Alok, Martin Jensen, Jason Derulo 'Dont Cry For Me' by Crooked Cynics
Crooked Cynics direct an inspirational and cinematic video for Alok's Don't Cry For Me.
The directing duo - Tom Middleton and Jack Scott - bring an unusual concept to the table, inspired by a strange event in Tom's early life...
With top-notch visuals from DoP Arron Reid, the video contrasts the painstaking work it takes to get to the top of your game, with a celebratory performance at the climax. The colour palette and lighting elevate the drama of the concept, anchoring the more offbeat themes in a real-world environment.
It's a fine follow-up by Middleton and Scott to their recent lockdown romantic comedy for Sigma & John Newman.
JACK SCOTT (CROOKED CYNICS):
Although he no longer has the legs himself, Tom wanted the chance to tell his tale through a music video.
"The idea came about after Tom told me about a strange period of his life as a young boy. He was a mascot for his local pee-wee ice hockey team the 'Nottingham Baby Dinos'. They have since been dissolved, but at the time he had a 67-year-old dance coach who would push him to his absolute limit. His only goal was to inspire these local ice-hockey heroes through dance routines.
"He would work day and night in his coach’s basement. Tom told me these were the toughest times of his childhood. His costume was a big baby dinosaur that wore a giant nappy. His coach refused to let him wash his nappy unless the team won a game. So after a season of finishing every game as the losers, Tom had the underpants to prove it. However, Tom became a great dancer. I’ve seen those moves myself and it’s like watching magic.
"Tom tells me the torment and strife he endured throughout this journey carried into his adult life and although he no longer has the legs for it, he wanted the chance to tell his tale through a music video. I promised him this day would come. His cameo at the end of the video was him finding closure to a history of trauma that finally became a resounding success! This one's for you Tom. Let's go Baby Dinos, Let's Go!!"
PRO Credits
Credits
Director | Crooked Cynics |
Producer | Fred Bonham Carter |
Production Company | Just Fred |
Production Manager | Amanda Tuckwell |
1st AD | Fred Bonham Carter |
Director of Photography | Aaron Reid |
Focus Puller | James Matai |
Focus Puller | Brendan Rogers |
2nd AC | Rob Hawkins |
Gaffer | Lee Brinkley |
Art Director | Lettie Grumbar |
Wardrobe | Jen Cardo |
Make-up | Sims Camp |
Choreographer | Supple Nam |
Editor | Crooked Cynics |
Colourist | George K |
Grading company | Black Kite Studios |
Post production company | Black Kite Studios |
VFX | Black Kite Studios |
Commissioner | Ailsa Robertson |
Label | Virgin EMI |
Lead actor | Renako Mcdonald |
Lead actor | Karl Collins |
Other credits | Steadicam: Stedi Brooks |