Casting director

Ola Christian at LEVILE

Stephen Agnew directs an exploration of the anxiety that comes with living a glamorous lifestyle, in his promo for Regard&nbsp;&amp; Kwabs.&nbsp;The conceptual visuals for Signals make use of drawn-out, hypnotic camera moves, which traverse the rooms like a disembodied consciousness.&nbsp;The maze-like location and use of vivid lighting leans into the haunting vibe of the track, feeling very much bittersweet in its presentation.&nbsp;

United Kingdom

Stephen Agnew

Ersan Beskardes

Kevin Cheung

Elle Lotherington

Jack WiIkinson

Jim Mclean

Alex Agopian

Krunal Saadranik

Joe Munro

Mollie Ashman

Deemy

Ruth Wardell

Okay Studios

Carrie Sutton

Kat Cattaneo

Sony Music

Electronic

Regard, Kwabs 'Signals' by Stephen Agnew

Regard,-Kwabs-'Signals'-by-Stephen-Agnew

Dijian Eccles and Andre Reid weave a tale of love and loss on the skating rink, in this dynamic promo for Odeal.&nbsp;The hazy, dreamlike aesthetic is a perfect way to present the concept, which encompasses fresh narrative elements and authentic performance - plus some really cool skating tricks.&nbsp;"André and I wanted to keep the video on brief but ultimately make sure the vibe was relatable," Eccles explains. "The track was only two and a half minutes, so it was a challenge adding in a nice narrative element and&nbsp;some surrealism to the project. But I think we managed to accomplish that."The story is based on Odeal our lead, trying to impress a love interest of his. Throughout the video we see their relationship blossom and his skating tekkers improve over every encounter at the skating rink. However due to his own mistakes, his poor efforts lead him into losing his new flame to another skater who's just much better than him."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Dijian Eccles

Danni Ellenor

Dmnd Clr

Andre Reid-McKinley

Danni Theodorou

Josh Fashola

Ahmet Husseyin

Sam Harding

Zaine Zeini

Matteo Zenini

Joe Nkadi

Teoman Han

Ciara Deroiste

Elshy Nyagodzi

Nzimah Akpan

Megan Lee

Electric Theatre Collective

Rue-Ann Paisley

Nathan James Tettey

Alternative

Indie

Odeal 'Mr Workerman' by Dijian Eccles, Andre Reid

Odeal-'Mr-Workerman'-by-Dijian-Eccles,-Andre-Reid

Kalina Pulit directs an effervescent time-travelling mini-blockbuster starring singer Mae Muller and DJs Billen Ted for their dance-pop anthem When You're Out.&nbsp;With the Billen Ted duo breaking free from enforced isolation to clubbing freedom courtesy of their time-travelling DeLorean - complete with Back To The Future accessories - Pulit builds a playful, all-action narrative, employing 360 camerawork to enhance the storyline, and Mae Muller's charismatic performance.It's a big breakthrough into mainstream pop videos for the director, whos work for the likes of Harry Edwards and Schafter has tended towards the more experimental. But that proves to be an advantage here as she interprets this infectious summer hit through a distinctive lens.&nbsp;&nbsp;We spoke to Kalina Pulit about the experience of making the video.[imgtoken data:1]<blockquote>We got our hands on the most accurate&nbsp;Back To The Future&nbsp;Delorean Time Machine...</blockquote>Pn: How did you get involved in the project? KP: It was one of those projects that caught my eye for several reasons. It came through Emily Rudge, an amazing EP. We’ve been meaning to work together for a while. Billen Ted guys have laid out a compelling foundation to build on within the brief. Also, the track pays homage to a classic Don’t Think I’m Not&nbsp;by Kandi, so there’s an element of reworking something nostalgic, which I found interesting.How did you develop the time-travel idea for the video? I think it’s important to make work that resonates. I imagine a lot of us daydream occasionally about time travelling - either to the past or future- especially when going through such a period of reflection as the one brought via the pandemic. The aim was to address the transition from a home rave to a club one, and we took that quite literally. The base for it came from Billen Ted and I’ve just built on top of that and developed it further.I love working with music artists that have a vision for the visual aspect of their work and this was a great opportunity for capturing the playfulness of Billen Ted duo and Mae Muller’s empowering energy.[imgtoken data:2]<blockquote>We aimed to address the transition from a home rave to a club one - we took that&nbsp;literally.</blockquote>Your directing work in videos has generally been for more leftfield artists. How did you adapt to directing a video for a pop banger? There was something about pop music bringing joy to the masses that Sia spoke about during her podcast with Louis Theroux, which has stuck with me. I felt like bringing some positive vibes into our Covid-fractured reality.Also, I like to be versatile with my work and I’m particularly interested in things I haven’t explored yet. More consideration went towards the audience on this one. I wanted to create something that would&nbsp;be cinematic, and at the same time reflect some of the trends generated on platforms such as TikTok.Linear narrative is not usually my thing, I’m more into non-linear storytelling. Working with a more commercial song required a compromise on that front. I like to layer messages in my work rather than force a certain literal interpretation, so that the viewer can take what they want from it. In this case it might be Mae’s powerful performance, Billen Ted duo being fun, the energy of a much longed-for night out and the DeLorean looking cool.And if you want to read into it more, there’s inter-dimensional time travel, duality of worlds, escapism from mundane reality, disco ball and plethora of other circles within the frame and camera style, symbolising movement and things being forever in flux.[imgtoken data:3]<blockquote>360 camera technology...&nbsp;seemed like a perfect vehicle for transitioning between the two worlds.</blockquote>Where did you find a DeLorean with proper Back To The Future tech? Could that be the original car? We were extremely lucky to get our hands on the most accurate&nbsp;Back To The Future&nbsp;Delorean Time Machine - with some of the parts used from the vehicle in the movie. Kudos to the DMND CLR production team for making that happen.I have a thing for peculiar cars - but this one was like nothing I’ve seen so far. Literally out of this world experience. The design, the details, the condition of it, the sound it made. One of the highlights of the shoot for the crew and onlookers, and rightly so.What was the thinking behind shooting some of the footage on a 360 camera? I’m always on the lookout for something that will provide a framework for storytelling and an opportunity for visual experimentation, whether that’s working with analogue film, datamoshing, CCTV cameras, projection art or 360 cameras - depending on what fits the narrative best.I was drawn to 360 camera technology as it’s still fairly new and unexplored. I was curious to see what we can do with it. Plus it seemed like a perfect vehicle for transitioning between the two worlds – the ‘current’ and the ‘club’ reality.[imgtoken data:4]What were the big challenges on the shoot - and on the production as a whole? We’ve had a really great day on set -&nbsp;lovely crew, amazing atmosphere. We worked within a very tight schedule, due to the multi-camera set up, amongst other things. I think the biggest challenge was to facilitate the environment for the 360 cameras element – as everything gets in the shot when using these. It took some meticulous planning, balanced with plenty of improvisation.What has been your biggest takeaway from making the video? The biggest takeaway from making the video is perhaps easing more into the art of relinquishing control over the final outcome and adapting to work within certain limitations, whether that be technology, time, or resources available.There’s plenty of things that turn out to be much better than intended and some that don’t work at all on projects with that level of experimentation so training that flexibility muscle and staying on course is key.

Kalina Pulit

Radical Media

Emily Rudge

Andre Wooz

Danny Rumbelow

Arran Green

Orlando Morris

Sam Kemp

Kristof Szentgyorgyvary

Ella Violetta

Vlad Barin

CHEAT

Denova Media

Katie Dolan

Black Butter

Rupert Peddle

Jaime Jarvis

James Loach

Lisa Laudat

Zara Ali

Jake Hunte

Oonah Anderson

Dance

Billen Ted ft Mae Muller 'When You're Out' by Kalina Pulit

Billen Ted - When You're Out (Official Video) ft. Mae Muller

As founder and MD of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/leviletv/?hl=en" target="_blank">LEVILE</a>, a leading casting agency for diverse talent and audiences, Ola Christian has been casting director on dozens of UK-produced music videos&nbsp;in the past few years, for artists including Burna Boy, Krept &amp; Konan and Ghetts.The 6' 5" tall, 30 year old Nigerian was born and raised in North London, and studied business and marketing at the University of Hertfordshire. Then he became an actor - appearing in feature film&nbsp;Tarzan The Untamed, ITV series All About The Mckenzies, and the anti-bullying PSA Will You Kill Me Now -&nbsp;before moving to the other side of the screen, as a casting director and producer.Ola lives in Enfield, where he grew up - and he's a long-suffering supporter of Arsenal FC...WORKHow long have you held your current position? What were you doing before this?&nbsp; I have been casting for roughly three years now. I would define myself as a casting director and producer. Casting is my primary focus right now and I enjoy working with and breaking fresh talent. I have also been producing projects for around five years. Before casting and producing, I was interning at an agency called Latimer Group where I met a lot of great people.LEVILE is a really important platform to me as it acts as a hub for creatives to gain genuine access and opportunities&nbsp;in the TV and film space. The ability to breakthrough talent, facilitate new opportunities&nbsp;and inform organisations about steps they can take to improve representation is why LEVILE exists.What was your first job, or first significant break in the music video industry?&nbsp; My first project in the music promo space was Krept and Konan's - Ban Drill which was directed by Rapman. It was a great but very challenging project to work on as the turnaround time was super tight for the amount of talent we had to provide for the shoot days.The project had a deep message about the state of the drill scene in the UK and allowed me to establish good relationships with key people who I still work with today.[vidtoken data:0]<blockquote>[Ban Drill] allowed me to establish good relationships with key people who I still work with today.</blockquote>Name one music video that inspired you that get involved in making music videos?&nbsp; Too many! I would say growing up, I was naturally mesmerized by songs that my dad would play in the house or videos I would see on MTV Base and The Box. Back then, when you saw a music video it meant so much more because you would be waiting all day just to see your favorite one. So I made sure I enjoyed every second of the song and music video.&nbsp; Missy Elliot - Rain, Donell Jones ft Left Eye - U Know Whats Up, Michael Jackson - Remember The Time, Aaliyah - One In A Million.I’d say my favourite at the time was Usher - My Way and You Make Me Wanna because he was cool, could dance and sing. He was just that guy.[vidtoken data:1]Name one project you’ve done that was significant as a learning experience – and why?&nbsp; As an actor I was involved in a project at Warner Bros studio for a major feature film in 2013/2014.&nbsp;Just going through the whole process of auditioning, booking the job, seeing how a big multi-million pound production runs, the preparation and more, taught me so many valuable lessons and skills through observation.I learnt the 5 P’s - Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance. I connected really well with the casting director and she gave me great insight into the role. This was before I entered my current role.<blockquote>Having a positive support system in what can be a very demanding and challenging industry really does help.</blockquote>What are your favourite music video-related jobs of the past year or so, and why?&nbsp; Burna Boy - Way Too Big produced by the lovely Linah Bensadok, directed by Meji Alabi who is one of the best directors in the game right now. It's an exciting, pacy music video that took up multiple scenes with great transitions.There were subtle references to icons like Mo Ali, with the conference scene where Burna Boy is surrounded by his friends and family, and the boxing scene emphasizing how Burna Boy is larger than life. Meji does a great job of paying tribute to iconic moments. This video is close to home with my Nigerian background and being a big guy, I understand what it means to be way too big![vidtoken data:2]I would also say <a href="https://www.promonews.tv/videos/2020/01/20/digdat-x-aitch-ei8ht-mile-wowa/62801" target="_blank">Digdat ft Aitch's Ei8ht Mile</a>, produced by Kareem Adeshina at Greatcoat films, directed by Wowa - which was nominated for a Rated award. It was just a fun process. We had a big job to do with the cast, and Digdat and Aitch were super-hot at the time too.&nbsp;[vidtoken data:3]<a href="https://www.promonews.tv/videos/2021/01/18/ghetts-ft-stormzy-ghetto-skengman-nathan-james-tettey/69034" target="_blank">Ghetts X Stormzy's Skengman</a> by Nathan James Tettey&nbsp;- being on set and witnessing the chemistry and energy between the two artists was an experience in itself.&nbsp;Also,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.promonews.tv/videos/2020/10/22/ghetts-ft-skepta-ic3-ruffmercy-x-hector-dockrill/67367" target="_blank">Ghetts ft Skepta - IC3</a>, directed by Hector Dockrill, produced by Natalie Steiner for Pulse Films; and&nbsp;<a href="https://vimeo.com/466131334" target="_blank">Again&amp;Again by poet Caleb Femi</a> and produced by Kareem Adeshina at Greatcoat Films.[vidtoken data:4]What are you currently working on?&nbsp; I am currently working on quite a few projects. A few short films with some talented filmmakers from the UK and US, music promos and a TV series. So my pipeline looks exciting and I'm looking forward to diving into the projects for the second half of 2021.What kind of work would you like to be doing in future?&nbsp; I would like to dive deeper into the commercial, TV and feature film space. However, all good things come on God's timing. The passion and hunger is there to explore that realm of long form content.I have a burning ambition to be the best at what I do and I'm not afraid to say it. I want to be at the top of my chosen profession and be a person of influence for my community.What advice would you give someone entering your field?&nbsp; I would say to focus on building relationships with people around you. <a href="https://www.themuse.com/advice/this-networking-secret-is-so-crazy-obvious-that-most-people-look-right-past-it" target="_blank">Network sideways</a>. Having a positive support system in what can be a very demanding and challenging industry really does help.Stick to your core values. It's important to not ‘fit in’, if something doesn’t feel right. There is power in saying no. As well as the obvious fundamentals which is to work hard, be kind and stay humble. Be willing to learn, observe and take criticism. We all make mistakes, turn the losses into lessons.Lastly, my favourite saying is that ‘There are opportunities within opportunities’ which implies you should maximise any chance you have to prove yourself because you never know who is watching.<blockquote>Studying at boarding school in Nigeria.... was a&nbsp;real eye-opener to a lot of things.</blockquote>LIFE:Tell us something that we don’t know about you…&nbsp; I studied at an international boarding school in Nigeria for a year because my mother believed it would provide me and my sister a better education. I would say they are more advanced in Nigeria and definitely without a shadow of a doubt, stricter too! But I absolutely loved it. It was a real eye-opener to a lot of things. It made me love my country and people more.And I was naturally left-handed as a youngster,&nbsp;but it didn’t match my cultural values according to my dad&nbsp;so he made me write with my right hand until it became natural. We laugh about it now, ha.&nbsp;When you’re not working, what do you like to spend time doing?&nbsp; Playing, watching or moaning about football. I am a big Arsenal fan, so much so that it hurts because we haven't been too successful lately!I love reading and listening to inspirational podcasts especially while working out. It’s a great way to take in information whilst on the move. A few podcasts I would like to mention are Diary of a CEO by Steve Bartlett, High Performance Podcast by Jake Humphrey, Black Millenial Money by Joseph Nwosu and Halfcast podcast by Chuckie Online. I also love to watch films in my spare time and research emerging filmmakers and creatives.&nbsp;[imgtoken data:1]<blockquote>I love reading and listening to inspirational podcasts especially while working out.</blockquote>Where did you go on your last holiday (or vacation)? And where would you love to visit? Dubai is my go to spot! The country is welcoming to tourists and offers a level of hospitality that is rarely matched. Good weather and good food is always a bonus, right?&nbsp;I would like to visit Singapore. I’ve seen and heard a lot of positive things about the country and Asia is one of the continents on my bucket list when the climate improves.What’s the best movie (or movies) you’ve seen recently? Soul on Disney+, and Judas &amp; The Black Messiah.[vidtoken data:5]My favourite film of the last year or so was Queen &amp; Slim [directed by Melina Matsoukas]. The story, acting and cinematography was just incredible on every level. You can easily get lost in the beautiful chemistry depicted by Jodie Turner-Smith and Daniel Kaluuya. So many takeaways from the film. Just incredible.[vidtoken data:6]What's your favourite TV show at the moment?&nbsp; It has to be Snowfall, starring Damson Idris![vidtoken data:7]What are your favourite music videos by other people in the past year?&nbsp; Kano - Teardrops - The man has an on-screen vulnerability that can’t be matched. Great musician and an incredible actor.&nbsp;[vidtoken data:8]Favourite music artist(s)&nbsp;in the past year?&nbsp; My favourite artist is Burna Boy. When I got the call to work on his music video, which was the last project my team at LEVILE worked on in 2020 it felt like fate, so it was a pleasure being able to work on his promo Way Too Big with a great crew and cast. He recently won a Grammy for his album Twice As Tall which he fully deserved.And Ghetts is such a great performer, him and Stormzy being on the same track on Skengman is something special.&nbsp;Also - honourable shout to Etta Bond, Skepta, Chip, Giggs and Dave.Best book you’ve read recently?&nbsp; I read a lot of books on self development, mindset and entrepreneurship. My recent favourite is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17354208-relentless" target="_blank">Relentless&nbsp;by Tim S Grover</a>. An honourable shout out also to Poor by the incredibly creative Caleb Femi (below), I Am My Brand by Kubi Springer, and Traction by Gino Wickman.[imgtoken data:2]Favourite food and/or favourite restaurant(s)?&nbsp; Nigerian cuisine is number 1. It has everything from flavour, spices and QUANTITY! Ha. Restaurants have to be <a href="https://www.ubereats.com/gb/store/banana-african-restaurant-%26-bar/x7zjS96YTxuZWY09KSureQ" target="_blank">Banana African restaurant in Tottenham</a>, and Vapiano’s. I’m not a massive fan of pasta but a scampi e spinaci with tagliatelle is glorious.What’s your favourite political or charitable cause, and why?&nbsp; I really like an organisation called <a href="https://kwanda.co/" target="_blank">Kwanda</a> who I donate to monthly. They are a modern collection pot for black communities. You pay a monthly subscription £1, £5 or whatever you are happy to contribute. The most important part is that they hold themselves accountable by displaying their expenditure monthly to their so-called ‘Villagers’ of contributors. Great platform.&nbsp;Best recent purchase?&nbsp; My portable charger, the most underrated invention of all time.Work &amp; Life - balance/ imbalance out of five (1 for imbalance; 5 for balance)? Put it this way. I work everyday but I always make time for family and friends. So I’ll let you pick a number!• Ola Christian is MD of talent agency <a href="https://www.instagram.com/leviletv/?hl=en" target="_blank">LEVILE</a>

Levile TV

Work & Life Q&A: Ola Christian, Levile

Krept & Konan - Ban Drill (Short Film)

Usher - My Way (Official Video)

Burna Boy - Way Too Big [Official Music Video]

Digdat-X-Aitch-'Ei8ht-Mile'-by-Wowa

Ghetts-Feat-Stormzy-&-Ghetto-'Skengman'-by-Nathan-James-Tettey

Disney and Pixar’s Soul | Official Trailer | Disney+

Queen & Slim - Official Trailer

Snowfall Season 4 Trailer (HD)

Kano Performs "Teardrops" | Rated Awards 2020

Dir. Lx&nbsp;directs a bold and striking visual for Unknown T's Deh Deh.&nbsp;With subtle nods to the current racial/social injustice protests punctuating the video, the concept tells T's story as well as showing his environment- the artist is&nbsp;clearly aware of the obstacles that surround him, but still rises above hate to the top.DoP&nbsp;Stefan Yap employs a free-flowing style of cinematography, capturing each vignette in a spontaneous and engaging way, whilst the use of censorship in both the music and image - via pixellated face effects - echoes the narrative of the concept. &nbsp;

Ola Christian at LEVILE

Casting director

Interviews featuring Ola Christian at LEVILE

Videos featuring Ola Christian at LEVILE

2021 (3)

2020 (1)

Popular content

Is this your profile?

Feedback

Latest Videos