Miley Cyrus’ Can’t Be Tamed by Robert Hales

The next stage in Miley Cyrus' bid to throw off her tweenie image drops in the form of this lavish, in-yer-face performance promo at the hands of Robert Hales.

The promo - a visual feast of elaborate costumes, set designs and choreography - features languid visual effects from Mothership sister company Digital Domain which created, amongst other things, massive digital raven wings for the chanteuse.

""This was a true collaboration," says Robert. "Miley knows exactly what she wants. She came up with the bird concept, and said to me, 'I don't want a bright poppy video. I want blacks and blues and golds; I want it dark'. I built a style and story around that based on references mostly from nature -- birds of paradise and creatures -- along with bits of couture styling. During the shoot she was brilliant. She gave me something different with every take.

The production was shot live on a sound stage with Digital Domain (Mothership's sister company) creating CG set extensions, matte paintings (including a field of digital peacock wings) and the smoky 'destroyed' museum environment in the closing shot.

"VFX Supervisor Jay Barton is incredible," says Robert. "He got completely into character, miming the action of the wings to the animators. He has a great sense of presentation, timing, grace and drama, which as a VFX supervisor, is a brilliant skill to have. He and his VFX team didn't just take directions; they made the music video better. I'm insanely fortunate. Being on Mothership's roster means I have access to the caliber of talent, resources and relationships that Digital Domain has - it's jobs like this that remind me why I make music videos -- aside from the fact that it makes me a hero to my three nieces!"