With creative and direction by Greg Barnes of Black Dog Films, EELS’ ambitious new one-take music video stars Jon Hamm as an EELS fan who finds solace–and a talent for being completely oblivious–in the rock band’s new track as chaos unfolds around him. Barnes and the Black Dog team directed and produced the video–which was shot on 35mm in L.A.–remotely from London.
“It was an incredible experience directing such a talented cast in L.A.–albeit overnight and remotely from Black Dog HQ in London where our UK production team got all the pleasures of jet lag without the sun-tan,” said Barnes. ”In essence it’s a video made by a fan, starring fans, and with lots of nods and winks for the fans and I’m hugely thankful to the cast, crew and my Black Dog family on both sides of the pond.”
The video, which also features Love’s Mike Mitchell reprising his role from a previous EELS video, plays to the narrative of the feel-good hit of the feel-worst year.
CreditsClient EELS/Record Label Pias John Moule, commissioner. Production Black Dog Films Greg Barnes, director; Marz Miller, DP; Holly Wolfers, producer; Harry Morgan, production assistant; Martin Roker, Molly Bohas, exec producers; Stephan Bielecki, L.A. producer. Production Services Company Shaw Creative LLC Joseph Shaw, exec producer; Trevor Albair, production manager; Alli Dawe, production coordinator; Lauren Bates, 1st AD; Louis G. Massouras, 1st AC; Kymm Swank, 2nd AC; Juliana Rowlands, production designer; Nicola Rowlands, set decorator; Genna Moroni, choreographer; Sara Horowitz, stylist; Aysha Marcantonio, makeup. Edit & Sound Design Greg Barnes Postproduction Jonny Tully, colorist. Cast Jon Hamm, Mike Mitchell, Eric Edelstein, Caroline Bloom; Jude B. Lanston.
Top Spot of the Week: Director Jake Scott, Paramount Brand Studios “Make Your Gameday Epic” In “Gladiator II”-Inspired Pepsi Spot
Nearly 20 years after Pepsi’s “Roman Empire” made its mark on pop culture, the brand is returning to the arena with a colossal Gladiator-themed campaign titled, “Make Your Gameday Epic™.” Celebrating the start of the 2024 NFL season and the highly anticipated release of Paramount Pictures’ Gladiator II in theaters on Nov. 22, this short film--directed by Jake Scott via RSA Films for Paramount Brand Studio features Megan Thee Stallion, as Empress Megan, leading a legion of NFL superstars turned Gridiron Gladiators, including Josh Allen, Derrick Henry, Justin Jefferson and Travis Kelce, locked in an epic battle with ice-cold Pepsi at the heart of the action. A brand-new gameday anthem from three-time, Grammy award-winning artist Megan Thee Stallion soundtracks the campaign. The unmistakable “boom, boom, clap” from Queen’s epic track “We Will Rock You” is featured on a fresh sample with cutting new lyrics from Megan. The new track became available on all major music streaming platforms, and ahead of Megan hosting the 2024 MTV VMAs last night (9.11), where the track and music-video inspired spot were heard and seen throughout the show. “I’m honored to follow in the footsteps of the legends who appeared in this Gladiator campaign 20 years ago and proud to have carved my own new legacy,” said Megan Thee Stallion. “Pepsi really brought the worlds of music, sports and entertainment together in a powerful way to set off the new NFL season.” The spot opens with Lamorne Morris and Jake Lacy peering into a can of Pepsi Zero Sugar as it transforms into a colosseum. Empress Megan calls the shots, and the royal roster of NFL players are at her command as they all vie for her favor and a sip of an ice-cold Pepsi... Read More