AAA's Lauren caught up with Michael Sloane, director behind the Last Dinosaurs 'Time & Place' and the new 'Zoom'. Find out what his favourite videos of 2011 were and how he got involved with the band!
You have now directed two of The Last Dinosaurs’ music videos. For those who don’t know how did that relationship and opportunity come about?
Sean (Vox & Guitar) and I have been close friends since about grade 9. We’ve been in bands together and just generally share similar tastes, and of course from there I became great friends with the other guys.
We stayed good friends in the three years after high school, and just after I graduated from Griffith Film school the guys were ready to do their second clip for Time and Place. I hadn’t directed a music video before, but both the band and my team and I were keen, so Sean sweet talked management and the label into letting me make something, they kindly took a bit of a risk with new graduates and obliged.
‘Zoom’ has a completely different look and feel to ‘Time & Place’. What was the goal or story (if any) that you and the band wanted to achieve for the video?
I think there was a pretty conscious choice to steer away from a narrative linear type of clip, there is a lot of that soft, naturally lit, slow motion stuff around (including Time and Place), and so we went for something a bit more out there, that hopefully lifts the band out of the ‘local band with a video camera’ category.
How does the idea and creation process start? Will you come to the band with an idea for the song or is it the other way around?
It’s definitely the hardest part of it for me, because usually you start with endless possibilities. It varies from band to band, for Zoom, the band knew they wanted something effects heavy and a little bit psychedelic. They showed me a couple of reference videos and pictures, and I bounced back some more.
The next step is always writing a director’s treatment, which details and outlines what will happen in the clip, its style and direction. After the band and label sign off on the treatment, I refine down the idea and work with the crew to make it a reality.
I’m still learning the process, and learning to visualise ideas. At the moment the best way I can describe running with an idea is; choosing the right tree, cutting it down and then whittling it until you have something. Most times it’s totally different to the idea you started with.
How large a role does budget play in what you can and can’t do? ‘Time & Place’ was fantastic and it was my understanding that budget was rather small.
Well thankyou! The budget was fairly small compared to the big dogs, but it was by no means a no-budget shoot. Money definitely comes into planning, but for me it never blocks ideas, because usually there is a way to make every idea work on some level. I never really imagined big explosions and helicopter shots for their clips anyway!
What was your favourite music video of 2011?
There are so many good ones. I think Iron by Woodkid is up the top; Yoann Lemoine made the music, and then directed an excellent video that perfectly compliments the song.
Tyler the Creator’s Yonkers gets a highly commended because he also directed his own video. I know everyone is over it now, but I still think it was great, and it perfectly sums up everything about his and Odd Future’s image and makes the song feel even more malicious!
Still photography is another platform of yours, what’s the craziest thing you’ve seen when shooting a live gig?
To be honest I haven’t taken photos in a long time, in high school and early uni I got into it, but I haven’t done too much since. Haven’t had too many crazy times at live gigs. Shooting video with DSLR in clubs can be interesting though, it’s basically a non-stop “CAN YOU TAKE OUR PICTURE!?” yelled into your ear.
What would your advice be to those who are looking to do similar work in the music industry?
It feels weird to be giving advice, since I am still looking for it myself. All I can say is that it’s not impossible. It’s a collaborative effort so find a team who are better at their particular job than you are. Start with a friend’s band or just go to a gig and ask a band if they want a video. Pitch them a good idea, try your best to execute it, and chances are it won’t be horrible. Actually doing it is the bit people don’t get to.
Can fans look forward to further collaborations between you and the band?
I think their next clip is on the cards for our team to do, but nothing is set in stone quite yet. There have been a couple of ideas thrown around.
There will also be a few short videos of the band going through the process of recording the album in Sydney and NSW Central Coast. I’ll pick the most embarrassing bits of course..
What does 2012 hold for Michael Sloane?
It’s a blank canvas at the moment! Chances are Gung Ho’s video for Twin Rays will spill over into 2012. Other than that, hopefully more music videos and anything else screen related.
Check out 'Zoom' from Michael and The Last Dinosaurs here
