Director's Representation

Mouthpiece

<h3>The Mouthpiece-repped director on working with her idols, moving from Edinburgh to London (with geese) - and the need for greater mental health support to cope with the demands of the industry.</h3>Rianne White is a multi-faceted creative whose extensive list of credits as a director and editor include music videos for Young Fathers, Aurora, Ellie Goulding, Lola Young and The Proclaimers, and the short film Sugar For Your Tea, showcased in festivals around the world. In the past few months Rianne has added&nbsp;two exceptional videos heralding the exciting return of well-loved bands - Franz Ferdinand and Black Country New Road.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Rianne has also worked for the TV series Outlander and the short film Nevada, directed&nbsp;by Ruth Paxton, as a choreographer and&nbsp;has collaborated on impactful projects&nbsp;including the Scottish campaign United To Prevent Suicide.&nbsp;Her work consistently explores themes of the ever-evolving resilience within identity and the need for connection with our people, our planet and our inner worlds.Having recently moved from her native Edinburgh to London she now gives us a glimpse into her&nbsp;own world via the SNAPSHOT Q&amp;A. And you can find out what she thinks is 'sagacious'. What a great word...Name: Rianne WhiteBirthday: 2nd November 1991Where did you grow up? Edinburgh, Scotland.Place of further education and course (if any)? I never thought I would go into further education after leaving school as quickly as possible at the age of 16. But impulsively, years later, I took possibly the longest route (a casual 10+ hour trip) to Falmouth University to study a BA in Choreography. It was here that I taught myself film through the lens of physicality and movement. Those were some wild years on the coast.Where do you live now? I moved to London 6 months ago.Name a film or video or other creative work that had a huge influence on your career choice?I remember being very (very) young and finding the VHS of <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0073812/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_8_nm_0_in_0_q_tommy%2520movie" target="_blank">Tommy (1975, Dir. Ken Russell)</a> and being completely fixed to the screen. The scene of him crashing through the mirror into the swimming pool embedded itself in my brain and conjured this curiosity into how cinema can punctuate inner worlds so deeply and beautifully.&nbsp;[vidtoken data:0]I don’t think I could understand a lot of what I saw at the age I was, but I remember whispering to myself that he was now free. Weightless in water. Transformed. I haven’t watched it since - I fear it would be like brushing your teeth right before a great coffee. Don’t want to spoil the memory.<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0091369/" target="_blank">Labyrinth (1982, Dir. Jim Henson)</a> was another one that made my expansive imagination feel seen in many ways as a child. David Bowie has always featured throughout my life beamed in through the womb to each postcode we lived in. It was wonderful to understand him here so young. My Scorpio only child gripped onto this with both hands, finding the theatrics energising and brilliant.<blockquote>Madonna's&nbsp;Frozen was such an important and inspiring visual for me.</blockquote>I also recall pre-double digits in age when I saw Frozen. NOT “the cold never bothered me anyway” one, but Madonna’s music video released in 1998 (Dir. Chris Cunningham). It permeated my mind in how she moved, the endless desert, birds and hounds - this was such an important and inspiring visual for me. The understanding and knowledge of music videos seeped into every pore, I was instantly addicted to where the music took the artist — what world, what shape of movement and if I was so lucky, which animal would find its way on screen alongside them. I was hooked![vidtoken data:1]What were the important first projects for you, in terms of a learning experience and getting noticed, or a foothold in the industry?Life had been turbulent in my early to mid-twenties, shaped by family traumas and the discovery of mental health, with all the frills that come with it. I distinctly remember being at home in Edinburgh, staying with my mother at the time, when I received a message from Young Fathers' management about a potential music video.Within days, I was trotting down Leith Walk to meet them in their studio and discuss ideas. It was such an instant click, and as they played Lord&nbsp;through the speakers, I honestly felt an arrival within myself and instantly knew how important and essential it was for us to create art at this time.‘If wishes were horses, then beggars will ride’. The concept started with a rocking horse, and evolved into the wonderful Alloysious horseback on Magic. It was a dream producing, directing and editing this piece and waking up post-release explosion of news.[vidtoken data:2]This journey took me around the world to film festivals, landed the work in publications I had idolised, led to meetings with production houses, and ultimately resulted in signing with Partizan globally for three years. Most importantly, it brought me back to life, reigniting my focus on the power of the arts. If you ever have a moment, listen to Lord at full volume on headphones. It is magic.Best film(s) you saw last year?<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt27503384/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_8_nm_0_in_0_q_perfect%2520days" target="_blank">Perfect Days (2023)</a> - this is like the book on the shelf that catches your eye to read time and time again before finally picking it up EXACTLY when you need it most. This Wim Wenders film, released 2023, gave me so much joy recently. I had sore cheeks from smiling all through it as its poetry and meditation of gratitude held by Kōji Yakusho’s character is so profound and understood. This is a deep inhalation, a tapping on the shoulder to open your eyes to what is around and find what truly brings you joy.[imgtoken data:1]<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt27367464/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_4_nm_4_in_0_q_kneecap" target="_blank">Kneecap (2024, Dir. Rich Peppiatt)</a> - this film triggered a constant ‘fuck yeah!’ reaction throughout. It combines the ingredients of electric film-making and cast - crowned by a story routed in language, defiance and legacy. Liam Óg, Naoise Ó Cairealláin &amp; DJ Próvai are stand out.<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10236164/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_1_nm_7_in_0_q_The%2520Girl%2520with%2520the%2520Needle" target="_blank">The Girl with the Needle (2024, Dir. Magnus von Horn)</a> - hardcore trauma wrapped in the most stunning cinematic ribbon. Vic Carmen Sonne is mesmeric, and watching her veiled in black and white throughout her performance was such a treat. I enjoyed this, although I needed to hotbox myself in sage and incense after to bring my heart rate down.[imgtoken data:2]Favourite song/album/music artist in the past year?<a href="https://www.kaetempest.com/" target="_blank">Kae Tempest</a> holds a rhythm in my heart. Everything they do is just hitting a frequency and appetite for lyricism I don’t often feel absorbed within anywhere else. I am constantly in awe and grateful to have spent time with this beautiful mind and person. And Doechii’s album <a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/60UzB8mOCMpc7xkuJE6Bwc?autoplay=true" target="_blank">Alligator Bites Nevel Heal</a>&nbsp;is sagacious. Offt. I love sticking this on.I am also a playlist addict. Last year's eclectic Christmas generational hotlist holding its weight through 2025 is studded with Tori Amos (Precious Things – one of the greatest tunes), Depeche Mode, Warren Ellis, Radiohead, Biig Piig, Nao, The Cure, Yeah Yeah Yeah’s, PJ&nbsp;Harvey to Khruangbin.<blockquote>It's alarming that in this line of work you’re constantly advised not to be overly political.</blockquote>Favourite music video/videos in the past year?<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt33029917/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_1_nm_0_in_0_q_All%25C3%25A9gorie%2520Citadine" target="_blank">Allégorie Citadine (aka An Urban Allegory)</a> - a short film, directed by Alice Rohrwacher &amp; JR, that's a beautiful exploration through the eyes of a child. This has so many great moments, and the child actor has one of the most beautifully expressive faces.[imgtoken data:3]I loved the Jungle series of music videos by directors J Lloyd [and Charlie Di Placedo], choreographed by Shay Latukolan and shot by the babe that is Tasha Duursma. Absolute tunes!Conceptually, I loved <a href="https://www.promonews.tv/videos/2024/02/28/kasabian-call-waxxwork/85468" target="_blank">Waxxwork's Kasabian's music video</a> which features a skydiver jumping out of a helicopter with the video of the band playing real time on the phone screen as it hurtles towards earth. There have been so many debates involving AI, and here is an example of how the magnitude, bravery and craft of an idea is as awe-inspiring as its final results when pulled off ‘IRL’.[vidtoken data:3]What was (or usually is) your favourite night out last year? The nights out that start with the side eye ‘lets go for one’ and then transpires into new found friends, a lot of dancing and uncontrollable laughter.In terms of the music video-related jobs of the past year or so, what were the most rewarding creatively, and why?<a href="https://www.promonews.tv/videos/2024/11/25/franz-ferdinand-night-or-day-rianne-white/89168" target="_blank">Franz Ferdinand's Night Or Day</a> was, hands down, one of the best experiences all round. From the first listen I was transported to my youth in T in The Park and being in the bounce of the crowds to Take Me Out&nbsp;in the Scottish cry of ‘here we, here we, here we fucking go’ and having them echo throughout Scotland and beyond. It’s such a defining moment to collaborate with artists whose music has illuminated parts of my life - and even more incredible to work with them on home turf in Scotland, in the very place where they recorded the music. Woah![vidtoken data:4]I have so much love and respect for everyone involved and couldn’t be more impressed by the incredible individuals who make up Franz Ferdinand. Alex, Audrey, Bob, Dino, and Julian are such genuine souls, and they made this experience truly unforgettable.It was also a real treat that Alex foraged potatoes and rosemary from his garden and rustled them up for the crew - true gent! What a bunch of legends. I’m so grateful for the treasured new friendships with these wonders and can’t wait to hear what’s next! Their The Human Fear&nbsp;record, released earlier this year, is an absolute rocket - get it in your ears![imgtoken data:4]Above: Alex Kapranos, lead singer of Franz Ferdinand,&nbsp;picking rosemary - shot on 35mm&nbsp;by&nbsp;Rianne White.Another absolute dream was working with Black Country, New Road on their beautiful song Besties. Never have I been so happy to be stood in a field with mud up to my thighs, grinning while filming.This all came through a spark ignited with the song itself from the first listen. I remember responding to it by writing about my childhood bestie Sophie (of almost 30 years). We would write to each other often and mastermind ways to get back to each other after a devastating parting very early in our childhood when I moved back to Scotland. The understanding of female friendships was so pure and informed by the intricacies of map drawing and endless imaginative worlds with no care of distance. One deeply understood platonic love, one objective – finding your bestie.Meeting the band, and ideating with Georgia and Ginny was the most wholesome and beautifully shared moment as all the parts came together. Fireworks, hounds and the heartbeat of the harpsichord found us running across parts of Hastings and sharing a collective vision of dropping the world for your bestie. Black Country, New Road are truly brilliant![vidtoken data:5]What are your favourite other (non-mv) projects of the past year or so?Working with HUGO across two commercial projects was an incredible experience - a true testament to the energy and passion this kick-ass brand brings to set. I adore these wonderful people. It was a pleasure to work on their collaboration with Bella Poarch in Milan and to feel the electricity of creatives across stills, socials, and film - one huge dance against the clock unfolding in rapid succession.Their trust and support made the whole experience feel limitless and free. And of course, I was joined by my ride-or-die DoP, Tasha Duursma... Who, let’s face it, is an absolute radiant talent.[vidtoken data:6]Months later, we reunited for <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mvgwc5_Y9Q8&amp;t=26s" target="_blank">HUGO’s F1 Racing Bulls collection in London with Daniel Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda.</a> It was another perfect fusion of energy and creativity. Daniel and Yuki were hilarious and a joy to direct, and it was deeply humbling to be back with the HUGO gang once again.What’s the most surprising thing that’s happened last year?Waking up in a new postcode and calling it home is surprising, even when manifested and planned into boxes of books, art supplies and enough plants to oxygenate another planet. The move from Edinburgh to London by van was pretty smooth with my partner-in-crime through the crowds of The Fringe, several weather fronts and when hitting the open road under a migration of geese – also travelling south.A few days after my birthday last year, a notification popped up that a photograph I had taken was chosen to be exhibited in the <a href="https://www.glasgowgalleryofphotography.com/exhibition2025/women-in-photography" target="_blank">Glasgow Gallery of Photography’s Women in Photography&nbsp;collection</a>. It’s been magic to have a part of me up in Scotland while I am down here [in London], and the support from my favourite people.[imgtoken data:5]Most annoying/irksome thing that’s been going on this year (work-related or otherwise)?Honestly, with the world right now it feels impossible even to hold the word ‘annoying’ in context with how immensely depressing and heartbroken the state of humanity is – especially with our mass media exposure of the genocide of Palestinian people alongside the need for collective liberation against oppression of Sudan, Congo, Tigray, Lebanon, Yemen... and may other places that are being underrepresented by Western media. This sided with Trump and the far right - fucking kill me now. Beaming so much love to our LGBTQ+ beautiful queer community – I love you, I see you.It's alarming in this line of work (or any) that you’re constantly advised not to be overly political or let your mouth run on topics that might upset. It has been beautiful to come together with friends and family in creating noise and awareness. I am so grateful to those who sponsored and supported my ‘Stride For Palestinians’ fundraiser with Medical Aid for Palestinians and other links/sources shared. It’s the tip of the iceberg, but it's led to many conversations and modes of action. When life feels too overwhelming, I am so grateful for my community – the people who love the people, nature and freedom on this planet.<blockquote>The need for mental health support to alleviate the burnout spin of pressures and relationships across crew is HUGE.</blockquote>Your top suggestion to change and improve how the music video industry works?It feels like the ‘known thing’ that music videos don't have a lot of money and that to make a career solely of music videos is fundamentally not doable for the vast majority of people - unless you come from money/willing to give part/majority of your fee to the project itself. As a person that does not fall in this category it has been extremely hard to balance passion with financial security.There should be more support for creatives in the pitching process, empowering fees for time spent on creative ideation, especially in line with numerous treatment submissions. In all areas of production, from pre-to-post, the need for mental health support to alleviate the burnout spin of pressures and relationships across crew is HUGE. I have felt the machine of expectation in spells of ‘we need to get this across the line’ and the sacrifice of creative/payment, or the toxic positivity of ‘but this is a great opportunity/ you should be grateful’ in line with the amount of work required from craft and soul. It is the best job in the world to me, but it is hard work.I have been so fortunate with the people I have created with, and I have the upmost respect for the brilliance and empathy that exists within our teams. We need to support our creative minds better, and celebrate the meeting of music and film in the way it truly deserves for all artists involved.What are you looking forward to for 2025?Creatively I am pouring my heart into developing a short I have been dreaming about for years. I am so excited for this to evolve and grow with me and be able to collaborate with brilliant people. In a couple weeks I am off to Japan to celebrate my partner's birthday and see great friends for adventures seasoned with cherry blossoms, street photography, new tastes and culture.On my return, I want to hit the ground running and dive even further into the world of creation. There are so many musicians that have my inner world bouncing with inspiration and collaborations with brands that excite me deeply. I will be fully open for business in May 2025 and cannot wait for what is to come. Here we, here we, here we.....• Rianne White is represented for music videos by Claire Stubbs at Mouthpiece; watch more of her work <a href="https://www.riannewhite.com/" target="_blank">here</a>

Rianne White

THE SNAPSHOT Q&A: Rianne White

The Who - Tommy Can You Hear Me?/Smash The Mirror (Tommy: The Movie) [HD]

Madonna - Frozen (Official Video) [HD]

Young-Fathers-'Lord'-by-Rianne-White

Kasabian - Call (Official Video)

Franz Ferdinand - Night Or Day (Official Video)

Black-Country,-New-Road-'Besties'-by-Rianne-White

HUGO x Bella Poarch: A Glam Grunge Collection

Victoria (De Angelis)&nbsp;of Måneskin brings her rock 'n roll lifestyle - not to mention pole-dancing and hostage-taking - to sleepy suburbia in Iris Luz's raunchy and riotous video for T-Shirt.Featuring Canadian rapper Tommy Genesis and not-appropriately-named Miss Bashful &nbsp;- shot in a chintzy suburban villa with a pole fitted in the living room. It's unashamedly sexy, naughty, silly - shot largely on GoPro -style cameras - and highly watchable.When PC Plod arrives at the front door, following complaints about the noise, he doesn't stand a chance...[imgtoken data:1]

United Kingdom

Sasha Hilton

Claudia Celeste

Anastasia Gutnyk

Iris Luz

Aisha Kemp

Isabella Culver

Academy Films

Goncalo Soares

Benjo Leggett

Jennifer Byrne

Colum Ewart

Emily-jane Sheppard

Janina Zais

Fleming Mason

Fraser Twitchett

Okaystudio

Dance

Electronic

Victoria ft Tommy Genesis & Miss Bashful 'T-Shirt' by Iris Luz

Victoria, Tommy Genesis, Miss Bashful - T-Shirt (Official Video)

Reality and fantasy collide in&nbsp;Lucrecia's dazzling promo for JADE.&nbsp;FUFN continues JADE's conceptual narrative for this era - exploring the darker side of fame through irreverent, offbeat imagery and intimate storytelling.&nbsp;We see JADE with her on-screen partner, attending the Nick Grimshaw-hosted premiere of a film she is in, building layers of different characterisations whilst paying homage to her previous iterations.&nbsp;With a heavily surreal vibe, the video features an audience with their faces twisted in evil grins (reminiscent of&nbsp;Philipp Stölzl's 2003 video for Evanescence's Going Under) and stunning visual effects&nbsp;throughout.&nbsp;It's a blockbuster epic and a very welcome return to music videos for&nbsp;Lucrecia, who has been a pioneering creative in presenting the darker impulses of pop stars, from <a href="https://www.promonews.tv/videos/2019/10/30/ashnikko-ft-yung-baby-tate-stupid-lucrecia-taormina/61599" target="_blank">Ashnikko</a> to <a href="https://www.promonews.tv/videos/2021/02/03/bree-runway-ft-missy-elliott-atm-lucrecia-taormina/69286" target="_blank">Bree Runway</a>.And could a superhero film be on the cards for JADE in the near future? Given the breadth of characters she's played in her debut era, it wouldn't be a far stretch to suggest so.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Lucrecia

Emily Rudge

Two Happy

Fiona Bamford-Phillips

Natasha Duursma

Lane Casting

Ross Hallard

Trim Editing

Electric Theatre Collective

Luke Morrison

PRETTYBIRD

Blake John Wood

James Dyer

JADE 'FUFN' by Lucrecia 

JADE - FUFN (Official Video)

Sugababes are back with an instant classic, and a very slick promo from&nbsp;Dora Paphides.The video for Jungle finds the trio in a vast office space, where a menagerie of artistic vignettes unfold.&nbsp;Switching up between performance, choreography and abstract cutaways, it has all the markers of a classic Sugababes video, filtered through a mature, contemporary lens."I think I approached this video from a fan perspective," explains Paphides.&nbsp;"I’ve loved the Sugababes forever so this was an instinctive thing to do. I sort of thought, what would get me excited watching a new Sugababes video, and led with that instinct."The concept was an editorial/pop take on day and night. I wanted to create this sense of night time and things aren’t what they seem at night.&nbsp; This translated into these office scenes, where the band slowly break out and enter the rave. Blink, and you might miss something. I wanted to create this sense of being in the dark and misinterpreting something you’ve seen. Or being drunk and trying to remember what happened."I looked a lot at Kito Munoz’s work, previous Prada and Rick Owens campaigns... I wanted the classic pop video to have a fashion edge."[imgtoken data:1][imgtoken data:2][imgtoken data:3]

Furmaan Ahmed

King O’holi

Jack O'mullane

Emma Cook

Justin Hamilton

Neil Stuart

Dora Paphides

Lottie Lindsay-Beavan

Kode

Laura Taylor

Joe Sherno

Stefan Yap 

Nathan Killham

Anita Okpongete

Chris Malin

Marcus Albertsen

Oliver Bingham

Cameron Sealby

Isabella Furness

Jason Goh

Devon Maxwell-whyte

Jade Campbell

Dalia Bone

Roisin Donaghy

Geri Docherty

The Quarry

Jim Bracher

The Post Arm

Ed Chambers

Yash Agrawal

Ikki Dhesi

Sugababes 'Jungle' by Dora Paphides

Sugababes - Jungle (Official Video)

Candice Lo directs an impassioned performance by Griff, taking its inspirational cue from the songtitle. And things are going to get messy.The video for Last Night's Mascara begins with Griff in white, in an all-white space. But the first smudge of black indicates what is coming, as Lo orchestrates the addition of streaks of 'last night's mascara' through the pop singer's choreographed performance.&nbsp;She mars the white space and her own clothing with handprints and stains, as the&nbsp;ever-flowing mascara acts as a cathartic release, leading to an artistic portrayal of grief. A captivating concept anchored by the artist's commitment to the performance, and Lo's inspired direction.[imgtoken data:1][imgtoken data:2]

Ash Halliburton

Adam Reid

Ella Hill

Mike Coley

Kamran Rajput

Candice Lo

Kirstin Cruickshank

Vini Curtis

Jaime Ackroyd

Heza Jalloh

Medb Riordan

Elsa Grace

Dan Huntley

Barney Batchelor

Fredricka Lathbridge

Jay Revell

Tomi Roppongi

Michelle Dacillo

Amy Dang

Avenue Studio

Myles Bevan

Studio RM

Warner Records Uk

Griff 'Last Night's Mascara' by Candice Lo

Griff - last night's mascara (Official Music Video)

Oklou takes to the ice for&nbsp;her NTS Session, performing three songs from her debut album choke enough.Directed by Iris Luz, this multi-track promo features a DIY-style montage of playful performance shots.As Oklou performs, several dancers circle and interact with her, creating a brilliant explosion of movement and creative expression.&nbsp;Like a mix between a musical and a sporting half-time show, it's an intimate, stripped-back visual with a brilliant central concept.&nbsp;

Flo Webb

Ken Nakajima

Pierre De Monès

Kitty Wordsworth

Nts Radio

Goncalo Lopes

Benjo Legget

Chantal Adams

Dante Garcia

Kevyn Charo

Omar Serge

Thierry Phung

Matthew Tremaine

Becuase Music

Oklou 'Obvious, Choke Enough, Blade Bird' by Iris Luz

Oklou - obvious, choke enough, blade bird | NTS Session

Joy Crookes and Kano deliver the joy and heartache of a life together in a series of moments, within the same four walls, in Jake Erland's compelling video for Mathematics.The artists portray a couple going through the life-changing phases of a relationship – young love, marriage, birth and death - all happening within their home. And&nbsp;we switch between periods, back and forth, as the action takes place within an almost theatrical framework - the same rooms of their council flat, shot on a locked-off camera. So the table used for a birthday party will later host a wake for a&nbsp;lost loved oneThis device is a winner, allowing for Erland to create almost painterly compositions as cinematographer as well as director of the piece. And it provides the contained space for the transfixing acting performances of the two artists.[imgtoken data:1]In this respect, Kano's talents are well known, due to his role in Top Boy. But he is matched by Joy Crookes,&nbsp;who portrays a young woman's ups and downs in a way that suggests she also has great potential as an actor. She has great chemistry with Kano, and the meaningful yet unheard exchanges between them provides good reason to return to this again and again.The&nbsp;visuals overall underscore a track that also feels transcendent,&nbsp;with Crookes expressing the pain of trying to be on the same page with someone you love. After <a href="https://www.promonews.tv/videos/2025/01/21/joy-crookes-ft-vince-staples-pass-salt-jake-erland/89735" target="_blank">Pass The Salt</a>, released last month, Mathematics is the second of a tryptich of videos by Erland for the new album. And after this, it's going to be fascinating to see what they come up with next time.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Jake Erland

Rowan Mackintosh King

Park Pictures

Shelley Jones

Tara Leonard

Kat Cattaneo

Oli Hill

Kai Newton

Massimo Fillipi

Angelica Wolanska

Mata Marielle

Grace De Ville

Kim Rance

Francesca Daniella

Eden Clark

Kiera Liberati

Thomas Adams

Arsenii Pronkin

Tim Smith

Rascal Post

Joy Crookes ft Kano 'Mathematics' by Jake Erland

Joy Crookes - Mathematics (Official Video) ft. Kano

Esoteric alt-rock band Black Country, New Road are back, and Rianne White's video for the first single from upcoming album Forever Howlong celebrates the bonds between best friends - and the lengths they will go to be with each other.At the start of the video for Besties, three bandmembers&nbsp;- Georgia Ellery, Tyler Hyde and May Kershaw - are at a different communal event where something exciting is happening: Georgia at a firework display, Tyler giving a piano recital, May at her own birthday party. But at a key moment, each of them decide they have to leave, to wander off into the night - over fields, through streets, tripping over dogs - heading to where they would prefer to be: with each other.Heralding the band's new musical direction, Rianne White's charming film conjures a world of gentle quirkiness, championing individuality within a cozy, smalltown community - and ultimately delivering a very good punchline.[imgtoken data:1]<blockquote>We found the beating heart of a world made better by chasing love and connection.</blockquote>"Besties&nbsp;came into my world with a dance of feelings, with such an understood concept of exploring the core emotion of taking on the world, and its obstacles to be with her, the bestie, again," she says."Building this with the band took me to so many memories, informed by a collective of experiences from my own childhood, writing letters and maps to my bestie, into formulating our own map and Sliding Doors-effect narrative - charged with the instinctual punch and intuition of - I need to be with my bestie now."Working with Georgia, May and Tyler was a real treat across their performances especially, and quite literally, running from the more conventional lip-sync world, and injecting little cameo moments with Charlie, Lewis and Luke."Knee high in January’s jacket of mud, darkness, fields, street corners and a pack of hounds we found the beating heart of a world made better by chasing love and connection. It’s been such a pleasure, this song was love at first harpsichord!"

Syd Harmony

Clementine Beck

Charlie J Doherty

Ramshackle Productions

John Moule

Jed Clist

Adam Singodia

Dan Matthews

Tash Walker

Ollie Pearson Pajtra

Ana-marija Ramić

Dan Levy

Ninja Tune

Alternative

Black Country, New Road 'Besties' by Rianne White

Milo Blake tells a surrealist fable for Oscar Jerome’s The Fork.The film explores rebirth, memory, and existentialism, inspired by the South London-based musician's&nbsp;own spiritual journey and for the title track from his forthcoming new album, his first new music in a couple of years.Filmed in Latvia and set against vast landscapes, it begins with Jerome unearthing a metal object buried in a quarry: a bust of himself. Later, when he arrives at a huge deserted cinema, the bust offers up its own treasure.[imgtoken data:1]&nbsp;&nbsp;Milo Blake uses the metaphor of cinema and introspection to reflect the emotions and influences we carry within us - fear, wonder, love&nbsp;and transformation."Each of us carry a bank of all the things that have influenced, created wonder, fear, love, sadness and anger which all play back in the cinema's of our minds," he says. "This is what the music video embodies and when we can see what’s truly important, it changes who we are and how we see the world.”

Ginna Schilling

Chris Anthony

Malcolm Yaeng

Milo Blake

Michael Nadalyak

Spindle

Zhan Zharoff

Nikita Popkovs

Mayling Wong

Kristap Dombrovskis

Ando Andz

Maris Grabovskis

Dusten Zimmerman

Cabin Editing Company

Simon Bourne

Company 3

Anuar Bazargeldi

Madnomad Collective

Vlad Sivak

New Soil

Kodak

Oscar Jerome 'The Fork' by Milo Blake

Oscar Jerome - The Fork (Official Film)

Jake Erland directs a vibrant performance promo for Joy Crookes.&nbsp;Opening in a deep red room, the video features a captivating showcase of Crookes' performance skills, encapsulated in mini vignettes adorned with minimalist art direction.&nbsp;Overlaid with lyrics for Vince Staples' featured section, the video employs a balanced use of colour, camera movement and beauty lighting&nbsp;to create a laidback yet completely absorbing aesthetic.&nbsp;Brilliant work across the board, and a rousing comeback for the London-based artist.&nbsp;

Rowan Macintosh King

Joy Crookes ft Vince Staples 'Pass The Salt' by Jake Erland

Joy-Crookes-'Pass-The-Salt-Ft.-Vince-Staples'-by-Jake-Erland

<h3>The director, now signed to new—land, on his recent&nbsp;video for Sasha Keable and 6lack, a family trip to Mecca, and how stumbling across a show on late night TV changed his life.</h3>Abdi Ibrahim is&nbsp;Somali-American director and photographer, hailing from the North West USA, who has established his own unique visual language largely through working in the fashion world, shooting portraits and campaigns for editorials, with his work appearing in publications such as The New Yorker, Harper’s Bazaar, Vanity Fair, and Esquire.He made an auspicious debut as a filmmaker, with a short documentary for Apple Music, and since then he has since gone on to collaborate with Lacoste, the NFL, Subaru, and more, in the brands space. His music video career took off in 2022 with his video for Vince Staples'&nbsp;MAGIC, featuring DJ Mustard - an example of how his work incorporates storytelling and visceral imagery with touches of magic realism.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This year Abdi joined the new talent roster at new—land for representation in London, Amsterdam, Stockholm and Copenhagen and has made his first UK-commissioned video for Sasha Keable and 6lack. He now submits himself to a quick end-of-the-year grilling via the ever-popular SNAPSHOT Q&amp;A...&nbsp;&nbsp;Name: Abdi IbrahimBirthday: July 13, 1996Where did you grow up? I grew up in Kent, Washington near Seattle&nbsp;Where do you live now? I currently live in Los AngelesWhat were the important first projects for you, in terms of a learning experience&nbsp;and getting noticed?The Vince Staples music video for Magic featuring DJ Mustard, and a Lacoste commercial with Venus Williams. More so for the learning experience [than getting noticed].The Vince Staples video was my first time on a set with so many people. With a large crane, multiple locations, 30 plus extras... The whole ordeal was scary - but such a huge learning experience.[vidtoken data:0]The Lacoste commercial with Venus Williams was my first time working with a big athlete AND a real actor in Saniyya Sydney, so that was it’s own experience as well.[vidtoken data:1]Best film you’ve seen this year? <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_klfx5sGzFk" target="_blank">Poor Things</a> by Yorgos Lanthimos. I also watched <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMyVSD6OvO8" target="_blank">Cinema Paradiso</a> for the first time this year by Giuseppe Tornatore and THAT was beautiful. It’s been on my letterboxd watch list for a minute but wow, what a beautiful film.Most recently my colleague and friend sent me a 44 min film by Kiyoshi Kurosawa called Chime. It’s not the best film but I loved it. Every frame and shot was gorgeous.<blockquote>I feel like I'm in a transition phase, so I think the creative reward is right around the corner.</blockquote>Favourite song/album/music artist this year? Two Star and The Dream Police by Mk.gee, Hit Me Hard And Soft by Billie Eilish, Short n Sweet by Sabrina Carpenter, and Rema’s Heis are my favorite projects from music this year and I've come back to these records the most! My favourite artists more recently have been Teezo Touchdown and Cash Cobain.Favourite music video/videos you’ve seen this year? <a href="https://www.promonews.tv/videos/2024/09/11/aap-rocky-tailor-swif-vania-heymann-gal-muggia/88099" target="_blank">Tailor Swif by ASAP Rocky</a> directed by Vania Heymann &amp; Gal Muggia - by far my favourite video of the year!<a href="https://www.promonews.tv/videos/2024/05/14/charli-xcx-360-aidan-zamiri/86431" target="_blank">360 by Charlie XCX</a> directed by Aidan Zamiri, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGK3YVmGZ3Y" target="_blank">Witchy by Kaytranada featuring&nbsp;Childish Gambino</a> directed by Bethany Vargas. And <a href="https://www.promonews.tv/videos/2024/10/03/sasha-keable-ft-6lack-take-your-time-abdi-ibrahim/88425" target="_blank">Take Your Time by Sasha Keable</a> directed by me.&nbsp;What has been (or usually is) your favourite night out this year?&nbsp;The last couple nights of Ramadan are my favorite every year. The holiest time of the holiest month. I also get to be back home with my family and spend nights awake eating, praying, laughing. It’s very healing and feels like an escape from the world.&nbsp;Name a film or video or other creative work that had a huge influence on your career choice?I watched a Behind The Scenes of a film I don’t remember. The “making of” video was on TV&nbsp;on some network. I was in high school. My cousin and I happened to stumble upon it late night on a school night. I think the process was so new and so interesting to us. We decided to make a short that same week with zero knowledge whatsoever.Also every film I’ve ever watched has influenced me whether I liked them or not - but some have had a special place in my mind and heart over the years.&nbsp;[vidtoken data:2]<blockquote>The Take Your Time video... pushed me and felt rewarding throughout the process.</blockquote>In terms of&nbsp;music video-related jobs of the past year or so - what was the most rewarding creatively, and why?I don’t feel fully rewarded yet. This doesn’t mean the work I’ve done hasn’t been fulfilling and fun and really good. Just don’t feel rewarded. I am feeling like I am in a transition phase creatively so I think the creative reward is right around the corner!Everything I’ve done has felt good more recently and has fulfilled me in certain ways. The Take Your Time video with Sasha Keable and 6lack has creatively pushed me recently and has felt rewarding throughout the process till the end.&nbsp;It’s a project I’m genuinely proud of and love the new—land team for fully supporting it and backing this one and Sasha’s team for collaborating to create such a great video.What are your favourite other (non-mv) projects of the past year or so?I did a cover photoshoot for Elsa Majimbo for OkayAfrica. This has been my favourite project outside of the video work. The shoot itself was very beautiful. The location, the energy, the styling looks, hair. I loved that process so much. And plus it was an honour shooting an East African legend, considering I am East African myself. It felt truly authentic and fun.[imgtoken data:1]What’s the most surprising thing that’s happened this year? Finding the new—land family and getting our first project on the board. Working with Sasha and 6lack! Being back home in Seattle with my family most of this year. Starting a company with my friends called neo-neo.I think leaving LA for a significant amount of time has been another surprising thing. I’ve lived here almost five straight years now without really leaving much unless it was for work. But I’ve recently been out of LA a lot. Also going to Umrah in Mecca (Islamic pilgrimage) this past year with my mom and family was surprising and AMAZING. A very cleansing experience.<blockquote>Each year some of the best music videos come out and the crews are doing it for nothing - you can feel pure energy and creativity oozing out.</blockquote>Most annoying/irksome thing that’s been going on this year (work-related or otherwise)? The most genuinely disappointing and annoying thing I’ve witnessed this year has been finding out so many people I know are in support of genocide. I know directors, producers, and others that’d repost terrible things this time last year. I remember adult professionals reposting “Kill Them All”&nbsp; posts but we won’t speak on that too much. But yeah that’s been annoying to see and quite disappointing.&nbsp;Your top suggestion to change and improve how the music video industry works? Maybe more ethical practices from labels and paying people and production, and having better budgets. That’s a reoccurring issue I’ve seen.&nbsp;I think outside of just money and overall respect for directors and crew, the music video industry is killing it due to the dope creatives. Each year some of the best music videos come out and the crews are doing it for nothing. You can feel the pure energy and creativity oozing out of these videos. It’s genuine.What are you looking forward to most for the rest of the year? More music videos. More work in the U.K. specifically. More projects with friends. More life. Peace and freedom for the peoples of Palestine, Sudan, Congo, and the rest of the world. I also am looking forward to making more time for myself and taking care of myself first. I want to go back to creating for fun and not for work!• Abdi Ibrahim is on&nbsp;new—land's new talent roster, represented for music videos by Mouthpiece; watch more of Abdi's work <a href="https://newland.tv/new-talent/abdi-ibrahim" target="_blank">here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;