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.
The Best Work You May Never See: Ad Council, U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs, GSD&M, Director Andre Muir Show Us “The Bravest Thing”
As Suicide Prevention Month begins, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Ad Council teamed with agency GSD&M to roll out PSAs for their national campaign: “Don’t Wait. Reach Out.” The initiative, which started in 2021, urges Veterans who are facing challenges to visit VA.gov/REACH, a comprehensive website that helps them access the many resources available.
The PSAs, including this one titled “The Bravest Thing,” were directed by Andre Muir of production house SMUGGLER. “The Bravest Thing” acknowledges that it can be hard for Veterans to reach out if they’re struggling--but in the eyes of their loved ones, seeking help is an act of bravery. By featuring Veterans alongside their friends and family, the film encourages Veterans to open up if they’re struggling and reminds everyone that they can play a role in supporting Veterans in their lives.
“When a Veteran is ready to reach out, VA is ready to provide services and support. One of the bravest things Veterans can do is ask for help,” said Dr. Matthew Miller, executive director, VA Office of Suicide Prevention. “These new messages are powerful and compassionate additions to the ‘Don’t Wait. Reach Out.’ campaign that features the voices of loved ones, underscoring the vital role that family and friends play in supporting Veterans. We all play a role in suicide prevention and this call to action engages community and connections, which are crucial in preventing Veteran suicide. Through this campaign, we can spread hope that Veterans, and all of us, can overcome crises and difficult life challenges.”
6,392 Veterans lost their lives to suicide in 2021, according to the latest data from the 2023 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report.... Read More