Toan Tran

Today, I had some time on my hands and went out to a music video shoot with Anthony and Jamie. Anthony is a talented underground rap music producer/lyricists and Jamie is his right hand man. I got the chance to take some snapshots from today’s shoot. In the background, I got to watch Anthony direct his first music video, while giving him tips and pointers on the side. It was interesting to me, being behind the scene of the scene. In retrospect, it was hard for me to see some of my own mistakes as a director on a project. Being in the moment or “in the ring,” I don’t visually or mentally see all or most mistakes, because I am too busy solving some in my head. In my experience, some mistakes can be caught during the early stages and while filming, but most will be found in post-production. By watching and listening, I was able to give him my input to him, from my past experiences, while also taking notes for my own benefit of what happens when someone new directs. I watch him closely, careful of not being controlling of the project or giving away too much advice. Only vital advice that would help the technical workflow and not disrupt the creative flow. There were some moments, where he would complete zone and forget about the talent. Which in my experience, has happened numerous of times. We love the picture and see what’s in frame, that we almost forget what’s happening, but feel that it should happen almost naturally. Jumping in the scene and back out to adjust technicalities. Living in that moment and being a part of that moment is magic. I love that. Being in that zone, you don’t really realize it, until you stop living in that moment, it’s an adrenaline rush. I had to leave soon, but I gave Jamie and Anthony my pieces of advice. It was definitely a fun learning experience for him and Jamie. In the end, he got to see mistakes before him and I got to see mistakes before me.