Our pick of the videos we featured in January includes work that reflects the times we live in and also an escape from those times...
Promonews - 4 days ago
Our pick of the videos we featured in January includes work that reflects the times we live in and also an escape from those times...
Promonews - 4 days ago

Andrew De Zen reunites with Canadian musician Brady Kendall, aka Alaskan Tapes, for their fifth collaboration. Like its predecessors, this is an exercise in pure cinema, a heart-wrenching narrative tied to an environmental theme. De Zen's video for Holocene is a dystopian tale rooted in realism, as a young couple - played by Thomas Nicolson and India Shaw-Smith - must decide if they want to have a child brought into an increasingly broken world, rife with distant fires and an encroaching moon.Mixing engrossing narrative moments with snapshots of a world that is both familiar and alien, it's an arresting visual with standout performances and top-notch direction from the Paris-based Canadian writer-director, and grounded by Alaskan Tapes' original track. [imgtoken data:1]Brought to life by production partner BOLDLY in Vancouver, the filming took place over five intense shoot days. The natural elements, like the imposing moon and wildfires, were created in partnership with Copenhagen post house, Chemistry VFX."For unknown reasons I deeply love merging something that is more surreal or conceptual, often mysterious, with a raw emotional energy, what ends up being very human and vulnerable to communicate," explains De Zen. "There are a few images in this film that have been burnt into my brain for years now and it’s a desperate attempt to bring those to life, surrounded by - what I hope are - real feeling relationships.[imgtoken data:2]"And for years now, Brady and myself have been able to keep pouring our hearts out into these short films that feel like significant chapters in my life now. It is a rare kind of privilege to have this sustained level of trust with a collaborator like him."It’s also another beautiful, rare thing to have the trust of such talented collaborators in producers Shelby Manton / Boldly and Adam Maruniak who went into the trenches with me. Cole Graham’s cinematography here is some of my favourite of his work. And the subtle details of Chemistry’s work in the obvious and not-so-obvious was something to marvel at as we finished this film. I’m grateful to everyone who worked on this!"
Rob Ulitski - 5 days ago

Sophie Muller and co-director Theo Adams went to Blackpool to make a rollicking promo for new pop superstar-in-the-making Meek's irresistible anthem. And the result is, to quote it's instantly iconic lyrics, f*cking fabulous. Meek is unrestrained and unapologetic, resplendent in a succession of wonderful outfits, as she storms through Blackpool's backstreets and onto the glittering Golden Mile - while the song breaks out in all its Queen-like glory and you realise you may be hearing this one for the rest of your life.It's a rousing, empowering tour de force, with a sense of carefree optimism and joie de vivre radiating from Meek's charismatic presence. And there are some wonderful visual touches - from the singer's lady assistants on piano and sewing machine, to a drag queen dance troupe and a brief glimpse of Meek riding down the Golden Mile in Cinderella's coach - that make it a repeatable joy to watch. And after it's all over, she is off to the chip shop - still being absolutely Fabulous.This delivers the message of the song to perfection: the world may be going to pot, there's hell all over the place - but that shouldn't stop you looking and feeling good. This may well already be the most important song of the year. It's certainly the most optimistic - with a video to match.[imgtoken data:1][imgtoken data:2]
Rob Ulitski - 7 days ago

Thomas James directs a blistering promo for the return of Irish rappers Kneecap. The video for A Liar's Tale is a confrontational, surreal trip through blazing red vignettes, breathless performance and a gritty, textural aesthetic. It's standout work dripping with James' eye for horror-tinged visuals with some stunning imagery - including an eery Zombie Thatcher, decapitations and a intense evocation of Hell. A match made in heaven (or Hell) for director and artist - and an auspicious debut music video from new London-based production company ArtClass. "For me, this needed to be punk, absurd, abrasive and wild," explains James. "An ugly reflection of the world we find ourselves in; utter fucking chaos."We talked around the idea of a ‘carnival of distraction’ - and for me this meant as many ideas as would squeeze into the three minutes, that embody the 2+2=5 hellscape we seem to be surrounded by; a whirlwind of Irish mythology, of satire, of anger; a vehicle for what everyone is witnessing."It’s not often you get to work with a band who have a genuine fire, and a selfless interest in trying to help people. And that for all of us involved, was important."The video became a nightmarish 'fuck you' to the powers that be, with a wry smile and a lubed-up prop selection."[imgtoken data:1][imgtoken data:2][imgtoken data:3]
Rob Ulitski - 11 days ago
Comedian, writer and Chicken Shop Date creator Amelia Dimoldenberg makes her music video directing debut by paying homage to iconic 90s movie The Bodyguard in her video for Maisie Peters. The video for My Regards is inspired by the lyric 'call me Kevin Costner the way I’m guarding his body', and puts a playful and modern spin on the 1992 classic, with Maisie in the Costner role and American comedian Benito Skinner taking over from Whitney Houston as 'the body'.In this version, Maisie must guard hunky Benito from a horde of avid fans in a country hotel. But she's only having partial success, as she becomes distracted by line dancing lessons and her own secret passion for Benito. The success of the video, beyond the enjoyable set-up and goofy setpieces, lies in that Dimoldenberg keeps the focus on Maisie and making her witty lyrics the internal thought processes of the character. “Directing this music video for Maisie has been an absolute joy,” shares Amelia. “From the moment I heard the track, I knew we had to lean into her gift for storytelling."I thought it would be interesting to subvert the 'possessive girlfriend' trope by making Maisie a literal bodyguard. It felt like a fun way to heighten the narrative.”
Rob Ulitski - 6 hours ago

LA-based singer Devon Again goes through the motions of heartbreak - and the world reacts in funny ways in this wonderfully creative video by directors Jooystin and Eliot Lee.At the start we discover the object of Devon's affections - a nice comic set-up before the first of a several surprises, which comes with a powerful punch. In fact the video for Cherry Cola is a genuine feat, a parade of comic ideas and visual invention as we follow Devon through a number of personal catastrophes. And even more impressive is that it was shot on an iPhone 17.Eliot and Jooystin have directed one other Devon video for People v Maryann Sue which is also very good. On this evidence, these guys are going places.
David Knight - 7 hours ago
David Bates Jr directs an AI-assisted fan film for Radiohead's How To Disappear Completely, from their 2020 album Kid A. Built from lingering monochromatic shots involving water and a submerged figure, Bates has devised an AI-originated world where society is on the edge of being engulfed by flood waters, through a series of uncanny vignettes.An Apocalyptic vision that works with the undulating and mournful quality of the track.
Rob Ulitski - 9 hours ago
Partizan has announced that Danny Herman is now heading it's Music Video division, while the music video roster at the London-based production company is expanding with the addition of five distinctive new directors: Ronan Day-Lewis, Gee Small, Erik He, Fabien Frankel and Ellius Grace.Herman has taken the reins of music videos at Partizan, while continuing to shape standout work across the company’s commercials slate. Nominated for Best Producer at the UKMVA 2023 and the recipient of numerous awards and nominations for his contributions to the music video landscape, Herman steps into this dual role as Partizan deepens its focus on music-driven visual culture and the next generation of filmmaking talent.The five new signings to the company's music video roster span a range of visual styles and creative disciplines, while sharing a focus on original ideas, precise execution, and a collaborative approach to working with artists and labels. Their work collectively pushes form and format while remaining grounded in strong visual identity and performance-led storytelling.Bringing Fabien, Gee, Ronan, Erik and Ellius into the fold fills my heart with joy - five distinct voices whose talent knows no boundaries.Ronan Day-Lewis is a painter turned filmmaker, and fresh from the release of his debut feature Anemone, his work blends visual poetry with emotional precision. He's marked out as a rare multidisciplinary talent with a deeply cinematic eye.Dublin-based director and photographer Ellius Grace boasts a refined cinematic style that is rooted in intimate portraiture and atmospheric world-building, which has made him one of Ireland’s most exciting creative voices. His work spans powerful collaborations with cultural icons, including Shane MacGowan, Sinéad O’Connor, Lankum, and even President Michael D. Higgins, demonstrating a rare ability to capture both the soul and the story of those he photographs and films.Gee Small is a London-based director whose work is shaped by a background in acting, creative direction, and talent development. She has directed music videos for the likes of Hey Baby and the short film Baby, bringing an instinctive, performance-led approach to her storytelling. Founder of the modelling agency Gee Small Faces, her approach to storytelling is grounded in authenticity and presence.Erik He is a visual artist shaped by a globally diverse upbringing across Asia, North America and Europe. Erik’s work brings together sculpture, performance and moving image to create a bold, contemporary visual language.Fabien Frankel is an actor and director whose international screen work informs a distinctive voice behind the camera. Alongside his brother Max, Fabien brings a storytelling instinct rooted in character, emotional nuance and atmosphere, expanding into an exciting directorial practice we’re thrilled to support.Each filmmaker brings a unique creative language and a strong commitment to craft, further strengthening Partizan’s position at the forefront of music video storytelling and visual innovation. Together, the expanded roster and new leadership structure mark a continued evolution of Partizan’s UK music video offering, with further projects and collaborations to be announced in the coming months.'I’m so excited to be back steering music videos especially at my own stable Partizan where music videos are the bedrock of everything we’re about," says Danny Herman."Bringing Fabien, Gee, Ronan, Erik and Ellius into the fold fills my heart with joy - five distinct voices whose talent knows no boundaries, and who sit perfectly alongside the brilliant directors already on our roster."• Partizan new music video directors roster here
Promonews - 1 day ago
Rob Thorogood directs an evocative promo for Arlo Parks. The video for Heaven captures the raw euphoria of night-time connection, underground dancefloor energy, and the elusive magic of being fully present with strangers who feel like friends.Weaving Arlo's performance into London’s skyline, the visual layers her presence with fractured, kinetic glimpses of the city’s nocturnal pulse.Contrasting neon colour pops with a filmic, tactile aesthetic, it's a great showcase of the returning singer-songwriter and place, executed perfectly.
Rob Ulitski - 1 day ago
Ahmed Razeek directs a raw and intimate promo exploring brotherhood, tension, and collective identity.The video for Bzns follows a group of young men moving as one body, caught between closeness and friction, strength and vulnerability. Through restrained performances and a minimal visual language, the video focuses on physical presence rather than narrative exposition.Acting as a hybrid music video and short film, the visual uses silence, gesture, and space to let emotion surface naturally.Boasting excellent cinematography, it's a punchy video with some truly standout visual moments.
Rob Ulitski - 1 day ago
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