Grammy-winning director Emmett Malloy collaborates with acclaimed cinematographer Alexis Zabé in making a remarkable short documentary, in which artist Gerard "Jerry" Long - formerly known as Hodgy Beats - visits the Crown 7 Ranch in Fillmore, CA, to learn to ride bulls. Yes, real bulls.  

The film, appropriately titled Facing The Worst Fears, serves as a visual accompaniment to Jerry's latest EP, lovemesooner, featuring two tracks from the EP. It follows the artist - as Hodgy Beats, a co-founding member of Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All (OFWGKTA) - as he learns the skills and lifestyle from globally-recognized cowboys Christopher Byrd and Colt Oder. 

Shot in a picturesque and peaceful desert setting, Malloy's film weaves together themes of spirituality, artistic pursuits, and physical and emotional pain, as Jerry engages with the most terrifying and dangerous of activities in the most beautiful and picturesque desert setting. This really is his first rodeo, but ultimately he has the courage to attempt too ride a real bull not just once, but twice.

“It’s like our mental state,” Jerry explains in the film. “To wake up in the morning, that's like getting on the bull. We struggling, personally, for something that we’re going through. It might knock us off. It’s like getting knocked off the bull. That's why we need to ground.”

As well as Jerry's remarkable feat, the film is itself a considerable achievement. It blends captivating documentary aesthetics with a fascinating character study, but is a showcase for the music which also incorporates moments of lipsync.

“I have shot a lot of music videos, and honestly, there are not many where you are genuinely concerned about the well-being of the artist. I was concerned for Jerry for sure," reveals Emmett Malloy.

"I am really thankful for the skilled cowboys who helped Jerry ride those bulls with confidence and courage, while we just sorta sat back and quietly captured the events as they happened. Then, as the day came to an end, the bull stomped Jerry’s leg, and I drove him to Urgent Care to complete my responsibilities as a director. We were relieved that his leg was not broken, just a deep bone bruise. A true success!”