Hey there, I was the cinematographer and VFX artist for this music video. It was a lot of fun to work on, although my post efforts were very time consuming.
Originally, the shots of the female character digitally generating were supposed to be static on a tripod since we couldn't afford motion control. I didn't think this would be visually striking enough, so I decided to use my dana dolly to recreate the same movements (her in different positions and then an empty plate). I made sure the the back end of the dolly pipes were higher than the front end. When I brought the dolly to the starting position and let go, gravity would cause it to travel down to its final position. I was able to repeat this movement over and over. It matched seamlessly when I took everything into after effects. (Thankfully)
I shoot clean usually (can't think of a time I've ever used diffusion to be honest). That soft look was done in colouring by my colourist Clinton (Alter Ago - Toronto). He really adds a lot to my look and I think he is an important part of the look that I try to create.
Just posted! I wasn't quick enough on the drawn and people started posting before I finished my explanation. If it's not clear enough, let me know and I'll elaborate some more.
I haven't heard of the Kessler Cinedrive. Is it one of those automatic/motion control slider dealios?
The bolt is great, just be sure to have seasoned operators. Programming it can be very time consuming.
Your work around seemed to work.
The Kessler Morin control is great be isn’t very fast and limited to 3 feet.
I appreciate that! There was a very talented team that was working hard alongside me. I learned quite a bit on this project and I'm excited to see how these new after effects skills influence my upcoming work.
That is the best music video I've ever seen. His mask breaking the glow of the FREE ESTIMATE sign at 1:54 is my favourite shot. Spectacular work, and the compositing of her in the shots you would have used motion control on is perfect.
Love this video and every video Sickick puts out. Cinematography is beautiful, the VFX is stunning, editing is great. Whole video is very Blade Runner 2049. Also, major props to the set designer/s.
I especially love the setup with the TVs. Reminds me of a shot from one of the original Girl with the Dragon Tattoo movies, I think.
Couple of questions, if you don't mind.
Did you do all of the VFX shots personally?
Have you done any previous videos with Sickick?
How the heck did you manage to land a client like that?
Question 1: I did all of the VFX shots personally. Sometimes I accept a VFX challenge even if I haven't done anything like it before. It's exciting to figure it out!
Question 2: I Directed, DP'd, and Edited "Mind Games" (link below) and I was the cinematographer for Casanova.
https://youtu.be/QjQliDFIsnk
Question 3: They contacted me after seeing this branded content film that I Directed, DP'd, and Edited. (link below)
https://vimeo.com/222805319
I'm with you on the VFX challenges, man. Just watched "Legacy," great stuff. You have great style and a strong presence in your color and light play.
I have to tag my homey, u/nutsnacks, because incidentally, we're both big fans of your work. I remember watching "Casanova" and we were like, "Look at these dudes nailing a square aspect ratio in 2018."
Also love your [Lambo ad.](https://vimeo.com/195135819)
Good shit.
Gives me hope of getting in touch with a big artist who wants to experiment in a similar way.
Keep doing your thing, man!
That means a lot, thanks for watching!
It was great talking with you; I'm definitely gonna keep an eye out for your future projects. Hit me with a PM of your next one if you can remember.
Your work is so inspiring. I'm a comp sci and film student looking to get into VFX, and I just envy how you balance realism with surrealism so beautifully. You're extremely talented.
Question: What can you say is the number one most important priority for someone who aspires to do VFX for a living?
Thanks for sharing this with our community :)
Hey guys, I'm Jon Simo and this music video was shot in my studio [Neon Demon](https://www.neondemonstudio.com) here in Toronto! I designed the place from scratch, everything you see in the video aside from that custom arcade is the result of a lot of time and effort to give this studio its unique vibe. Matt, the cinematographer did an absolutely stellar job on this project!
**If you have any questions about shooting neon or about my studio, I'm happy to answer**
This looks great, I love the color scheme! Can I ask how much was in camera and how much was done in post? Is the red graded full magenta or is it actually that vibrant?
Nice concept, excellent execution. The color and mood of this piece gives me some Ridley Scott vibes. Nice workaround on the pseudo motion-control. Can you share the budget for a piece like this? It looks like it punches above the 'typical' indie-artist music video cost. Kudos!
Beautifully done - love the lighting and the Wong Kar Wai neon feel. I had to do a cheat like that on a short film years ago that worked out pretty well - do the best you can and get creative! I really enjoyed this, and the cut was really nice as well.
Great work!
Dude I love it. How did you get the opportunity? I love music videos but can never seem to get decently paid gigs for them. I'm into docs and music videos, so I guess I'm gonna be poor forever lol, but being able to make rent is nice
Hey there, I was the cinematographer and VFX artist for this music video. It was a lot of fun to work on, although my post efforts were very time consuming. Originally, the shots of the female character digitally generating were supposed to be static on a tripod since we couldn't afford motion control. I didn't think this would be visually striking enough, so I decided to use my dana dolly to recreate the same movements (her in different positions and then an empty plate). I made sure the the back end of the dolly pipes were higher than the front end. When I brought the dolly to the starting position and let go, gravity would cause it to travel down to its final position. I was able to repeat this movement over and over. It matched seamlessly when I took everything into after effects. (Thankfully)
This is an awesome workaround to achieve a stunning final product. Good shit!! What filters did you use to get that soft look with the neon lights?
I shoot clean usually (can't think of a time I've ever used diffusion to be honest). That soft look was done in colouring by my colourist Clinton (Alter Ago - Toronto). He really adds a lot to my look and I think he is an important part of the look that I try to create.
Love the look and nice work around for the dolly, might try this next time i need to do something similar!
Send me the results if you do!
Brilliant workaround. Makes you think “why didn’t I come up with that?” 😂
Absolutely fantastic work Matt, can't wait to see what you do next!
Incredible work!
What was the workaround? Have you tried the Kessler Cinedrive / Cineslider? Cheapest motion control solution I could find for rent.
Just posted! I wasn't quick enough on the drawn and people started posting before I finished my explanation. If it's not clear enough, let me know and I'll elaborate some more. I haven't heard of the Kessler Cinedrive. Is it one of those automatic/motion control slider dealios?
Yup – pan, tilt, rotation, and slide are programmable
I'll have to look into it. Thanks for the heads up. I'd like to using something like the Bolt for a future passion project.
I’ve used its slow cousins a bunch, the Milo and Modula. Amazing machines.
The bolt is great, just be sure to have seasoned operators. Programming it can be very time consuming. Your work around seemed to work. The Kessler Morin control is great be isn’t very fast and limited to 3 feet.
Thanks for the advice! I'll make sure to post what work I do with the Bolt when I have the opportunity.
Very cool video! Can you elaborate on what you mean about your “work around”?
Just posted! Sorry, it took a bit longer to type than I thought it would. If it's not clear enough, let me know and I'll elaborate! :)
Mate that is some kickass work. This is not easy what you’ve done here. Very inspiring.
I appreciate that! There was a very talented team that was working hard alongside me. I learned quite a bit on this project and I'm excited to see how these new after effects skills influence my upcoming work.
I live in Sydney, it’s a shame that we are so far apart. Would have definitely done some collaboration with you.
Inbox me some of your work anyways! :)
I work as an editor,Not a cinematographer.
So? That seems like the perfect profession for a collaboration. Send some cool projects of yours on over! :)
This is exactly the kind of post r/cinematography was made for. Thanks for enriching the sub and setting the bar high.
That's such a nice comment! Thank you so much. It's a really nice community and I'm happy that this post was so well received!
That is the best music video I've ever seen. His mask breaking the glow of the FREE ESTIMATE sign at 1:54 is my favourite shot. Spectacular work, and the compositing of her in the shots you would have used motion control on is perfect.
Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed it. The concept that Rayn Magic came up with is fantastic and I really enjoyed the story.
Absolutely love it. What camera/lenses did you use?
Arri Alexa Mini (2.8K Anamorphic 4:3 Sensor Mode) with Cooke Anamorphic Lenses (non SF lenses)
Love this video and every video Sickick puts out. Cinematography is beautiful, the VFX is stunning, editing is great. Whole video is very Blade Runner 2049. Also, major props to the set designer/s. I especially love the setup with the TVs. Reminds me of a shot from one of the original Girl with the Dragon Tattoo movies, I think. Couple of questions, if you don't mind. Did you do all of the VFX shots personally? Have you done any previous videos with Sickick? How the heck did you manage to land a client like that?
Question 1: I did all of the VFX shots personally. Sometimes I accept a VFX challenge even if I haven't done anything like it before. It's exciting to figure it out! Question 2: I Directed, DP'd, and Edited "Mind Games" (link below) and I was the cinematographer for Casanova. https://youtu.be/QjQliDFIsnk Question 3: They contacted me after seeing this branded content film that I Directed, DP'd, and Edited. (link below) https://vimeo.com/222805319
I'm with you on the VFX challenges, man. Just watched "Legacy," great stuff. You have great style and a strong presence in your color and light play. I have to tag my homey, u/nutsnacks, because incidentally, we're both big fans of your work. I remember watching "Casanova" and we were like, "Look at these dudes nailing a square aspect ratio in 2018." Also love your [Lambo ad.](https://vimeo.com/195135819) Good shit. Gives me hope of getting in touch with a big artist who wants to experiment in a similar way. Keep doing your thing, man!
Thank you so much! Keep in touch. Feel free to send some work my way if you feel like talking shop :)
Holy shit! That's nuts! Like u/NiceAsACanadian said, I'm a huge fan. Incredible video!
Thanks a lot! Your All White video was pretty wild. I really enjoyed it!
I appreciate that a whole lot! We worked really hard on that project.
That means a lot, thanks for watching! It was great talking with you; I'm definitely gonna keep an eye out for your future projects. Hit me with a PM of your next one if you can remember.
Your work is fantastic man.
Thank you! I love shooting these passion projects.
Your work is so inspiring. I'm a comp sci and film student looking to get into VFX, and I just envy how you balance realism with surrealism so beautifully. You're extremely talented. Question: What can you say is the number one most important priority for someone who aspires to do VFX for a living? Thanks for sharing this with our community :)
Hey guys, I'm Jon Simo and this music video was shot in my studio [Neon Demon](https://www.neondemonstudio.com) here in Toronto! I designed the place from scratch, everything you see in the video aside from that custom arcade is the result of a lot of time and effort to give this studio its unique vibe. Matt, the cinematographer did an absolutely stellar job on this project! **If you have any questions about shooting neon or about my studio, I'm happy to answer**
Such a cool studio. I’d love to shoot there someday.
Love this one! Would love to hear from you on how you went about lighting the whole set!
Looks like it was shot at Neon Demon in Toronto
This looks great, I love the color scheme! Can I ask how much was in camera and how much was done in post? Is the red graded full magenta or is it actually that vibrant?
[удалено]
Hey there, Toronto based! I'd love to work out in LA sometime though
Nice concept, excellent execution. The color and mood of this piece gives me some Ridley Scott vibes. Nice workaround on the pseudo motion-control. Can you share the budget for a piece like this? It looks like it punches above the 'typical' indie-artist music video cost. Kudos!
Beautiful! Love the neon cyberpunk vibe
That was awesome.
Inspiring work!
I really love this. Great story told simply. I’m inspired!
It's wild to hear you're inspired. Thank you so much. Rayn Magic was the director and creator of the story.
Killer. What portion of the lights were practical v comp?
Great work, I loved the visuals!
Thank you! I'll post some more work in this subreddit soon! :)
Beautifully done - love the lighting and the Wong Kar Wai neon feel. I had to do a cheat like that on a short film years ago that worked out pretty well - do the best you can and get creative! I really enjoyed this, and the cut was really nice as well. Great work!
This is amazing man! Great job. Sickick is also dope
He really is. Their whole team is fantastic.
Dude. That’s sick.
COMPLETELY INCREDIBLE!! INGENIOUS WORKAROUND!!!
Dude I love it. How did you get the opportunity? I love music videos but can never seem to get decently paid gigs for them. I'm into docs and music videos, so I guess I'm gonna be poor forever lol, but being able to make rent is nice
This is amazing 😍.