Better
Vids
Pond says that in order to
make videos like the #SelfieCam-
Jams, you don’t need advanced
technology. Basic platforms like
FiLMiC or iMovie are more than capable
if you’ve put in the planning
and have decent source material.
“You have all you need,” he
reiterates – “just have fun with it.”
Decorated producer and
songwriter Rob Wells reiterates Pond’s message that these
kinds of videos aren’t about slick production, but rather the
overall experience and emotion of making music together.
Wells’ own project is a great example. He rounded up close
to 40 artists around the world to contribute to his viral version
of Journey’s classic “Don’t Stop Believin’,” and most of them
recorded using their smartphones.
helped mix it together as one cohesive track. The message of
the song and the purpose of the video was proof of the powerful
connection music brings.
“It was a labour of love,” Wells emphasizes, and while the
composite performance is one we’ll likely see less of when
people are able to collaborate together, it’s still a great means
of collaborating with other musicians from remote locations to
share something special.
Listen to the June 10, 2020 episode of the Canadian Musician
Podcast for an interview with Rob Wells about creating his viral
“Don’t Stop Believin’” video. Find it at CanadianMusicianPodcast.
com or on your podcast platform of choice.
PHOTO: KATHERINE KWAN
BRITTANY FARHAT, AKA BRITTPAPERSCISSORS
DAN MANGAN OF SIDE DOOR
“It didn’t matter the quality that was coming in; it’s a fun
song that puts people in good spirits with a great message,”
Wells enthuses.
The artists – including Emm Gryner, Alan Doyle, Eva Avila,
and dozens more – recorded themselves singing and playing
along to an acapella version of Steve Perry’s voice that Wells
sent to keep everyone in sync. After getting all the footage,
he had to go through and pick out all the best moments, then
piece it together to make it engaging for viewers.
While the track took roughly four weeks to finish, the uplifting
feedback was well worth the work. Wells’ experience in
computer animation made the editing process smooth, while
Chris Anderson, a recording engineer with Definitive Sound,
ROB WELLS
40 CANADIAN MUSICIAN
The Music Video
MuchMusic and MTV aren’t what they once were, but music
videos remain a popular and potent means of sharing your art,
and whether you’re taking a DIY approach to content creation
or hiring someone with the goods, here are a few tips to help
you realize your vision.
Brittany Farhat, known professionally as Brittpaperscissors,
owns a music-focused production company and creative
studio based in Toronto. As a video director and producer, she
knows firsthand what a good music video entails, and first and
foremost, it’s about good communication and a solid understanding
of the artist and their goals.
“This is such a crucial step in my process,” she emphasizes.
“I always want to make sure that there is a good vibe and we
hold similar values.” That’s obviously been the case with her long
list of collaborators, which includes Scott Helman, Hollerado,
Emily Rockarts, Caveboy, and more.
Shooting can be a great DIY project that doesn’t require
too much investment or experience. Farhat recommends
picking interesting-looking, well-lit spaces for clear visuals.
Shooting at night is also an opportunity to get creative by adding
depth to the performer using candles or lights.
“Don’t be afraid to move things around to give your space
personality and colour,” she adds. She also suggests thinking
about concepts that will look great shot run-and-gun style
with a DSLR or other small camera, and that going with locations
you know well is a smart bet. “I love to see the artist in
their element, and there is a lot an artist can do with something
they are already familiar with.”
Regardless of the budget or scale of your production,
from DIY to a full professional shoot, there is always a balanc-