You Want Me"
label: Hollywood
director(s): Big TV!
production co: DNA
commissioner: Mike Sarkissian
June 29, 2006 in DNA, Hollywood | Permalink
SHOT: Regina Spektor - Marc Webb, director
artist: Regina Spektor
song: "Fidelity"
label: Sire/Warner Bros.
director(s): Marc Webb
production co: DNA
June 26, 2006 in DNA, Warner Bros. | Permalink
SHOT: Fergie - Marc Webb, director
Marc Webb was recently in London for a two-day shoot with Black Eyed Peas member Fergie. The video for "London Bridge" will support her upcoming solo effort The Dutchess.
artist: Fergie
song: "London Bridge"
label: A&M/Interscope
director(s): Marc Webb
production co: DNA
June 26, 2006 in DNA, Interscope | Permalink
SHOT: The Subways - Brett Simon, director
Brett Simon directed his first video since signing with DNA. This new version of The Subways track "Oh Yeah" was shot in NYC ...
artist: The Subways
song: "Oh Yeah"
label: Sire/Reprise/Warner Bros.
director(s): Brett Simon
production co: DNA
June 26, 2006 in DNA, Warner Bros. | Permalink
PHOTO: Taking Back Sunday's Adam Lazarro & Jay Martin
Taking Back Sunday frontman Adam Lazarro summons the spirit and the style of Johnny Cash on the set of "Twenty-Twenty Surgery" with DNA director Jay Martin.
June 15, 2006 in DNA, Warner Bros. | Permalink
BOOKED: Taking Back Sunday - Jay Martin, director
artist: Taking Back Sunday
song: "Twenty-Twenty Surgery"
label: Warner Bros.
director(s): Jay Martin
production co: DNA
June 8, 2006 in DNA, Warner Bros. | Permalink
SHOT: Ashlee Simpson - Marc Webb, director
Shot over the course of two days in Los Angeles. The b&w video will have a boxing theme.
artist: Ashlee Simpson
song: "Invisible"
label: Geffen
director(s): Marc Webb
production co: DNA
June 5, 2006 in DNA, Geffen | Permalink
SHOT: Stacie Orrico - Diane Martel, director
artist: Stacie Orrico
song: "I'm Not Missing You"
label: Virgin
director(s): Diane Martel
production co: DNA
June 5, 2006 in DNA, Virgin | Permalink
SHOT: Five For Fighting - Vem, director
artist: Five For Fighting
song: "The Riddle (You And I)"
label: Columbia
director(s): Vem
production co: DNA
May 16, 2006 in Columbia, DNA | Permalink
SHOT: Wolfmother - Jay Martin, directors
artist: Wolfmother
song: "Love Train"
label: Modular/Interscope
director(s): Jay Martin
production co: DNA
May 16, 2006 in DNA, Interscope | Permalink
SHOT: Leela James - Lenny Bass, director
artist: Leela James
song: "Good Time"
label: Warner Bros.
director(s): Lenny Bass
production co: DNA
May 10, 2006 in DNA, Warner Bros. | Permalink
SHOT: The Kooks - Diane Martel, director
Shot in Tijuana, Mexico...
artist: The Kooks
song: "She Moves In Her Own Way"
label: Virgin UK
director(s): Diane Martel
production co: DNA
May 10, 2006 in DNA, Virgin | Permalink
SHOT: Mozella - Nzingha Stewart, director
artist: Mozella
song: "Love Is Something"
label: Maverick/Warner Bros.
director(s): Nzingha Stewart
production co: DNA
May 10, 2006 in DNA, Warner Bros. | Permalink
SHOT: Alison Ray - Jay Martin, director
artist: Alison Ray
song: "Does The DJ Know?"
label: Chime
director(s): Jay Martin
production co: DNA
May 10, 2006 in Chime, DNA | Permalink
SHOT: Eamon - Lenny Bass, director
artist: Eamon
song: "(How Could You) Bring Him Home"
label: Jive/ZLG
director(s): Lenny Bass
production co: DNA
May 5, 2006 in DNA, Zomba | Permalink
SHOT: AFI - Marc Webb, director
Shot over the course of two nights in Los Angeles...
artist: AFI
song: "Miss Murder"
label: Interscope
director(s): Marc Webb
production co: DNA
April 27, 2006 in DNA, Interscope | Permalink
SHOT: Paula Deanda - Diane Martel, director
artist: Paula Deanda feat. Baby Bash
song: "Doing Too Much"
label: J Records
director(s): Diane Martel
production co: DNA
April 27, 2006 in DNA, J | Permalink
SHOT: Superchick - Antti J Jokinen, director
Video shot in L.A. for this inspirational track from Superchick — who are best known for providing the theme song for the most recent Real World/Road Rules MTV challenge.
artist: Superchick
song: "We Live"
label: Columbia
director(s): Antti J Jokinen
production co: DNA
April 27, 2006 in Columbia, DNA | Permalink
NEW RELEASE: Kaci Brown "Instigator"
Kaci Brown
"Instigator" (Interscope)
Vem, director | Madeline Scoular, producer | DNA, production co | Brandon Cox, DP | David Michalson, editor | Description: Pop newcomer Kaci Brown and some pals hold up traffic late at night with performance in the middle of the road, followed by a dance party at a local diner where rappers VA Slim and El Fudge contribute some rhymes. -- watch "Instigator" in Real or Windows Media
April 27, 2006 in DNA, Interscope, New Releases | Permalink
NEW RELEASE: Ray Cash "Bumpin' My Music"
Ray Cash feat. Scarface
"Bumpin' My Music" (Ghet-O-Vision/Sony Urban/Columbia)
Jonathan Mannion, director | Michael Angelos, producer | DNA, production co | Description: Ray Cash evolves from a hip hop fan into a bona fide star in this clever and well-structured video shot on location in his hometown of Cleveland. After cruising around in a Delta 88 and absorbing some of his favorite discs, Cash unleashes his own tunes and quickly becomes a star. Despite the bling, big bucks and the backing of guest rapper Scarface, Cash keeps paying tribute to his predecessors. As such, "Bumpin' My Music" is filled with lots of visual and lyrical references to such forebears as Jay-Z, Ice-T, Public Enemy and N.W.A. -- watch "Bumpin' My Music" in QuickTime, Real or Windows Media
April 18, 2006 in Columbia, DNA, New Releases | Permalink
SHOT: Stefy - Nigel Dick, director
artist: Stefy
song: "Chelsea"
label: Wind-Up
director(s): Nigel Dick
production co: DNA
April 7, 2006 in DNA, Wind-Up | Permalink
NEWS: Brett Simon Signs With DNA
Director Brett Simon has joined the roster at DNA. His directing credits include videos for The Killers, Hoobastank, The Walkmen and Unwritten Law.
April 6, 2006 in DNA, News | Permalink
SHOT: The Pussycat Dolls - Francis Lawrence, director
artist: The Pussycat Dolls feat. Snoop Dogg
song: "Buttons"
label: A&M/Interscope
director(s): Francis Lawrence
production co: DNA
March 20, 2006 in DNA, Interscope | Permalink
SHOT: Olivia feat. 50 Cent - Marcus Raboy, director
artist: Olivia feat. 50 Cent
song: "Best Friend"
label: G Unit/Interscope
director(s): Marcus Raboy
production co: DNA
March 16, 2006 in DNA, Interscope | Permalink
SHOT: Lillix - Diane Martel, director
artist: Lillix
song: "Sweet Temptation (Hollow)"
label: Maverick/Warner Bros.
director(s): Diane Martel
production co: DNA
March 16, 2006 in DNA, Warner Bros. | Permalink
SHOT: Yung Joc - Lenny Bass, director
Shot in Yung Joc's hometown of Atlanta...
artist: Yung Joc
song: "It's Goin Down"
label: Bad Boy
director(s): Lenny Bass
production co: DNA
March 7, 2006 in Bad Boy, DNA | Permalink
NEW RELEASE: Matisyahu "Youth"
Matisyahu
"Youth" (Or/Epic)
Marc Webb, director | Hagai Shaham, producer | DNA, production co | Lenny Mesina @ Sunset Edit, editor | Description: Matisyahu straps on his tefillin and floors yet another audience in the video for "Youth." Besides absolutely captivating a crowd at a dingy punk club, Matisyahu also performs this reggae rocker on a NYC rooftop and in front of a mural that gets filled in with the song lyrics. Other elements include even a pickup street basketball game and portraiture shots of youths from all walks of life. -- watch "Youth"
March 6, 2006 in DNA, Epic, New Releases | Permalink
SHOT: DMX - Jonathan Mannion, director
DMX makes his post-Def Jam debut with this video shot in Houston during the recent NBA All-Star Weekend...
artist: DMX
song: "We In Here"
label: Sony Urban/Columbia
director(s): Jonathan Mannion
production co: DNA
March 2, 2006 in Columbia, DNA | Permalink
SHOT: Big City Rock - Rich Lee, director
Director Rich Lee checks in with his first video since signing with DNA...
artist: Big City Rock
song: "All Of The Above"
label: Atlantic
director(s): Rich Lee
production co: DNA
March 2, 2006 in Atlantic, DNA | Permalink
SHOT: Daniel Powter - Marc Webb, director
artist: Daniel Powter
song: "Lie To Me"
label: Warner Bros.
director(s): Marc Webb
production co: DNA
March 2, 2006 in DNA, Warner Bros. | Permalink
SHOT: Yellowcard - Marc Webb, director
artist: Yellowcard
song: "Rough Landing, Holly"
label: Capitol
director(s): Marc Webb
production co: DNA
February 15, 2006 in Capitol, DNA | Permalink
SHOT: Sheryl Crow & Sting - Nigel Dick, director
artist: Sheryl Crow and Sting
song: "Always On Your Side"
label: Interscope
director(s): Nigel Dick
production co: DNA
February 13, 2006 in DNA, Interscope | Permalink
SHOT: Atreyu - Jay Martin, director
artist: Atreyu
song: "Ex's And Oh's"
label: Victory
director(s): Jay Martin
production co: DNA
February 13, 2006 in DNA, Victory | Permalink
SHOT: Ice Cube - Marcus Raboy, director
Ice Cube's upcoming video "Race Card" will support the FX reality/documentary series Black.White. he is executive producing with RJ Cutler. The series will seek to illuminate the differences that black and white families face everyday by applying race-changing make-up to a black family and a white family and then documenting their day-to-day lives.
artist: Ice Cube
song: "Race Card"
director(s): Marcus Raboy
production co: DNA
February 13, 2006 in DNA | Permalink
SHOT: Nine Inch Nails - Francis Lawrence, director
artist: Nine Inch Nails
song: "Every Day Is Exactly The Same"
label: Interscope
director(s): Francis Lawrence
production co: DNA
January 24, 2006 in DNA, Interscope | Permalink
SHOT: Jack's Mannequin - Jay Martin, director
Shot at the same locations in Wilmington, NC used for the WB teen drama One Tree Hill. The video will support the show's forthcoming tie-in CD, Volume II: Friends With Benefit. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
artist: Jack's Mannnequin
song: "The Mixed Tape"
label: Maverick/Warner Bros.
director(s): Jay Martin
production co: DNA
January 19, 2006 in DNA, Warner Bros. | Permalink
SHOT: Bubba Sparxxx - Marcus Raboy, director
Shot on location in Atlanta...
artist: Bubba Sparxxx feat. Ying Yang Twins
song: "Ms. New Booty"
label: Virgin
director(s): Marcus Raboy
production co: DNA
January 19, 2006 in DNA, Virgin | Permalink
SHOT: Jagged Edge - Nzingha Stewart, director
artist: Jagged Edge
song: "Good Luck Charm"
label: Sony Urban/Columbia
director(s): Nzingha Stewart
production co: DNA
January 17, 2006 in Columbia, DNA | Permalink
SHOT: Ray Cash feat. Scarface - Jonathan Mannion, director
artist: Ray Cash feat. Scarface
song: "Bumpin' My Music"
label: Ghet-O-Vision/Sony Urban/Columbia
director(s): Jonathan Mannion
production co: DNA
rep: Milk & Honey
January 17, 2006 in Columbia, DNA, Milk & Honey, New Releases | Permalink
SHOT: Black Eyed Peas - Francis Lawrence, director
Francis Lawrence directed a high energy dance battle with the Black Eyed Peas for their "Pump It" video.
artist: Black Eyed Peas
song: "Pump It"
label: A&M/Interscope
director(s): Francis Lawrence
production co: DNA
January 9, 2006 in DNA, Interscope | Permalink
SHOT: Aly & AJ - Marc Webb, director
Shot this weekend in Hawaii...
artist: Aly & AJ
song: "Rush"
label: Hollywood
director(s): Marc Webb
production co: DNA
January 9, 2006 in DNA, Hollywood | Permalink
NEWS: DNA Signs Kevin Bray and Marcus Raboy
Directors Kevin Bray and Marcus Raboy have joined the roster of production company DNA.
Both Bray and Raboy have directed many music videos over the years, in addition to feature films:
- Kevin Bray directed the movies All About The Benjamins and Walking Tall, in addition to videos for Whitney Houston, Luther Vandross, Jennifer Lopez, Ben Folds Five, Savage Garden, Brandy and many more artists.
- Marcus Raboy's credits include music videos for the likes of Shania Twain, Naughty By Nature, Santana and Mary J. Blige, and the Ice Cube movie Friday After Next.
January 3, 2006 in DNA, News | Permalink
SHOT: Goldfrapp - Diane Martel, director
Shot in London and produced through Academy Films...
artist: Goldfrapp
song: "Ride A White Horse"
label: Mute
director(s): Diane Martel
production co: DNA / Academy
January 3, 2006 in Academy, DNA, Mute | Permalink
SHOT: Heather Headley - Diane Martel, director
Heather Headley recovers from a bad breakup in this video for the title track from her upcoming CD, In My Mind.
artist: Heather Headley
song: "In My Mind"
label: RCA
director(s): Diane Martel
production co: DNA
January 3, 2006 in DNA, RCA | Permalink
SHOT: Train - Antti J. Jokinen, director
Shot on location in NYC...
artist: Train
song: "Cab"
label: Columbia
director(s): Antti J. Jokinen
production co: DNA
January 3, 2006 in Columbia, DNA | Permalink
SHOT: Ashlee Simpson - Diane Martel, director
"L.O.V.E" was shot on-loation in NYC, documenting a night on the town with Ashlee Simpson and friends.
artist: Ashlee Simpson
song: "L.O.V.E."
label: Geffen
director(s): Diane Martel
production co: DNA
November 29, 2005 in DNA, Geffen | Permalink
NEW RELEASE: The Click Five "Catch A Wave"
The Click Five "Catch A Wave" Lava/Atlantic
Vem, director
Michael J. Katz, producer
DNA, production co
Description: This throwback to director Richard Lester's madcap Beatles films stars the boys of Click Five trying to avoid the hordes of rabid fans in their hotel so they can make it to their beachfront performance. After running around and hiding throughout the hotel — drawing the brief attention of former Brady Bunch star/reality show roadkill Christopher Knight — the Click Fivers hire some lookalikes to allow them to get away, hitch a plane and then skydive to their gig.
November 28, 2005 in Atlantic, DNA, Lava, New Releases | Permalink
NEW RELEASE: O.A.R. "Love And Memories
O.A.R. "Love And Memories" Lava/Atlantic
Vem, director
Marcienne Friesland, producer
DNA, production co
Description: A record caught in a groove causes a couple to keep replaying the moments leading up to a break up. The same actions happen again and again until O.A.R. singer/guitarist Marc Roberge takes a rest from performing to reset the needle and allow the couple to finally part ways.
November 28, 2005 in Atlantic, DNA, Lava, New Releases | Permalink
NEW RELEASE: Yellowcard "Lights And Sounds"
Yellowcard "Lights And Sounds" Capitol
Marc Webb, director
Gina Leonard, producer
DNA, production co
Description: Yellowcard return sto the small screen with this performance clip, shot inside a sort of cube stage that features different types of lighting on each interior wall.
November 23, 2005 in Capitol, DNA, New Releases | Permalink
NEW RELEASE: Trey Songz "Gotta Go"
Trey Songz "Gotta Go" Songbook/Atlantic
Vem, director
Valerie Romer, producer
DNA, production co
Description: R&B crooner Trey Songz transports himself back to his girlfriend's Brooklyn neighborhood in "Gotta Go." Most of his performances takes place in front of a black background while the occasional autumn leaf descends from above, lyrics dot the screen and images of his girlfriend and her neighborhood appear in wisps of smoke.
November 21, 2005 in Atlantic, DNA, New Releases | Permalink
NEW RELEASE: The Pussycat Dolls "Stickwitu"
The Pussycat Dolls "Stickwitu" A&M/Interscope
Nigel Dick, director
Nina Dluhy, producer
DNA, production co
Description: The Pussycat Dolls perform this ballad while preparing for a tour. Performance takes place in several locations including a rehearsal stage and on their tour bus.
November 11, 2005 in DNA, Interscope, New Releases | Permalink
NEW RELEASE: Lifehouse "Blind"
Lifehouse "Blind" Geffen
Nigel Dick, director
Nina Dluhy, producer
DNA, production co
Description: A teenage girl tries to maintain her sanity in a house that is dysfunctional due to her highly irresponsible and domineering father. She finds strength to leave the situation thanks to the band's performance.
November 10, 2005 in DNA, Geffen, New Releases | Permalink
SHOT: Nickelback - Nigel Dick, director
artist: Nickelback
song: "Far Away"
label: Roadrunner
director(s): Nigel Dick
production co: DNA
November 7, 2005 in DNA, Roadrunner | Permalink
SHOT: The All-American Rejects - Marc Webb, director
artist: The All-American Rejects
song: "Move Along"
label: Interscope
director(s): Marc Webb
production co: DNA
November 7, 2005 in DNA, Interscope | Permalink
NEW RELEASE: Missy Elliott "Teary Eyed"
Missy Elliott "Teary Eyed" Gold Mind/Atlantic
Antti J. Jokinen & Missy Elliott, director
John Thorpe, producer
DNA, production co
Description: At first it seems that Missy Elliott is heartbroken because her boyfriend has been seriously injured in a horrible car accident. It's understandable, especially since she planned to marry him and spend the rest of her life with him. The twist, however, is that Missy is just upset that the car crash didn't kill him. Turns out that her man had been cheating and she decided to sabotage his car by slicing a tire. Since the "accident" didn't quite do the trick, she stops by his hospital bedside to finish the job. That storyline explains why Missy's performance primarily takes place in a jail cell and while wearing a straitjacket. Although not as wild as some of singer's previous videos, this more narrative-driven clip is a fine match to the more traditional r&b sounds of the track.
October 18, 2005 in Atlantic, DNA, New Releases | Permalink
BOOKED: Matisyahu - Marc Webb, director
Hasidic reggae rapper Matisyahu rings in the (Jewish) New Year with a video slated to shoot on-location in Brooklyn.
artist: Matisyahu
song: "Youth"
label: Or Music/Epic
director(s): Marc Webb
production co: DNA
October 18, 2005 in DNA, Epic | Permalink
SHOT: Shaggy - Jonathan Mannion, director
artist: Shaggy feat. Natasha Watkins
song: "Ultimatum"
label: Geffen
director(s): Jonathan Mannion
production co: DNA
rep: Milk & Honey
October 18, 2005 in DNA, Geffen, Milk & Honey | Permalink
BOOKED: Pharrell - Diane Martel, director
artist: Pharrell
song: "Angels"
label: Star Trak/Interscope
director(s): Diane Martel
production co: DNA
October 14, 2005 in DNA, Interscope | Permalink
BOOKED: The Click Five - Vem, director
Pop rockers The Click Five try to elude their crazed fans at a hotel so they can make it to a special beach performance in the video for "Catch Your Wave."
artist: The Click Five
song: "Catch Your Wave"
label: Lava/Atlantic
director(s): Vem
production co: DNA
October 14, 2005 in Atlantic, DNA, Lava | Permalink
SHOT: Yellowcard - Marc Webb, director
artist: Yellowcard
song: "Lights And Sounds"
label: Capitol
director(s): Marc Webb
production co: DNA
October 14, 2005 in Capitol, DNA | Permalink
NEWS: Sam Aslanian Exits DNA
Sam Aslanian is exiting DNA as Vice President and Executive Producer after 15+ years with the company. He'll actually be leaving the music video industry entirely to pursue other interests and spend more time with his family.
DNA's Missy Galanida is replacing Sam as Head Of Music Video/Executive Producer. Caleb Dewart, who has produced many DNA videos over the years, is now the company's Executive Producer of Music Video.
On a personal note, I'd like to thank Sam for all his support over the years. Whether approving an ad for an issue I was working on for CVC Report, or subjecting himself to one of my long-winded interviews, Sam was always happy to help and I will always be appreciative. It's nice to see somebody in the video business ride off happily into the sunset. Best of luck, Sam!
October 11, 2005 in DNA, News | Permalink
SHOT: Black Rob - Jonathan Mannion, director
artist: Black Rob
song: "Star In The Hood /Ready"
label: Bad Boy
director(s): Jonathan Mannion
production co: DNA
rep: Milk & Honey
October 5, 2005 in Bad Boy, DNA, Milk & Honey | Permalink
SHOT: Pussycat Dolls - Nigel Dick, director
Nigel Dick shot some behind the scenes footage and a huge performance set-up in Los Angeles with the Pussycat Dolls for their forthcoming video, "Stickwitu."
artist: Pussycat Dolls
song: "Stickwitu"
label: A&M/Interscope
director(s): Nigel Dick
production co: DNA
October 3, 2005 in DNA, Interscope | Permalink
SHOT: O.A.R. - Vem, director
O.A.R. perform at a house where a couple is in the midst of a never-ending breakup.
artist: O.A.R.
song: "Love And Memories"
label: Lava/Atlantic
director(s): Vem
production co: DNA
October 3, 2005 in Atlantic, DNA, Lava | Permalink
SHOT: Daniel Powter - Marc Webb, director
Director Marc Webb explores the special, lifelong bond that singer/songwriter has with his piano.
artist: Daniel Powter
song: "Free Loop"
label: Warner Bros.
director(s): Marc Webb
production co: DNA
October 3, 2005 in DNA, Warner Bros. | Permalink
NEW RELEASE: My Chemical Romance - Marc Webb, director
My Chemical Romance "Ghost Of You" Reprise/Warner Bros.
Marc Webb, director
Hagai Shaham, producer
DNA, production co
Max Goldman, DP
Description: Not satisfied with having made two of the more creative and popular videos of the past year, My Chemical Romance and Marc Webb reunite for their most ambitious clip yet. Not only does it expertly recreate the WWII milieu, "Ghost Of You" also successfully performs the trickier task of capturing the emotions of the characters. The gents of My Chemical Romance are seen performing and sharing drinks at a USO dance. The tone is one of anticipation, of knowing that they might not see their loved ones, or each other ever again. The video then cuts to a sequence in which the band and their fellow soldiers storm a beach. It's a gritty recreation inspired by Saving Private Ryan in that it looks incredibly realistic and the outcome isn't what you'd expect.
September 30, 2005 in DNA, New Releases, Warner Bros. | Permalink
NEW RELEASE: Ashlee Simpson "Boyfriend"
Ashlee Simpson "Boyfriend" Geffen
Marc Webb, director
Gina Leonard, producer
Description: An entire city clears out when all the teenagers head to a scrap yard to check out Ashlee Simpson and her band.
September 27, 2005 in DNA, Geffen | Permalink
NEW RELEASE: Franz Ferdinand "Do You Want To"
Franz Ferdinand "Do You Want To" Epic
Diane Martel, director
Gina Harrell, producer
DNA, production co
Stefan Czapsky, DP
Paul Martinez, editor
Description: Franz Ferdinand channel The Knack on this first single from their much ballyhooed sophomore effort, You Could Have It So Much Better. The video places the band members at a bizarre, yet stuffy art show where they get a chance to act all goofy for the camera and cause a commotion. Their behavior quickly becomes contagious and all the art patrons and hipsters decide to cut loose and join the fun. Franz Ferdinand generally come across as one of the more purposely entertaining rock/pop bands since maybe The Monkees (I guess), while director Diane Martel engineers a rapid succession of cool set-ups and surprising transitions.
September 15, 2005 in DNA, Epic, New Releases | Permalink
BOOKED: Lifehouse - Nigel Dick, director
artist: Lifehouse
song: "Blind"
label: Geffen
director(s): Nigel Dick
production co: DNA
September 9, 2005 in DNA, Geffen | Permalink
SHOT: Hope Partlow - Nigel Dick, director
artist: Hope Partlow
song: "Sick Inside"
label: Virgin
director(s): Nigel Dick
production co: DNA
September 9, 2005 in DNA, Virgin | Permalink
SHOT: Ashlee Simpson - Marc Webb, director
artist: Ashlee Simpson
song: "Boyfriend"
label: Geffen
director(s): Marc Webb
production co: DNA
September 7, 2005 in DNA, Geffen | Permalink
BOOKED: Thrice - Jay Martin, director
Jay Martin is set to direct his first video with production company DNA. Footage from the multiple day shoot for Thrice's "Image Of The Invisible" will be given a heavy FX treatment to create a vibe similar to the dark world from The City Of Lost Children.
artist: Thrice
song: "Image Of The Invisible"
label: Island Def Jam
director(s): Jay Martin
production co: DNA
September 7, 2005 in DNA, Island Def Jam | Permalink
PHOTOGRAPHIC EVIDENCE: My Chemical Romance "The Ghost of You"
My Chemical Romance singer Gerard Way looks as happy as an emo rocker can be on the set of his band's new video "The Ghost Of You" with DNA director Marc Webb (left).
August 15, 2005 in DNA, Warner Bros. | Permalink
SHOT: Missy Elliott - Antti J. Jokinen, director
This video will find Missy Elliott in a rehabilitation facility to help her get over the heartbreak caused by a past relationship. As is the case with almost all of Missy's videos, you can count on crazy choreography and more than a few surprises.
artist: Missy Elliott
song: "Teary Eyed"
label: Atlantic
director(s): Antti J. Jokinen
production co: DNA
August 15, 2005 in Atlantic, DNA | Permalink
BOOKED: Trey Songz - Vem, director
What at first seems like a plain performance video becomes something else when the camera pulls back to reveal an entire block. "I Gotta Go" is scheduled to shoot in New York City.
artist: Trey Songz
song: "Gotta Go"
label: Atlantic
director(s): Vem
production co: DNA
August 11, 2005 in Atlantic, DNA | Permalink
NEW RELEASE: Incubus "Make A Move"
Incubus "Make A Move" Epic
Marc Webb, director
Hagai Shaham, producer
DNA, production co
Ingenuity Engine, post production
Description: Incubus deliver an anthemic rocker on a desert stage in this cinematic video accompaniment to the recent big budget stinker Stealth. Although Stealth footage plays on a screen off to the side of the stage, the true inspiration here is Pink Floyd's landmark concert film Live At Pompeii.
August 8, 2005 in DNA, Epic, New Releases | Permalink
SHOT: Ricky Martin feat. Amerie & Fat Joe - Diane Martel, director
artist: Ricky Martin feat. Amerie & Fat Joe
song: "I Don't Care"
label: Columbia
director(s): Diane Martel
production co: DNA
August 8, 2005 in Columbia, DNA | Permalink
SHOT: Barefoot - Marc Webb, director
Barefoot singer Chris Pearson learns about gravity the hard way in this video. A piano slowly hurtles through the air toward Pearson as he performs this tune on the street outside his band's rehearsal loft.
artist: Barefoot
song: "I See Rain"
label: Geffen
director(s): Marc Webb
production co: DNA
August 8, 2005 in DNA, Geffen | Permalink
NEW RELEASE: Omarion "Touch"
Omarion "Touch" T.U.G./Sony Urban/Epic
Diane Martel, director
Coleen Haynes, producer
DNA, production company
Walter Lindenlaub, DP
B. Autinger, editor
Description: Omarion stalks a pretty young thing in this impressively choreographed video off his hit album, O. The two dance their way through darkened city streets en route to her apartment.
August 4, 2005 in DNA, Epic, New Releases | Permalink
SHOT: Franz Ferdinand - Diane Martel, director
The gents of Franz Ferdinand first perform at and then utterly destroy a snooty little art gallery in the video for this new single.
artist: Franz Ferdinand
song: "Do You Want To"
label: Domino (Epic in the U.S.)
director(s): Diane Martel
production co: DNA
August 1, 2005 in DNA, Epic | Permalink
SHOT: Boyz N Da Hood - Lenny Bass, director
Shot on-location in Atlanta...
artist: Boyz N Da Hood
song: "Felonies"
label: Bad Boy
director(s): Lenny Bass
production co: DNA
August 1, 2005 in Bad Boy, DNA | Permalink
NEWS: Nigel Dick Joins DNA
Music video director Nigel Dick has signed with DNA for both music video and commercial representation. Nigel has one of the most impressive resumes in all of videoland: He co-founded production house Propaganda Films and has directed nearly 300 music videos. Along the way he's directed Guns N' Roses "Sweet Child O' Mine," multiple clips for Britney Spears and videos for Nickelback, Oasis, Nsync and hundreds more.
August 1, 2005 in DNA, News | Permalink
NEW RELEASE: The Click Five "Just The Girl"
The Click Five "Just The Girl" Lava/Atlantic
Vem, director
Marcienne Friesland, producer
DNA, production co.
Ingenuity Engine, post production
Description: The Click Five land a helicopter on a school's roof to perform this tight power pop track (produced by Fountains Of Wayne member Adam Schlesinger). The school kids quickly become aware of the band above and they run to enjoy the rock show. Brady Bunch/The Surreal Life celebrity Christopher Knight stars as the befuddled teacher and a variety of split screen effects show all the action.
July 29, 2005 in Atlantic, DNA, Lava, New Releases | Permalink
SHOT: FeFe Dobson - Diane Martel, director
This performance video is designed to look like an album cover come to life...
artist: FeFe Dobson
song: "Don't Let it Go To Your Head"
label: Interscope
director(s): Diane Martel
production co: DNA
July 25, 2005 in DNA, Interscope | Permalink
SHOT: Kaci Brown - Nzingha Stewart, director
Director Nzingha Stewart takes the classic Romeo & Juliet story and sets it at a modern high school setting for this debut from Kaci Brown.
artist: Kaci Brown
song: "Unbelievable"
label: Interscope
director(s): Nzingha Stewart
production co: DNA
July 18, 2005 in DNA, Interscope | Permalink
BOOKED: Youngbloodz - Lenny Bass, director
This video will imagine that J-Bo and Sean Paul of the Youngbloodz serve as co-presidents of the U.S.A. from their hometown of Atlanta.
artist: Youngbloodz
song: "Presidential"
label: LaFace/ZLG
director(s): Lenny Bass
production co: DNA
July 7, 2005 in DNA, Zomba | Permalink
SHOT: John Legend - Diane Martel, director
How high? Let's just say that this video will first take you up to the sky and then on to Heaven.
artist: John Legend
song: " So High"
label: GOOD/Sony Urban/Columbia
director(s): Diane Martel
production co: DNA
rep: Milk & Honey
July 7, 2005 in Columbia, DNA, Milk & Honey | Permalink
SHOT: LaToya London - Nzingha Stewart, director
This summertime ode to love was shot on-location in L.A. and features The Roots' rapper Black Thought.
artist: Latoya London featuring Black Thought
song: "Appreciate"
label: Peak
director(s): Nzingha Stewart
production co: DNA
July 7, 2005 in DNA, Peak | Permalink
NEW RELEASE: Daniel Powter - Marc Webb, director
Daniel Powter "Bad Day" Warner Bros.
Marc Webb, director
Michael Schlenker, producer
DNA, production company
Max Goldman, DP
Fernando Villena, editor
Description: Two bored and lonely twenty-somethings lead strangely synchronized lives. After they individually start vandalizing a dopey subway advertisement with comical drawings, they realize that there just might be someone out there who can make them happy. Then, just as foreshadowed in their drawings, they meet and instantly fall in love while waiting for a taxi on a rainy night . Daniel Powter narrates the tale as he performs this pop/rock tune at a piano and around a city.
June 23, 2005 in DNA, New Releases, Warner Bros. | Permalink
NEW RELEASE: Antigone Rising "Don't Look Back"
Antigone Rising "Don't Look Back" Lava/Atlantic
Marc Webb, director
Valerie Romer, producer
DNA, production company
Martin Coppen, DP
Fernando Dillena, editor
Description: The ladies of Antigone Rising perform in a rehearsal loft that's filled with band photographs, posters and other memorabilia.
June 21, 2005 in Atlantic, DNA, Lava, New Releases | Permalink
BOOKED: Hilary Duff - Marc Webb, director
Marc Webb has been confirmed to direct the video for "Wake Up," a new track on Hilary Duff's forthcoming hits CD, Most Wanted. The song was co-written with Good Charlotte's Joel and Benji Madden. The video will shoot in Toronto.
artist: Hilary Duff
song: "Wake Up"
label: Hollywood
director(s): Marc Webb
production co: DNA
June 13, 2005 in DNA, Hollywood | Permalink
NEW RELEASE: Ben Moody featuring Anastacia "Everybody Burns"
Ben Moody featuring Anastacia "Everybody Burns" Wind-Up
Antti J Jokinen, director
John Thorpe, producer
DNA, production company
Michael Bernard, DP
Jeff Selis, editor
Description: This tie-in to the new Fantastic Four movie stars former Evanescence member Ben Moody dueting with special guest Anastacia. Moody performs atop a towering rooftop, while Anastacia walks through the gritty neighborhood. Film footage is interspersed, as are a variety of sketch effects and word balloons that belie the movie's comic book origins.
June 3, 2005 in DNA, New Releases, Wind-Up | Permalink
NEW RELEASE: Hot Hot Heat "Middle Of Nowhere"
Hot Hot Heat "Middle Of Nowhere" Sire/Reprise
Marc Webb, director
Hagai Shaham, producer
DNA, production company
Max Goldman, DP
Description: Hot Hot Heat frontman Steve Bays takes a quick bathroom break from his band's storefront performance and returns to discover that everyone in the entire city has suddenly disappeared. When he comes upon a Polaroid camera, however, he figures out that the problem is solely with his perception: Everyone is still around, he just can't see them unless the images are processed to film. So Bays gets a camera through which he can see the people and stay connected with reality. This video also makes use of a muted color palette that adds to the overall disassociated vibe. Shot on-location in Montreal.
May 24, 2005 in DNA, New Releases, Warner Bros. | Permalink
BOOKED: The Click Five - Vem, director
Rock band The Click Five perform on the roof of a school in this video directed by Vem.
artist: The Click Five
song: "Just The Girl"
label: Lava
director(s): Vem
production co: DNA
May 24, 2005 in Atlantic, DNA, Lava | Permalink
BOOKED: My Chemical Romance - Marc Webb, director
My Chemical Romance and director Marc Webb collaborate on another huge music video.
artist: My Chemical Romance
song: "The Ghost of You"
label: Reprise
director(s): Marc Webb
production co: DNA
May 23, 2005 in DNA, Warner Bros. | Permalink
NEWS: Francis Lawrence Named Director of Year at MVPA Awards
Congratulations to Francis Lawrence of DNA on being named Director of the Year at last night's MVPA Awards. Lawrence was singled out for his music videos "Let's Get it Started" for the Black Eyed Peas, "All Nite (Don't Stop)" for Janet Jackson and Gwen Stefani's "What You Waiting For."
Lawrence also won Best Pop Video and Best Direction of a Female Artist for his Gwen Stefan video, "What You Waiting For."
Look for a complete recap of the show once an official announcement is released by the MVPA...
May 13, 2005 in DNA, News | Permalink
BOOKED: Incubus - Marc Webb, director
This epic performance video will support the upcoming Jamie Foxx film Stealth. Incubus perform in an old town that has been largely overrun by sandstorms. Shooting today...
artist: Incubus
song: "Make A Move"
label: Epic
director(s): Marc Webb
production co: DNA
May 13, 2005 in DNA, Epic | Permalink
SHOT: Charlie Wilson - Lenny Bass, director
Vocalist Charlie Wilson has made a name for himself with a new generation of music fans as a collaborator with Snoop Dogg, but this former Gap Band lead singer is ready to become known as a solo star. This video shows Wilson as a famously wealthy man who is still searching for true love with the perfect woman.
artist: Charlie Wilson
song: "Charlie, Last Name Wilson"
label: Jive/ZLG
director(s): Lenny Bass
production co: DNA
May 10, 2005 in DNA, Zomba | Permalink
NEW RELEASE: Audioslave "Be Yourself"
Audioslave "Be Yourself" Epic/Interscope
Francis Lawrence, director
Caleb Dewart, producer
DNA, production co
Description: A gorgeous performance video as confident, simple and restrained as this song from the supergroup Audioslave. Tricky camerawork captures all the little details, such as guitarist Tom Morello rocking a Wah pedal during the solo, while a constantly shifting focus point and warm lighting effects propel the video until a climax in which large lightboards flicker in time with the beat.
May 9, 2005 in DNA, Epic, Interscope, New Releases | Permalink
SHOT: Fantasia - Lenny Bass, director
This video for 2004 American Idol winner
Fantasia finds the singer mustering up the courage to free herself from an abusive relationship.
artist: Fantasia
song: "Free Yourself"
label: J Records
director(s): Lenny Bass
production co: DNA
May 9, 2005 in DNA, J | Permalink
NEW RELEASE: Gavin DeGraw "Chariot"
Gavin DeGraw "Chariot" J Records
Zach Braff, director
Coleen Haynes, producer
DNA, production company
Description: This video tells a light-hearted tale of how Gavin DeGraw got plucked from behind the piano at a bar and taken on whirlwind journey to fame. After getting seduced by a beautiful woman and a big record company, his life is never the same. They take him to fancy parties and arrange glamorous video shoots where he's surrounded by models and the appropriate bling-bling accoutrements. The only place he seems comfortable in at his live performance, but he soon realizes that even that environment is artificial and the product of green screen trickery. At video's end he gets fed up and decides to walk away in search of something more pure and real.
"Chariot" was directed by Scrubs star and Garden State auteur Zach Braff - who shows a real flair here for seamless transitions and constructing a video that has a true beginning, middle and end. Scrubs co-star Donald Faison makes a memorable appearance as a typical hip-hop power player, while model/actress Jamie King stars as the record company temptress.
May 5, 2005 in DNA, J, New Releases | Permalink
SHOT: Ben Moody & Anastacia - Antti J. Jokinen, director
Former Evanescence guitarist/songwriter Ben Moody and special guest vocalist Anastacia appear on the Wind-Up soundtrack to Fantastic 4. The video for "Everything Burns" features performance atop towering skyscrapers in Los Angeles.
Fantastic 4 is the eagerly-awaited big screen debut of the Marvel Comics crime-fighting quartet. The film opens in the U.S. July 8.
artist: Ben Moody featuring Anastacia
song: "Everything Burns"
label: Wind-Up
director(s): Antti J. Jokinen
production co: DNA
May 5, 2005 in DNA, Wind-Up | Permalink
SHOT: Antigone Rising - Marc Webb, director
Marc Webb directed this performance video for Antigone Rising this past weekend in New York City
artist: Antigone Rising
song: "Don't Look
Back"
label: Lava
director(s): Marc
Webb
production co: DNA
May 2, 2005 in Atlantic, DNA, Lava | Permalink
SHOT: Vivian Green - Diane Martel, director
Vivian Green's boyfriend is oblivious to the fact that she is moving out of their apartment in this video for "Gotta Go, Gotta Leave."
artist: Vivian Green
song: "Gotta Go, Gotta Leave"
label: Columbia
director(s): Diane Martel
production co: DNA
rep: Milk & Honey
May 2, 2005 in Columbia, DNA, Milk & Honey | Permalink
BOOKED: Daniel Powter - Vem, director
Director Vem show what can happens when people get sucked into the decadent side of life.
artist: Daniel Powter
song: "Jimmy Gets High"
label: Warner Bros.
director(s): Vem
production co: DNA
April 20, 2005 in DNA, Warner Bros. | Permalink
NEW RELEASE: Skindred "Pressure"
Skindred "Pressure" Lava
Vem, director
Marci Friesland, producer
DNA, production company
Description: A woman's clipped-out pictures of Skindred come to life as she tacks them to a board. She then adds backdrops and other people, items and fans to create a crazy performance scene. Soon things expand from the board to her desk and she decides to take a Polaroid and insert herself into the action. Very cool.
April 7, 2005 in DNA, Lava, New Releases | Permalink
BOOKED: The Bravery - Diane Martel, director
artist: The Bravery
song: "Fearless"
label: Island Def Jam
director(s): Diane Martel
production co: DNA
April 7, 2005 in DNA, Island Def Jam | Permalink
PHOTOGRAPHIC EVIDENCE: Hot Hot Heat
It takes vision, technical acumen and a damn good opening move to direct a video for Sire band Hot Hot Heat. Director Marc Webb proves himself up to the challenge as he plays a game of chess with HHH frontman Steve Bays on the set of the band's next video "Middle Of Nowhere." Check Video Static's original report on "Middle Of Nowhere" for an idea of what to expect in the video.
April 5, 2005 in DNA, Warner Bros. | Permalink
SHOT: Audioslave - Francis Lawrence, director
artist: Audioslave
song: "Be Yourself"
label: Interscope
director(s): Francis Lawrence
production co: DNA
April 5, 2005 in DNA, Interscope | Permalink
NEW RELEASE: Jennifer Lopez "Hold You Down"
Jennifer Lopez featuring Fat Joe "Hold You Down" Epic
Diane Martel, director
Caleb Dewart, producer
DNA, production company
Paul Martinez, editor
Description: J-Lo and Fat Joe perform at various locations in their old stomping grounds, The Bronx.
March 30, 2005 in DNA, Epic, New Releases | Permalink
NEW RELEASE: Nine Inch Nails "The Hand That Feeds"
Nine Inch Nails "The Hand That Feeds" Interscope
Rob Sheridan, director
Michael Angelos, producer
DNA, production company
Description: This claustrophobic performance video gets its style from mechanized camera movements and a sort of interlaced combining effect that makes things appear jagged. The song, of course, absolutely rocks.
March 29, 2005 in DNA, Interscope, New Releases | Permalink
BOOKED: Gavin DeGraw - Zach Braff, director
Scrubs star/Garden State director Zach Braff is set to direct "Chariot," the next video from Gavin DeGraw.
artist: Gavin DeGraw
song: "Chariot"
label: J
director(s): Zach Braff
production co: DNA
March 28, 2005 in DNA, J | Permalink
BOOKED: Hot Hot Heat - Marc Webb, director
Mark Webb delivers an existential tale much in the vein of Quadrophenia and Blow Up in this next video for British Columbia rockers Hot Hot Heat. Scheduled to shoot on-location in Montreal, "Middle Of Nowhere" will show what it's like to be completely detached from everything around you.
artist: Hot Hot Heat
song: "Middle Of Nowhere"
label: Sire/Reprise
director(s): Marc Webb
production co: DNA
March 24, 2005 in DNA, Warner Bros. | Permalink
SHOT: Nine Inch Nails - Robert Sheridan & Trent Reznor, directors
A detail-laden performance video co-directed by NIN leader Trent Reznor.
artist: Nine Inch Nails
song: "The Hand That Feeds"
label: Nothing/Interscope
director(s): Robert Sheridan & Trent Reznor
production co: DNA
March 18, 2005 in DNA, Interscope | Permalink
BOOKED: Omarion - Diane Martel, director
It's a game of cat and mouse when Omarion decides to follow his girl home from a club. Look for this video to be filled almost entirely with choreographed dance.
artist: Omarion
song: "Touch"
label: T.U.G./Sony Urban/Epic
director(s): Diane Martel
production co: DNA
rep: Milk & Honey
March 18, 2005 in DNA, Epic, Milk & Honey | Permalink
SHOT: Trey Songz - Marc Webb, director
Director Marc Webb travelled to r&b; singer Trey Songz' hometown of Petersburg, VA to shoot this video. "Gotta Make It" features labelmate Twista.
artist: Trey Songz
song: "Gotta Make It"
label: Atlantic
director(s): Marc Webb
production co: DNA
March 14, 2005 in Atlantic, DNA | Permalink
SHOT: 112 - Diane Martel, director
The gentlemen of 112 find some female companionship at a sexy house party.
artist: 112
song: "U Already Know"
label: Def Soul/Island Def Jam
director(s):Diane Martel
production co: DNA
rep: Milk & Honey
March 7, 2005 in DNA, Island Def Jam, Milk & Honey | Permalink
SHOT: 2Pac & Elton John - Nzingha Stewart, director
Director Nzingha Stewart delivers an emotional short film as the video for "Ghetto Gospel." Neither Elton John, nor 2Pac (obviously) appear in the video. Instead, this mini-movie shows how a young man struggles to get by in the ghetto.
artist: 2Pac & Elton John
song: "Ghetto Gospel"
label: Amaru/Interscope
director(s): Nzingha Stewart
production co: DNA
March 7, 2005 in DNA, Interscope | Permalink
NEW RELEASE: My Chemical Romance "Helena"
My Chemical Romance "Helena"
Reprise/Warner Bros.
Marc Webb, director
Valerie Romer, producer
DNA, production company
Max Goldman, DP
Fernando Villena, editor
Sunset Edit, editorial company
Description: My Chemical Romance host a funeral that's anything
but dour. In fact, the band's impassioned performance and an
interpretive dance troupe manage to momentarily raise the dead, yet
lovely Helena.
March 4, 2005 in DNA, New Releases, Sunset Edit, Warner Bros. | Permalink
NEWS: DNA Director Signings
Directors Thom Oliphant and Steven Goldmann have signed with DNA. The award-winning directors were previously partners at the now closed Nashville production company The Collective.
Oliphant has directed videos for Martina McBride, Dixie Chicks, Dunan Sheik and many others. Goldmann has over 200 videos to his credit, including such artists as Alan Jackson, Faith Hill and Shania Twain.
March 4, 2005 in DNA, News | Permalink
SHOT: Low Millions - Marc Webb, director
Marc Webb shot "Eleanor" on location in Los Angeles for alternative band Low Millions.
artist: Low Millions
song: "Eleanor"
label: Manhattan/EMI
director(s): Marc Webb
production co: DNA
February 3, 2005 in DNA, EMI, Music Video | Permalink
BOOKED: Skindred - Vem, director
Vem uses a cut and paste collage style to bring Skindred performance to life in "Pressure." The inspiration behind the idea is the cover art to Skindred's CD Babylon.
artist: Skindred
song: "Pressure"
label: Lava
director(s): Vem
production co: DNA
January 26, 2005 in Atlantic, DNA, Lava, Music Video | Permalink
SHOT: My Chemical Romance - Marc Webb, director
Marc Webb directed a dance extravaganza in "Helena," his second video for breaking band My Chemical Romance. This video "puts the F-U-N back in Funeral."
artist: My Chemical Romance
song: "Helena"
label: Reprise
director(s): Marc Webb
production co: DNA
January 25, 2005 in DNA, Music Video, Warner Bros. | Permalink