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Ben Kidson 'First Place' by Barney Pinder, Eric Keen

Promonews - 25th Feb 2026

Singer-songwriter Ben Kidson is the observer of his girlfriend's obsession with an egotistical old flame in Barney Pinder and Eric Keen's inventive video.  

Pinder and Keen use symbolism and visual humour to illustrate how Ben has been supplanted by the wrong man in the promo for First Place - primarily by covering him head-to-toe in gold paint. 

"He represents the 'shiny' former ex that Ben's old partner has returned to," say the directors. "His gold image is a combination of self inflated ego and idealisation from our female protagonist."

Starting on an athletics track, Ben is beaten in a sprint race with his adversary, before taking a more backseat role in this relationship triangle. He watches as the shiny veneer of the returning ex-boyfriend starts to wear off.

"The race represents the forced, psychological competition that comes when you find out your ex is moving on," say Pinder and Keen. "As the video progresses, Ben's omniscient, fireside, narration highlights the obvious issues between the two characters. First Place is a comedic yet realistic view into cliche scenarios with exes that everyone can resonate with. It’s a combination of jealousy and bitterness, accentuated through Ben's dry performance.

"In the outro we see a montage of flashbacks throughout the video of all the moments in which the ‘new boyfriend’ has left his mark everywhere. This symbolises the idea that a shiny, performative image will wear off and true colours will always show."

Promonews - 25th Feb 2026

Tags

  • Comedy
  • Director's notes
  • New Directors

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Credits

Production/Creative

Director
Barney Pinder
Director
Eric Keen
Producer
Noah Witte
Producer
Eric Keen
Producer
Barney Pinder
Production Company
Shynite Productions

Camera

Director of Photography
Joe Hill

Lighting/Grip

Gaffer
Ernie Dix

Art

Props By Scarlet Parnell

Wardrobe

Make-up
Lily Jennings
Wardrobe
Bella Shore
HMU Assistant
Darragh Kempener

Casting

Lead actor
Matthew Hartley
Lead actor
Julia Skinner

Grading

Colourist
Anna Barsukova

Commission

Label
This Fiction

Promonews - 25th Feb 2026

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