Underdog Entertainment announced today that award-winning director Daniel Azarian has collaborated with NYC roots-rock band Whisperado on the music video for their song “Teenage Popstar Girl.”rnrnThe witty, subversive “Teenage Popstar Girl” music video follows an awkward tween who worships an impossibly perfect, airbrushed popstar โ only to discover her idol isn’t what she seems. Daniel Azarian brings Whisperado’s quirky, upbeat song to life as a satiric tale in which singers and celebrities are pre-packaged and mass-marketed like plastic dolls.rnrnAccording to director Azarian, the video’s 1960s look was inspired in part by the song’s Americana sound. “It’s a cautionary tale,” he explained. “A young girl gets manipulated and seduced by a manufactured icon. The innocent, retro feel of the video also makes for a striking contrast when we see the more cynical stuff going on behind the scenes.”rnrnThe video features Maxim model and actress Mary O’Rourke (Something Borrowed, Gossip Girl) as Teenage Popstar Girl, and actress Tara Langella as the scheming record company executive. rnrn
rnThe music video can be viewed online here. In addition, publicity photos and production stills can be viewed here.rnrn”Teenage Popstar Girl” is the lead track on Whisperado’s new album I’m Not the Road, and Whisperado lead singer Jon Sobel was thrilled with the way it turned out. “It was an honor to have Dan Azarian create our first video,” Sobel said. “He was inspired by the lyrics and just took off, creating an amazing character in an incredible three-and-a-half-minute story. As soon as I saw the first photo of Mary O’Rourke’s pop-tart makeup, I knew Dan had nailed it.” rnrnSeveral scenes in the video included digital set pieces which were created using Maxon’s Cinema 4D. In addition, Video Copilot’s Optical Flares software was used to enhance on screen lights and paparazzi camera flashes.rnrnAzarian, an established director of television commercials and branded entertainment, recently won two Telly Awards for the PSA “Save Lolita.” In all, he has won five Tellys โ including the Silver Award, Telly’s highest honor. He has directed and produced national spots for 3M’s Scotch-Brite brand and Horizon Organic. Blue-chip telecommunications firms and entertainment networks have licensed Azarian’s commercial spots for their US and international mobile networks. This past fall, he directed the “Bullying is Violence” PSA campaign for the Anti-Violence Project.rnrnCreditsrnTitle: Teenage Popstar Girl Music VideornClient: WhisperadornAgency: Underdog EntertainmentrnProducer /Director: Daniel AzarianrnAssociate Producer: Andrew BarisrnCinematography: Milton KamrnPopstar Makeup Design: Jacqueline Catanese, Facez llcrnStage Set Design: Russell SchrammrnChoreography: Maurice ParentrnVisual Effects: Daniel AzarianrnrnUnderdog Entertainment (www.UnderdogEntertainment.com) is a New York-based production company active in producing commercial spots, branded and traditional entertainment.Robert Michael Underdog Entertainment Contact Robert via email 212-807-9552 www.UnderdogEntertainment.com Underdog Entertainment on Facebook here
Pioneering The Visual Narrative: Bobola Oniwura’s Impact on Nollywood’s Cinematic Evolution
Nollywood is in the middle of a visual revolution, and at its core is Bobola Oniwura, the mastermind behind some of the industryโs most striking cinematic transformations. Oniwura is a pioneering colorist whose unique approach to film aesthetics has set new standards for how Nigerian stories are told on screen. From the gritty realism of King of Boys: The Return of the King to the vibrant energy of A Tribe Called Judah, Oniwuraโs work has become synonymous with a new era of cinematic excellence, one where color grading is no longer an afterthought but a defining narrative tool. The film industry in Nigeria known as Nollywood has grown into one of the most prolific cinematic powerhouses in the world. Producing thousands of films annually, it ranks alongside Hollywood and Bollywood in terms of output. Once characterized by rapid, low-budget productions, Nollywood has undergone a remarkable transformation, embracing higher production values, diverse storytelling, and international recognition. The industryโs films now command global audiences, made possible by platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime, and receiving acclaim at major festivals. This evolution has been fueled by creatives like Oniwura, who are redefining the post-production technical standards of Nigerian films. His impact extends beyond the color suite. Drawing on his background in Architecture and user experience research, Oniwura approaches color grading with an acute understanding of audience perception, crafting visual experiences that enhance storytelling, evoke emotion, and immerse viewers in the rich textures of Nigerian culture. His ability to merge technical precision with artistic intuition has positioned him as one of the most sought-after colorists in Nollywood... Read More