In the latest of our series asking British music video-makers about their experiences last year and thoughts on the coming year, we talk to Tom Ringsby (above right) - co-founder and EP at Intergalactic Studios. 

Having founded Intergalactic with Rhory Danniells (above left) just over two years ago, Tom reflects on the return of travelling overseas to shoot in 2022, and predicts that 2023 will be a big year... for lyric videos.   

2022

How would you describe last year in a few words?

Less masks, more laughs.

What was your favourite project or projects you worked on last year?

Shame's Fingers of Steel - any reason to be around Ja Humby and baby oil.

Above: Shame's Fingers Of Steel, directed by Ja Humby

Any other project you enjoyed that deserved more attention, or went under the radar?

Depzman's Life Cut Short went viral, all the way to BBC News, but still deserved more attention. Also Jasmine De Silva’s wig-design for Ellie Dixon's Swing!

What were the best aspects of the job last year?

Three continents in one week.

Above: Depzman's Life Cut Short, directed by BRIGHTNIGHT

Depzman's Life Cut Short went viral, all the way to BBC News, but still deserved more attention.

What were the most challenging aspects of the job last year?

Getting stuck in a crawl-space with Anupam Tripathi.

Best or favourite video or videos last year that you weren’t involved with?

Joji's Glimpse of Us.

What was other cultural highlight (or highlights) of the year?

Cate Blanchett in Tár.

Any other personal experience that defines 2022 for you?

Shot an experimental documentary project in Ghana that’s out soon. Watch out for Dragon Boys.

[I expect to see] more lyric videos with set-builds and three-arc narratives.

2023

What are you looking forward to in 2023 – both for work and for other parts of your life?

The Spanish desert.

Have you set work objectives for this year and if so, what are they?

Shoot in more exteriors with no signal.

Who are the up-and-coming talents that you think will break through this year – or at least deserve to be successful?

Dylan Friese-Greene, Claryn Chong, Caleb Johnson, NWSPK, Emalea Jones.

Above: FelixThe1st's Who's On What, directed by Dylan Friese-Greene

What is your prediction for the direction of the industry in 2023? And what will be the big trends for the year ahead?

More lyric videos with set-builds and three-arc narratives.

Any other comments about the current environment for music video production and music video creativity? What are the issues that we should be most concerned with?

Artists picking the lamest treatment.

If you could ‘make a wish’, and reform or change the environment in which you work in one way, what would you wish for?

Artists picking the best treatment.

Have you made any personal New Year resolutions? And if so, how’s it going?

Not letting Rhory win a single game of ping-pong.

• Tom Ringsby is co-founder and MD of Intergalactic Studios.