Features

feature Best of 2024: Top Directors

To conclude our round-up of 2024, here are the directors who are acclaimed by their peers, the most prolific in the business, command the big budgets, the legends who are still doing their stuff. And sometimes all of the above.These are our pick of the Top Directors of 2024. Christian BreslauerAriana Grande - we can't be friends (wait for your love) by Christian BreslauerOne of the biggest directors in American music videos for nearly a decade, Christian Breslauer was less prolific in 2024, but he still made all the big videos from the latest Ariana Grande album, including the hugely engaging video for we can't be friends (wait for your love).Director: Christian Breslauer Vania Heymann & Gal MuggiaA$AP Rocky 'Tailor Swif' by Vania Heymann & Gal MuggiaTheir music video output is fairly slender, and in fact their brilliant, Grammy-nominated ASAP Rocky video was actually made a few years ago. But Heymann and Muggia’s next-level execution of strong, often quite simple concepts puts them right at the top among creatives working in the medium.Directors: Vania Heymann & Gal Muggia Rich LeeEminem 'Houdini' by Rich LeeHis appearance is due to the huge success of his reuniting with Eminem for a trip down memory lane - reviving Eminem’s alter-ego Slim Shady in the video for Houdini. Went on to win at the MTV VMAs and is nominated for the upcoming Grammys for Best Music Video.Director: Rich Lee KC LockeKSI ft Trippie Redd 'Thick Of It' by KC LockeThe UK’s most prolific creator of grime and pop blockbusters and more besides, KC had another highly productive year in 2024, including videos for Jax Jones, Meeks, Potter Payper and, biggest of them all, KSI’s Thick Of It, currently close to 100 million views.Director: KC LockeDirector's Rep: Marisa Garner Associates Dave MeyersSabrina Carpenter 'Taste' by Dave MeyersDave Meyers sustained his legendary status in the biz with another slew of top-class work, this time aiding the global domination of girl pop with his superbly entertaining videos for Sabrina Carpenter for Espresso and Taste and a trademark vignette video for LISA.Director: Dave Meyers Tanu MuinoLady Gaga 'Disease' by Tanu MuinoIt was the year of the diva for Tanu, with blockbusters beautifully attuned to the distinct requirements of the artists: J-Lo’s being indomitable and ageless, Due Lipa’s elegance and grace; the revival of Lady Gaga’s sense of weird drama and danger.Director: Tanu MuinoProd company: UnderWonder Content Sophie MullerThe Blessed Madonna & Kylie Minogue 'Edge Of Saturday Night' by Sophie MullerA giant among music video directors who just keeps making great videos. At least two for Kylie last year, and the first video in years, a very personal project, for her old friend Sade.Director: Sophie Muller; Theo AdamsProd company: PrettybirdDirector's Rep: Mouthpiece Jake NavaQuavo, Lenny Kravitz 'Fly' by Jake NavaHe returned to music videos with the classy video that launched Little Mix's Perrie's solo career, followed by a brilliantly visceral engagement with Quavo and Lenny K for the former's reworking of the latter's classic song. Jake is back.Director: Jake NavaDirector's Rep: Las Bandas Be Brave Jensen NoenFalling In Reverse ft. Jelly Roll 'All My Life' by Jensen NoenWith their unfeasible level of VFX-fired chaos and destruction, his videos for Falling In Reverse (and the new one for Architects) are extraordinary. Every era of music videos needs a director whose work essentially beggars belief and Jensen Noen is the director for these times.Director: Jensen NoenDirector's Rep: UnderWonder Content Aube PerrieJADE 'Angel Of My Dreams' by Aube PerrieWith three amazing videos for three very different artists, Aube Perrie was the worthy winner of Best Director at last year’s UKMVAs for the second year in a row. It’s work that generates excitement and joy at the rampant creativity. You just may need to hit the pause button occasionally to keep up.Director: Aube PerrieProd company: Pulse FIlms C PrinzMETTE 'Bet' by C PrinzA major creative force as a director and a choreographer, C Prinz not only directed UKMVA-winning videos for Mette and Jeremy Pope, she also brought her talents to other award-winning and nominated work - namely Charl XCX’s 360 and Charli and Billie Eilish’s Guess.Director: C PrinzProd company: SMUGGLER Henry ScholfieldLISA 'Rockstar' by Henry ScholfieldHis outings in music videos are increasingly rare but then he made one that showed us what we’ve been missing - and why his command of the craft is in tune with the needs of K-Pop’s biggest superstars. His video for LISA won Best K-Pop Video at the VMAs in a very tough field.Director: Henry ScholfieldProd company: Academy Films Aidan ZamiriBillie Eilish 'Birds Of A Feather' by Aidan ZamiriWhat a year for Aidan Zamiri. 2024 is when everything came to fruition in a breathless burst of work: the era-defining 360 for Charli XCX, quickly followed by Guess and then for Billie Eilish’s irresistible Birds Of A Feather. 360 won Video Of The Year at the UKMVAs, and its nominated at the Grammys. Aidan does coolness, kindness, glamour and humour - a rare combination which we will need in abundance in 2025.Director: Aidan Zamiri FIN

Promonews - 3 months ago

feature Best of 2024: Hot Directors

Our second Directors of the Year lists focusses upon directors who made a sizeable impact in 2024 - and look to go on to having an even bigger one in 2025.The following 20 picks for our Hot Directors list includes links to our posts on videos by these directors on Promonews, and to the profile pages of the directors and featured site sponsors. Find more in our Best of 2024 series at the bottom of the page. Our first Directors of the Year list on New Directors is here. ABOVEGROUNDArtemas 'I Like The Way You Kiss Me' by ABOVEGROUNDA busy year for ABOVEGROUND included videos for Sainté, Greentea Peng and chart-bothering DJ Artemis, including the steamy video for his smash hit I Like The Way You Kiss Me.Director: ABOVEGROUND BLACKWALLMichael Kiwanuka 'Lowdown (parts i & ii)' by BLACKWALLCreative duo BLACKWALL are Tom Andrew and Sam Davis who made an impact as a duo with their video for Jeshi's Disconnect! - nominated at the UKMVAs 2024 - and then followed up with their mesmerizing video for Michael Kiwanuka.Director: BLACKWALLProd company: Academy FilmsDirector's Rep: Mouthpiece Lewis CaterFreya Skye 'Someone To Love' by Lewis CaterDirecting three impressive videos for Disney star and singer Freya Skye, including the cinematic fantasy for Someone To Love, was the platform for Lewis Cater to break into the US market and work with one of the biggest country-pop artists Kacey Musgrave towards the end of the year. Director: Lewis CaterProd company: Blindeye FilmsDirector's Rep: Las Bandas Be Brave Claryn ChongMiso Extra 'Slow Down' by Claryn ChongChong builds relationships with artists as director, photographer and creative director, and had a busy year working with Biig Piig, Miso Extra, LYAM and others. The Slow Down video for Miso Extra taps into ideas of motion, repetition, cycles, and the transience of time, and the experience of living in a fast-paced city. Director: Claryn ChongColour grade company: Electric Theatre CollectiveDirector's rep: Lowkey Films DeadhorsesJoalin 'Without You' by DeadhorsesJames Topley and Ivo Beckett aka directing duo Deadhorses broke into their stride in 2024 with their distinctive VFX fuelled, multi-influenced and retro-flavoured visual style for breaking female artists Joalin and Aziya. Their breakneck visual assault on the senses is riveting and constantly developing.Director: Deadhorses Fa & FonTove Lo ft SG Lewis 'Let Me Go Oh Oh' by Fa & FonAs well as their super-hot work for Tove Lo & SG Lewis, in tandem with David Wilson, the sister directors Fa and Fon Watkins have also been working with JADE and blurring the lines between music video and visualizer. With their sensibility, energy and sense of fun, they look set to have a very big 2025. Directors: Fa & FonProd company: Riff Raff Films Jeremi DurandMustard ft Travis Scott 'Parking Lot' by Jeremi DurandHe's a visual styilist par excellence and the Parking Lot video was another signpost on Durand's elevation into the big leagues.Director: Jeremi DurandDirector's Rep UK: Rogue Films Tom EmmersonDoechii, JT 'Alter Ego' by Tom Emmerson, Celeste AMHe's an important figure in the movement to increase the fun factor in music videos, with at least one era-defining classic to his name. And would probably be included in the Top Directors list if had done a couple more videos last year (or did we miss another banger for AntsLive?). But this collab with Celeste AM for Doechii and JT is fab.Director: Tom EmmersonProd company: Pulse Films Jake ErlandRachel Chinouriri 'Never Need Me' by Jake ErlandA strong, prolific year for Jake Erland began with a major casting coup when Florence Pugh starred as best pal to Rachel Chinouriri. He went on to work with Olivia Dean and beabadoobee and looks like he will be having a busy 2025 too - his new video for Joy Crookes as just dropped.Director: Jake ErlandProd company: Park Pictures Harv FrostThe Last Dinner Party 'The Feminine Urge' by Harv FrostHarv Frost's work with The Last Dinner Party, from Caesar On A TV Screen to the group of videos that comprised the short film to accompany their debut album - including The Feminine Urge - was one of the stories of the year. Will be fascinating to see what she does next.Director: Harv FrostProd company: KODEDirector's Rep: Mouthpiece India HarrisConfidence Man 'SICKO' by India HarrisHer second and third videos for Aussie dance sensations Confidence Man saw Harris being more ambitious and, well, confident in her skills, particularly with the SICKO video where she created an atmospheric, 90s-tastic visual, mesmerising for its full six and a half minutes duration.Director: India HarrisProd company: FRIENDDirector's Rep: Lethal Reppin LAUZZANiko B 'Why's This Dealer?' by LAUZZALAUZZA continues his upward trajectory in making some of the most fast-moving, entertaining videos, employing his multi-disciplinary style and retro-inspired aesthetics - and getting artists to post the videos on his YouTube channel. A maverick. Director: LAUZZADirector's Rep: Lethal Reppin LOOSEFred Again.. & Anderson .Paak 'Places To Be' by LOOSELOOSE's creative partnership with Fred Again.. took her around the world, creating bespoke visual content for each city on his global stadium tour. And then there were the videos, which showed the same instinct to elevate an intimate experience for the viewer - in particular the UKMVA-winning video for Places To Be, one of the great live videos of recent years.Director: LOOSEProd company: Stink FilmsEditing company: Homespun Will NormanJme & 8syn 'TMNT' by Will NormanWill Norman has been making some of the most inventive work in the grime video genre in the past year or so, introducing a touch of German Expressionism to the videos of Manga Saint Hilaire and Jme, and now his resourceful VFX talents has now placed Jme and 8Syn into the incongruous world of model railways and miniatures. Bringing the fun back.Director: Will NormanColour grade company: Wash Kassandra PowellMorgan 'Bum Bum' by Kassandra PowellOne of the most prolific directors in UK music videos, Kassandra Powell has become a go-to director for artists at the edgier, alternative end of the pop spectrum, working with the likes of Girli, LYNX and Bambi Thug. Her work with Morgan also shows she can make a pulsating dancehall video.Director: Kassandra PowellDirector's Rep: Alexa Haywood at Free Agent UK The ReidsMura Masa 'FLY' by The ReidsAfter a 2023 UKMVA win with Whenever I Want, William and Ed Reid continued their successful collab with Mura Masa - plus topped off their doc work with James Blake with the audacious comedy for Thrown Around - and then won Best New Director at last year's MVAs.Director: The ReidsProd company: Anonymous ContentVFX company: Black Kite Studios Tajana TokyoEzra Collective 'God Gave Me Feet For Dancing’ by Tajana TokyoWith her background as a professional dancer, Tajana Tokyo brings a vivacity and joy in choreography and movement to her films that few can match. She followed up the success of her UKMVA-winning video for Ezra Collective by bringing US rap star Saweetie to London, adding a touch of glamour to gritty reality. Director: Tajana TokyoProd company: Somesuch Troy RoscoeFlo ft GloRilla 'In My Bag' by Troy RoscoeTroy Roscoe bid adieu to regular sparring partner KSI in '24 to mostly focus on more female artists, particularly US rapper GloRilla and Brit R&B group Flo - and then brought them together towards the end of another busy year.Director: Troy RoscoeDirector's Rep: Marisa Garner Associates UNCANNYDisclosure 'Arachnids' by UNCANNY Since breaking through with their multi-video project for Danger Mouse & Black Thought, directing duo UNCANNY have been impressing with their technique-led creativity, being among the most influential new creatives in videos of recent times. And their work for Fred Again and Lil Yachty (a co-direction with LOOSE) and Disclosure last year saw them move towards more emotionally-led work.Director: UNCANNYProd company: SMUGGLER Zac Dov WieselAudrey Nuna 'Mine' by Zac Dov WieselBuilding from his hugely entertaining videos for Rodney Chrome, then adding to the allure of Confidence Man with I Can't Lose You, Dov Wiesel went on to a series of visually inventive projects for Audrey Nuna, most recently with the Y2K-inspired promo for Mine. Yes, he's hot right now.Director: Zac Dov WieselDirector's Rep: Pulse Films NEXT in Best Of 2024: Top Directors

Promonews - 3 months ago

feature Best of 2024: 'Most Viewed' Videos on Promonews (10 - 1)

Here's the top 10 'most viewed' videos on Promonews last year - which are the videos we featured in 2024 that have gained the highest number of page reads.Presenting the list in reverse order, here the videos from 10 to 1 - and you can find the 'Most Viewed' stories from 20 through to 11 here. 10. Khruangbin 'A Love International' by Scott Dungate"After making two award-winning videos for Khruangbin, Scott Dungate reunites with the Texan band for a third time - and the video for A Love International will surely be attracting more honours."Director: Scott DungateEditing company: Trim Editing 9. Lisa 'Rockstar' by Henry Scholfield"Just released and already breaking the internet, LISA from K-Pop titans BLACKPINK launches her first solo project in three years with a breathtaking video directed by Henry Scholfield..."Director: Henry ScholfieldProd company: Academy FilmsVFX company: Black Kite Studios 8. Eminem 'Houdini' by Rich Lee"More than 25 years since Eminem first created his iconic alter-ego, Slim Shady is back - and Em puts the old team back together, including director Rich Lee, for the hugely entertaining video for Houdini."Director: Rich Lee 7. Soft Play 'Everything And Nothing' by Thomas Davis"Thomas Davis directs a last hurrah for Soft Play - and what a way to go out."Director: Thomas DavisProd company: Common People Films 6. Paul Heaton 'Fish ‘n’ Chip Supper' by Andy Hylton"Andy Hylton directs his tenth music video for Paul Heaton telling the tale of a Manchester husband’s mission to get the fish supper being scuppered by his mates down the pub - featuring Pearce Quigley and Diane Morgan as his 'hangry' wife."Director: Andy Hylton 5. Fontaines D.C. 'Starburster' by Aube Perrie"There is [a] sense that somehow Chatten has wondered into other worlds, and we are finding out about those worlds from his perspective... The use of an inhaler puff to break up the structure, is also very effective device to highlight the fragmented, almost unreadable nature of the narrative."Director: Aube PerrieProd company: Pulse FilmsLabel: XL Recordings 4. 21 Savage 'redrum' by Danny Seth"London-born, LA-based musician and director Danny Seth directs an intense multi-format promo for London-born, Atlanta-raised rapper 21 Savage - back in the land of their birth."Director: Danny SethProd company: Trim Editing 3. Tommy Cash 'Untz Untz' by Alina Pasok, Tommy Cash"Alina Pasok and Tommy Cash direct a jawdropping and hilarious video for the Estonian dance superstar's Untz Untz, putting an outrageously saucy spin on an Olympic-style multi-sport event."Directors: Alina Pasok, Tommy Cash 2. Yunchan Lim 'Franz Liszt: Liebestraum No. 3 "Love Dream" (Live Performance)' by Tom Ringsby"Tom Ringsby disrupts the conventions of capturing classical music performance in an ambitious promo for one of the world's greatest young pianists, Yunchan Lim."Director: Tom RingsbyProd company: Intergalactic Studios 1. Jamie xx 'Treat Each Other Right' by Rosie Marks"Photographer Rosie Marks makes a big impression with her music video directing debut for Jamie xx: an intriguing cast of characters gather in a London club - with a chef with a passing resemblance to Gordon Ramsay - for a night of unhinged revelry."Director: Rosie MarksNEXT on Best of 2024... Top Directors

Promonews - 3 months ago

feature Best of 2024: 'Most Viewed' Videos on Promonews (20 to 11)

Here are the 'most viewed' videos on Promonews last year - in other words, the videos we featured with the highest page reads.We are presenting the Top 20 in reverse order, and here the first 10 videos in the list... from 20 to 11. 20: Fontaines D.C. 'In The Modern World' by Luna Carmoon"As their long-awaited new album ROMANCE is released, comes another remarkable Fontaines D.C. video - and another tour de force by Luna Carmoon."Director: Luna CarmoonEditing company: Trim EditingColour grade company; Electric Theatre CollectiveLabel: XL Recordings 19: Pet Shop Boys 'Loneliness' by Alasdair McLellan"Alasdair McLellan revisits Sheffield in the early 90s for his video for the Pet Shop Boys' Loneliness - from the duo's forthcoming album Nonetheless - a coming of age story set among a group of young friends and lovers." Director: Alasdair McLellanColour grade company: Studio RM 18: IDLES 'Grace' by Jonathan Irwin"Just when you thought that nothing could be completely surprising ever again, how about this?"Director: Jonathan IrwinProd company: Joyrider Films 17: Charli XCX 'Von Dutch' by TORSO"Fashion photographic/directing entity TORSO moves squarely into the vanguard of music video with an edgy promo for the first release from Charli XCX's new album - in an 'access all areas' extravaganza set at Charles De Gaulle Airport."Director: TORSO 16: A$AP Rocky 'Tailor Swif' by Vania Heymann & Gal Muggia"Shot on location in Kyiv, Ukraine in 2021, the video for Tailor Swif is a stylish clash of absurdism and performance."Director: Vania Heymann & Gal Muggia 15: Falling In Reverse ft Tech N9ne & Alex Terrible 'Ronald' by Jensen Noen"After Zombified and the incredible Watch The World Burn, Jensen Noen and Falling In Reverse bring us an even bigger, more terrifying and thoroughly bonkers Apocalyptic vision than ever before."Director: Jensen NoenDirector's Rep: UnderWonder Content 14: Charli XCX '360' by Aidan Zamiri"It's the video everyone's talking about, featuring a host of style icons and a selection of absurd yet editorial-ready vignettes."Director: Aidan ZamiriColour grade company: Studio RM 13: Kim Gordon 'Bye Bye' by Clara Balzary"Kim Gordon is back, with a fabulous new track and a music video which is, of course, supercool. It's a tale of teen rebellion, starring the artist's daughter, Coco Gordon Moore. And she's a chip off the old block."Director: Clara Balzary 12: Dua Lipa 'Training Season' by Vincent Haycock"Dua Lipa coolly assesses a small army of suitors in Vincent Haycock's dizzying blockbuster for Training Season."Director: Vincent HaycockProd company: SomesuchDirector's Rep: Alexa Haywood at Free Agent UK 11. Olivia Rodrigo 'Obsessed' by Mitch Ryan"Olivia Rodrigo encounters a hotel reception full of ex-girlfriends in Mitch Ryan's video for Obsessed - from her hit album Guts."Director: Mitch RyanNEXT: 'Most Viewed' Videos, 10-1, Top Directors

Promonews - 3 months ago

The Promonews Roundup

feature Best of 2024: New Directors

Our review of 2024 continues with our Directors Of The Year - split into three lists.And firstly, it's our pick of the best New Directors. They made their first appearance on Promonews in the past year - some already having made a big impression, and others who show terrific potential to do so.Following these first 15 choices. look out for our next two Directors Of The Year lists... Luna CarmoonFontaines D.C. 'Here's The Thing' by Luna CarmoonTaking the unconventional route of making her music video directing debut after directing her first feature (Hoard), Luna Carmoon made a striking impact with two remarkable videos for Fontaines D.C. She's a singular talent that will hopefully flow freely between features and music projects for a long time to come. Director: Luna CarmoonProd company: Prodco (PRO)Editing company: Trim EditingDirector's Rep: Alexa Haywood at Free Agent UK Charlie & Charlieshortstraw. 'Good For Nothing' by Charlie & CharlieCharlie Drinkwater and Charles Gall have collaborated regularly for some years, whilst working at Island Records and then subsequently, with Drinkwater art directing and Gall directing. But their first outing as a directing team came for feisty Coventry rapper shortstraw last year, before they made a big leap forward with a 20 minute longform for Wasia Project. And a visual album for James Arthur is on its way. Directors: Charlie & Charlie DONPRODCentral Cee X Raye 'Moi' by DONPRODIsle of Wight natives DONPROD have made a real impact in grime videos and beyond in the past couple of years, working with most of the scene's major players in promos and branded content - slighly beyond our radar until they joined the roster at REBEL.@Rogue. So their first appearance here was one of the blingiest of UK grime videos last year - Central Cee and RAYE's conspicuous shipping expedition to Paris.Directors: DONPRODProd company: REBEL @ Rogue FilmsDirector's Rep: Alexa Haywood at Free Agent UK Jackson Lee ForsytheSasha Keable 'Hold Up' by Jackson Lee ForsytheWith an apprenticeship that included working on sets of Edgar Wright and Steve McQueen features, with original aspirations to be a cinematographer, Forsythe has been honing his craft to create outstanding imagery, winning a YDA at Cannes. It's evident in the vivacious video for Sasha Keable - gritty and authentic but also radiating joy. His new for Rema is another big step forward. Director: Jackson Lee ForsythProd company: Academy FilmsEditing company: Trim EditingColour grading company: Studio RMDirector's Rep: Mouthpiece GrajperStone 'Queen' by GrajperMaking waves in his native Poland - including Cameraimage recognition - Grajper signed to FRIEND in the UK in 2023 but it took last year's video for Liverpool band Stone to show what he is capable of. A very cool, clever video featuring two versions of frontman Fin Power, skirting a line between the everyday and the uncanny. Director: GrajperProd company: FRIENDDirector's Rep: Leethal Reppin David HeofsOmar Apollo 'Spite' by David HeofsA Spanish director and graphic designer based in Madrid, David Heofs has brought his talents, particularly a striking use of colour, to several videos for US/Mexican artist Omar Apollo, and in Spite, celebrated Apollo's Mexican roots across a series of strikingly gorgeous set-ups.Director: David HeofsProd company: Bandiz (PRO) Abdi IbrahimSasha Keable ft 6lack 'Take Your Time' by Abdi IbrahimEstablishing himself first as a photographer, Abdi Ibrahim has been building his directors' reel in the US in the past couple of years, before he garnered his first UK commission, the steamily atmospheric video for Sasha Keable & 6Lack.Director: Abdi IbrahimProd company: new—landDirector's Rep: Mouthpiece Billy KingRushy X Antslive 'Estelle' by Billy KingBuilding on his association with AntsLive that has brought success at the UKMVAs (as producer on Number One Candidate, director of Cutlery), Billy King is going from strength to strength.Director: Billy KingEditing company: Trim Editing Rosie MarksJamie xx 'Treat Each Other Right' by Rosie MarksAs a photographer who chronicles the extremes of beauty culture, Marks throws up a mirror to society - which is also what she does in her first music video for Jamie xx, where a rum collection of characters and celeb lookalikes congregate in a swingers club for a night of unhinged revelry.Director: Rosie MarksProd company; Object & Animal (PRO) James OgramHoneyglaze 'Don't' by James OgramOgram demonstrated an impressive command for the form with his intense, claustrophobic video for Honeyglaze's edgy Don't. Has since shown his versatility with his excellent alien invader comedy for Fat Dog. Director: James OgramDirector's rep: Agile Films, André Reid-McKinlay Lea OtovicLonnie Gunn 'Jessie's Pitbull' by Lea OtovicComing into directing from a background in set design, Lea Otovic built a body of work through the year with videos for House Of Women, Lambrini Girls and three promos for singer-songwriter Lonnie Gunn, starting with the bold and sexy Jessie's Pitbull.Director: Lea OtovicProd company: Blend Films (PRO)Editing company: The Quarry (PRO) Ethan RossLexie Carroll 'Laundry Detergent' by Ethan RossRoss has directed a series of charming low-budget videos for singer-songwriters Lexie Carroll and Tinyumbrellas over the past couple of years, and this one for Lexie was the first we featured here. Very interested to see how his work progresses this coming year. Director: Ethan RossProd company: Big Tent Films (PRO) ShadrinskyYseult 'Bitch You Could Never' by ShadrinskyThe directing duo brought their fashion sense and penchant for organised chaos to the UKMVA-nominated video for Yseult. They have a winning formula - as proved with their next video for Jack Harlow - and the sky's the limit for Shadrinsky. Director: Shadrinsky TORSOCharli XCX 'Von Dutch' by TORSOThe directing duo's first appearance here came with the in-your-face video that kicked off the year of the Brat. They went on to make a the best thing that came out of Katy Perry's rather less successful album campaign. Directors: TORSOProd company: Division (PRO) David VuCamelPhat & Nadia Ali 'Endlessly' by David VuDirector, dancer, choreographer David Vu has gained a huge following for his inventive dance videos and TikToks. His passion to tell stories through dance and movement in promos should take off following the launchpad of his impressive debut for Camelphat. Director: David VuProd company: Caviar COMING NEXT in Best Of 2024: Hot Directors, Top Directors, Most Viewed Videos

Promonews - 3 months ago

feature Best of 2024: Videos Of The Year (Part Six)

The sixth and final instalment of our Videos Of The Year for 2024 includes more from Fontaines D.C., James Blake and Charli XCX - all previously featured in the list this year - plus Sabrina Carpenter, A$AP Rocky and Tierra Whack.Taken from hundreds of videos featured on Promonews in the past 12 months, we have organised the full Videos Of The Year list in alphabetical order by song title (here it's S through to Z).And as before, this last batch includes work includes links to the original stories about the videos in Promonews, and to the profile pages of the directors and featured site sponsors. Fontaines DC 'Starburster' by Aube PerrieThe video itself is remarkable, founded in gritty cinematic realism but operating on a different level - Irish magic realism? Then it turns out the video has achieved something that is arguably unique, infiltrating other videos (by Aube Perrie and others). Crazily good.Director: Aube PerrieProd company: Pulse FilmsLabel: XL Recordings Crystal Murray 'Starmaniak' by Charlotte WalesFashion photographer and director Charlotte Wales creates a Hell of a London high street for French singer Crystal Murray's sashay in a well-aimed swipe at smallmindness and herd mentality in modern Britain - and a nod to a 90s classic. Director: Charlotte Wales A$AP Rocky 'Tailor Swif' by Vania Heymann & Gal MuggiaIt took a long time for its release - it was shot in Kyiv before the War in Ukraine began in early 2022 - but it was worth the wait for this surreal masterpiece.Directors: Vania Heymann & Gal Muggia Sabrina Carpenter 'Taste' by Dave MeyersChanneling the iconic Robert Zemeckis film Death Becomes Her, Dave Meyers directs a eye-poppingly gory - yet still sweet and quite short - video for Taste, with Wednesday star Jenna Ortega perfectly cast as Sabrina's nemesis. Director: Dave Meyers James Blake 'Thrown Around' by The ReidsJames Blake's surprising gift for comedy is given full rein in The Reids' video that begins as biting satire on current music biz obsessions before the hapless Blake embarks on a full pelt action comedy - with surreal touches.Directors: The ReidsDirectors Rep: Anonymous Content Olivia Dean 'Time' by Jake ErlandThe video has a great simple idea at its heart, providing a 'wow' moment during an intimate performance. It just had to be executed perfectly and Jake Erland and Olivia Dean did exactly that.Director: Jake ErlandProd company: Park Pictures Tierra Whack 'Two Night' by Alex Da CorteTierra is transformed into a giant inflatable floating above her hometown of Philadelphia - recreated in impressively realistic 3D animation - before coming to a brutal demise. Delightful and horrifying in equal measure.Director: Alex Da Corte Yard Act 'A Vineyard For The North (Live from Utopia)' by Ja HumbyTaken from a live session that appears to have taken place in the middle of an animation, Humby's latest Molten Jets project is an ambitious marriage of technology, creativity and performance, resulting in one of the most original live videos of the year.Director: Ja HumbyProd company: Intergalactic Studios Charli XCX 'Von Dutch' by TORSOTORSO place Charli in a space that works really well for her: fast-moving action, treading a line between glamour and outrage, humour and danger, as she tussles with her POV fan-cum-assailant through Charles De Gaulle airport. Set the stage for what was to follow.Directors: TORSO Joe Armon-Jones & Hak Baker 'Wrong Side Of Town' by Broken AntennaBroken Antenna reunited with the redoubtable Baker and Ezra Collective's Armon-Jones to make not just a promo for their reggae-flavoured collab but an informative short doc about gentrification in London's East End. Hugely successful on both counts.Directors: Broken AntennaProd company: Knucklehead BIJI 'Zigidi' by Maceo FrostThrilling car action and stunts meets social documentary in the Kurdistan region of Iraq for BIJI - the musical project of Kurdish/Swedish artist/actor Robin Naziri and director/music producer Frost which uses hiphop and other traditions to highlight the Kurdish situation.Director: Maceo FrostProd company: KnuckleheadProd company: new--land COMING NEXT on Best Of 2024: Directors Of The Year

Promonews - 4 months ago

feature Best of 2024: Videos Of The Year (Part Four)

The fourth set of superb works to add to our Videos Of The Year list for 2024 includes videos for RM, James Blake, Meeks, Peggy Gou, Childish Gambino - and more Kylie.Taken from hundreds of videos featured on Promonews in the past 12 months, and organised in alphabetical order of song title, this latest batch includes work by video directing icons, returning heroes, big players and up-and-comers.These 10 picks include links to the original stories about the videos in Promonews, and to the profile pages of the directors and featured site sponsors. Fontaines D.C. 'In The Modern World' by Luna CarmoonLuna Carmoon's second video for Fontaines is a visceral parable of self-harm, based around the new 'sport' of in-car wrestling. Funny, poignant and wince-inducing - with a remarkable lead performance by Ewan Mitchell. Director: Luna CarmoonEditing company: Trim EditingColour grade company: Electric Theatre CollectiveLabel: XL Recordings Wasia Project 'Isotope' by Charlie and CharlieCharlie and Charlie created a hypnotic atmosphere around the brother/sister duo Wasia Project in their impressive short film, showcasing songs from the artists' EP.Directors: Charlie & Charlie Kylie Minogue 'Lights, Camera, Action' by Sophie Muller & Theo AdamsAnother sensational vehicle for Kylie's latest renaissance - here in full diva mode, but with tongue firmly in cheek - where Kylie plays both the on-screen star we know and love, and also a super-demanding creative auteur.Director: Sophie MullerCo-director: Theo Adams James Blake 'Like The End' by Jon RafmanRafman projects James Blake’s fear for the state of the world into a surreal carnival of bizarre imagery - AI generated but bordering on the plausible.Director: Jon Rafman Childish Gambino ft Young Nudy 'Little Foot Big Foot' by Hiro MuraiDonald Glover and Hiro Murai take us back to the 1930s and a bygone era of twinkled-toed entertainment in the brilliant return of Glover's alter-ego Childish Gambino.Director: Hiro MuraiProd company: Doomsday Entertainment Peggy Gou 'Lobster Telephone' by Alice KunisuéA trippy fever dream with lobster claw accessories, vibrant bouncy balls and a heavy dose of contemporary surrealism, allowing Peggy Gou to sideline her glamourous image for something altogether more playful.Director: Alice KunisuéColour grade company: Electric Theatre CollectiveDirector's Rep: Alexa Haywood at Free Agent UKLabel: XL Recordings RM 'LOST!' by Aube PerrieArguably Aube Perrie's most surreal and densely complicated video so far - which is saying something. And it also highlighted that Korean popstars like RM are pushing the creative envelope in the medium more than anyone.Director: Aube PerrieProd company: Pulse FilmsColour grade company: Electric Theatre Collective Elbow 'Lovers' Leap' by Henry Oliver & Justin Du PreA partnership takes flight in the dark fantasy for Elbow. Make that two partnerships - the fugitive couple in the deserted city who fall into another dimension, and Oliver and Du Pre, teaming as co-directors for the first time to impressive effect.Directors: Henry Oliver & Justin Du Pre Meekz 'Mini Me's' by KC LockeThe prolific KC Locke always pulls the stops out, a big reason he's been one of the UKs top video directors for the past 5 years. Here he riffs on one of his great earlier successes then takes it to whole new level for the mysterious masked Mancunian MC Meeks. Director: KC LockeDirector's Rep: Marisa Garner Associates LISA ft Rosalía 'New Woman' by Dave MeyersMusic video legend Dave Meyers was busy in 2024 with arguably the pop star of the year - more on that later - but also managed to create one of his vignette-based blockbusters - a great vehicle for K-Pop superstar Lisa's collab with Rosalía. Director: Dave MeyersEditing company: Final Cut COMING NEXT ON BEST OF 2024... Videos Of The Year (Part Five), Directors Of The Year

Promonews - 4 months ago

feature Best of 2024: Videos Of The Year (Part Three)

The third instalment of our Videos Of The Year list for 2024 includes videos for Unknown T featuring Loyle Carner, Charli XCX featuring Billie Eilish, Ezra Collective featuring Yasmin Lacey and Dua Lipa. Taken from hundreds of videos featured on Promonews in the past 12 months, and organised in alphabetical order of songtitle, this batch of videos includes work by the biggest names in the business of music video direction and some of the most exciting new and up and coming directors. The following 10 picks for our Videos Of The Year includes links to the original stories about these fantastic videos in Promonews, and to the profile pages of the directors and featured site sponsors. Kamasi Washington ft George Clinton, D Smoke 'Get Lit' by Jenn NkiruAn ambitious 13 minute music film, a visual tour de force and a reflection on relationships through the prism of dance - with some of the coolest musicians on the planet. Director: Jenn Nkiru Ezra Collective ft Yazmin Lacey 'God Gave Me Feet For Dancing’ by Tajana TokyoTajana Tokyo updates a classic Hollywood musical, boy meets girl storyline to East London nightflife with the help of two outstanding performers, Michelle Zan and Kitz Katika. And it really is an expression of joy through dancing. Director: Tajana TokyoProd company: Somesuch IDLES 'Grace' by Jonathan IrwinThe most surprising appearance by Chris Martin in a music video, and it's not for Coldplay. In an eery, ominous, remarkable VFX achievement, with AI involvement, the classic video for Yellow is transformed. Director: Jonathan IrwinProd company: Joyrider Charli XCX ft Billie Eilish 'Guess' by Aidan ZamiriCharli teamed up with Billie to maintain her chokehold on summer pop, and keep the internet abuzz with another Aidan Zamiri-directed video - In a whirlwind of underwear, heavy machinery and passionate partying. Director: Aidan Zamiri Jack Harlow 'Hello Miss Johnson' by ShadrinskyA tale of suburban love, told through the directing team's distinctive style - mind-boggling action, and slapstick comedy, captured on fixed lo-fi CCTV cameras (and 'doorbell cam') - leaving enough narrative mystery to keep viewers intrigued. Director: Shadrinsky Fontaines D.C. 'Here's The Thing' by Luna CarmoonThe director of indie movie Hoard's first music video nods to cult horror movies as it celebrates female strength, with a bullied teen girl's transformation from outcast to a powerful, defiant force with the help of a group of girls with special powers. Director: Luna CarmoonEditing company: Trim EditingLabel: XL Recordings Unknown T ft Loyle Carner 'Hocus Pocus' by Felix BradyInspired by technology, play and contemporary design, Felix Brady pushes the rap envelope, and subverts expectations of the artists with a series of visually inventive performance vignettes, satisfying the appetite for 'eye candy' like few others. Director: Felix BradyProd company: Stink FilmsEditing company: Trim Editing Geordie Greep 'Holy, Holy' by Ethan & TomTwin Peaks meets The Big Lebowski as Geordie Greep performs a strange inner voice-style vocal whilst dancing a skilful salsa, supping a cocktail and effortlessly sending strike after strike down the bowling alley. Weird, multi-layered, very funny.Directors: Ethan & TomProd company: Partizan Dua Lipa 'Illusion' by Tanu MuinoA poolside fantasy, set against a breathtaking Barcelona backdrop, it's music video as sheer escapist entertainment by the director who does that thing better than anyone. A production that's precision-tooled to perfection.Director: Tanu MuinoProd company: UnderWonder ContentDirector's Rep: Alexa Haywood at Free Agent UK Camila Cabello ft Playboi Carti 'I Luv It' by Nicolás MéndezThe reinvention of Cabello is in good hands with Méndez, making supercool visual ideas look effortless, via Greco-Roman wrestling, arrow injuries, finger gun shoot-ups, angry dogs, corner store dance-offs and more.Director: Nicolás MéndezProd company: CANADACOMING NEXT in Best of 2024 - Videos Of The Year (Part FOUR) and Directors Of The Year

Promonews - 4 months ago

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