Founded in 2008, PRETTYBIRD is a hybrid production company that creates cutting-edge work that transcends boundaries and lives at the crossroads of branded entertainment, music, sports, technology, film, and television. With offices in Los Angeles and London, PRETTYBIRD’s reputation as a leader in entertainment has led to worldwide recognition and numerous accolades, notably being named Ad Age’s Production Company of the Year–twice–in 2015 and 2021.

Production Company

PRETTYBIRD

Tierra Whack is back. But in the first video from her new mixtape the relentlessly creative and playful hip hop star has torn up her own rulebook.The Philadelphia rapper usually couches her quirky lyrical preoccupations in appropriately comic and surreal ways in her videos - and always in vibrant colour. The promo for Wax Paper, directed by child., is just as creative, but for Tierra also completely new. Most strikingly, it’s black and white - with the emphasis on the black.Shot in nighttime in Philly’s north side neighbourhood, this is honouring both the the place and its residents but also the classic form of the hip hop video, set on a rapper’s home patch. Child brings the dreamlike quality that characterises much of their work, and&nbsp;a really heightened visual sensibility kicks in, so it becomes the most silvery monochromatic version possible of this kind of video. Black and white Tierra is not so immediately visible as full colour Tierra but in her way just as memorable.Beautifully made, with great portraiture, fantastic cinematography by Liam Reardon, it’s consummate work by child. and a brilliant (and unexpected) addition to the Tierra Whack canon.[imgtoken data:1][imgtoken data:2]

United States

child.

Hip Hop

Tierra Whack 'Wax Paper' by child.

Tierra-Whack-'Wax-Paper'-by-Child.

It’s five o’clock somewhere in Omar Jones’ latest music video for Isaiah Rashad.Following the promos for <a href="https://www.promonews.tv/videos/2026/04/21/isaiah-rashad-same-sht-omar-jones/94682" target="_blank">Same Sh!t</a> and <a href="https://www.promonews.tv/videos/2026/05/26/isaiah-rashad-ft-julian-sintonia-do-i-look-high-omar-jones/95065" target="_blank">Do I Look High?</a>, Jones has now directed&nbsp;the video for Happy Hour, Rashad's stylish and offbeat post-workday anthem&nbsp;that explores the feeling of exhilaration before a brutal comedown - told&nbsp;through dynamic visuals and conceptual storytelling.Rashad moves through a surreal dream world where a piano recital, a driverless car, and a red-lit bar all feel like pieces of the same euphoric high. It opens in a black-and-white liminal space where a piano recital acts as a kind of purgatory. In another scene, a driverless car–with Rashad in the truck bed–speeds down an open highway, acting as a metaphor for a joyride that is already out of his control.The song lyrics, "Pain, high, same thing," are complemented by stunning visuals of Isaiah navigating through a floor covered in broken glass and bleeding, but numb to the feeling. By the end, he's alone, walking back into the light—returning to his subconscious and closing the loop, revealing the true aftermath of his reality.Ambitious work and brilliant execution across the board.[imgtoken data:1]&nbsp;[imgtoken data:2][imgtoken data:3] &nbsp;

Omar Jones

Isaiah Rashad 'Happy Hour' by Omar Jones

Isaiah-Rashas-'Happy-Hour'-by-Omar-Jones

Rising operatic-pop star&nbsp;MEEK follows the fab <a href="https://www.promonews.tv/videos/2026/02/03/meek-fabulous-sophie-muller-theo-adams/93976" target="_blank">Fabulous</a> with another rollicking collaboration with Sophie Muller and Theo Adams - and giving old-time English tradition a refreshing twist.For Beautiful Freeks, MEEK moves on from turning Blackpool into her playground of fabulousness, to transforming Middle England into a haven for individual expression. She arrives at a village hall in Ripley&nbsp;to strut her stuff at an am-dram production of A Night At The Opera. It turns out that she is not the only queen in the place. She's&nbsp;joining a whole cast of highly theatrical performers.Each of these 'beautiful freeks' turn out to be&nbsp;stars of their own highly dramatic vignettes, all distinctive in their own right. It's an ambitious&nbsp;idea and the video is a wild ride&nbsp;- with more fabulousness mixed with old English mundanity.Finally,&nbsp;MEEK emerges, Valkyrie-like at the end. Huge fun.&nbsp;[imgtoken data:1]&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

United Kingdom

Theo Adams

Sophie Muller

MEEK 'Beautiful Freeks' by Sophie Muller & Theo Adams

Meek-'Beautiful-Freaks'-by-Sophie-Muller,theo-Adams

Femi 'Ladi'&nbsp;Oladigbolu directs an emotionally affecting promo for singer-songwriter Myles Smith, featuring a powerful performance by Patrick Martins.In the video for My Mess, Martins plays&nbsp;a man struggling with his mental health, and attempting to mask his problem, and growing anguish, by&nbsp;trying to push through and appear as normal as possible.&nbsp;In quiet snapshots of life, from studying at home&nbsp;to socialising, to moments alone, it's a very relatable concept of vulnerability, excellently captured by Oladigbolu and given tremendous resonance in Patrick Martins' performance. And it leads to cathartic release while, in an intimate setting, he watches Myles Smith perform the song.&nbsp;

Femi Ladi

Folk Pop

Singer-songwriter

Myles Smith 'My Mess' by Femi Oladigbolu

Myles-Smith-'My-Mess'-by-Femi-Ladi

Sophie Muller and co-director Theo Adams went to Blackpool to make&nbsp;a rollicking promo for new pop superstar-in-the-making Meek's irresistible anthem.&nbsp;And the result is, to quote it's instantly iconic lyrics,&nbsp;f*cking fabulous.&nbsp;Meek is unrestrained and unapologetic, resplendent in a succession of wonderful outfits, as she storms through Blackpool's backstreets and onto&nbsp;the glittering&nbsp;Golden Mile&nbsp;- while the song breaks out in all its Queen-like glory and you realise you may be hearing this one for the rest of your life.It's a rousing, empowering&nbsp;tour de force, with a sense of carefree optimism and joie de vivre radiating from Meek's charismatic presence. And there are some wonderful visual touches -&nbsp;from the singer's lady assistants on piano and sewing machine, to a drag queen dance troupe and a brief glimpse of Meek riding down the Golden Mile&nbsp;in&nbsp; Cinderella's coach&nbsp;- that make it a repeatable joy to watch. And after it's all over, she is off to the chip shop - still being absolutely Fabulous.This delivers the message of the song to perfection:&nbsp;the world may be going to pot, there's hell all over the place - but that shouldn't stop you looking and feeling good. This may well already be the most important song of the year. It's certainly the most optimistic - with a video to match.[imgtoken data:1][imgtoken data:2]&nbsp;

Chris Murdoch

Meek 'Fabulous' by Sophie Muller & Theo Adams 

MEEK - Fabulous (Official Video)

The talented producer with a keen eye for new talent lands a senior role as Executive Producer with the award-winning PRETTYBIRD UK.PRETTYBIRD has announced the arrival of Mayling Wong to the production company's London office&nbsp;as Executive Producer working across commercials and music videos, bringing her signature blend of creativity, craft, and industry insight.In her new role Wong will&nbsp;collaborate closely with PRETTYBIRD UK’s Managing Director Emily Rudge and Director of Production Fiona Bamford-Phillips, as well as the US leadership team, including CEO Kerstin Emhoff, President Ali Brown, VP Suzanne Hargrove, and Executive Producer of Music Videos &amp; Talent Development Candice Dragonas.Widely recognized for her sharp creative vision and ability to champion talent, Wong has spent her career elevating artists and uncovering standout opportunities across advertising and entertainment.&nbsp;Beginning her career as a fashion photographer and assistant to Mark Lebon, she transitioned into moving image production, bringing a unique visual sensibility to her work.During her seven years at Partizan, she served as Executive Producer of Music Videos and Content, where she developed a reputation for producing standout work for global brands and artists.&nbsp;She collaborated with celebrated directors such as Michel Gondry, Warren Fu and Sophia Ray, earning two nominations for Best Producer at the UKMVAs.She then moved to Spindle, nurturing a roster of progressive talent, developing&nbsp;directors within the commercial landscape and producing award-winning work across advertising and&nbsp;entertainment. Her notable projects included campaigns for Adidas’ Men’s and Women’s EUROs and&nbsp;Shelter’s campaign for temporary accommodation.As well as advertising, Wong recently developed&nbsp;and produced the short film&nbsp;A Loud Piece of Armour&nbsp;with director&nbsp;Molly Burdett, which was showcased at the&nbsp;Palm Springs International Film Festival.&nbsp;She&nbsp;is also a partner in Four Elements, a Bulgaria-based service company where&nbsp;she provides expert production support across international projects.“We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome Mayling to PRETTYBIRD as an EP," says Emily Rudge, MD of&nbsp;PRETTYBIRD UK. "She’s not only an exceptional producer with an incredible track record, but she brings a level of creativity and an instinctive understanding of where the industry is headed."Mayling has her finger firmly on the pulse, and her ability to elevate every project she touches makes her an invaluable addition to the team. Her arrival strengthens us in all the right ways, and I cannot wait to see the bold, brilliant work she’ll champion here.”Mayling Wong adds: “I’m beyond excited to be joining PRETTYBIRD! I’ve always been inspired by their directors and the boundary-pushing work they produce. There’s something truly special about the way Prettybird blends cinematic beauty with surreal, thought-provoking storytelling, and I can’t wait to be part of it.”• More on PRETTYBIRD UK <a href="https://prettybird.co/eu/" target="_blank">here</a>

Mayling Wong

Mayling Wong joins PRETTYBIRD UK

Sophie Muller reunites with Sophie Ellis-Bextor to do what she does best - and better than anyone else.For the video for&nbsp;Stay On Me,&nbsp;Ellis-Bextor is a glamourous presence in a coastal village hideaway, poring over a screenplay and occasionally transformed into a goth-influenced alter-ego - perhaps the character she is destined to play this as yet unmade film.It's the slightest&nbsp;of dramatic structures to establish the true purpose, a showcase for Sophie Ellis-Bextor in which her main co-star is unquestionably the spectacular scenery of the Kerry coast in South-West Ireland. Like many of Muller's recent videos for Kylie Minogue its shot by Robbie Ryan, and the effect is similar in&nbsp;brilliantly serving the artist, allowing a true version of themselves, with a touch of charm and humour.&nbsp;In&nbsp;fact, this one may actually have more going for it, which we'll have to put down to shooting in Kerry. It's a spectacularly beautiful place, and in that setting, Ellis-Bexter has rarely looked lovelier - as well as being able to try out a new Shakespeares Sister-like&nbsp;look. Which is appropriate, as the song is all about keeping eyes upon her.Apparently this is the 19th video that the Sophies have made together - the one for <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAx6mYeC6pY" target="_blank">Murder On The Dancefloor</a> was one of the first - and it must stand as one of their very best collaborations.[imgtoken data:1][imgtoken data:2][imgtoken data:3]&nbsp;

Sophie Ellis-Bextor 'Stay On Me' by Sophie Muller

Sophie Ellis-Bextor - Stay On Me (Official Music Video)

Award-winning multi-disciplinary artist Baloji has joined the roster of directors at Prettybird in the UK and the US, for representation in commercials and other projects, and fresh from his work directing a campaign for Patta x Nike.A director, poet, rapper, singer, and songwriter, Baloji (above)&nbsp;was born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and raised in Belgium. His debut feature film Omen won the New Voice Prize at the&nbsp;Cannes Film Festival in 2023 and was selected&nbsp;as the Belgian Academy Award submission.He is also twice winner at the UK Music Video Awards, winning the Best Styling award for his breakthrough music video and short film&nbsp;Zombies - also multiple award-winner on the festival circuit - and winning&nbsp;Best Special Visual Project&nbsp;at the 2024 UKMVAs for&nbsp;AUGURE: Infinite Trolling, a visual album created to accompany the soundtrack to Omen, told from the perspective of the movie's characters.Emily Rudge, Managing Director at Prettybird UK says: “Having followed Baloji’s career for over six years, I am so excited to be representing him at Prettybird. He is a true creative force, a polymath - one of a kind! From putting his talent to music, writing or directing - he does it all and with such originality. I can’t wait to see what beautiful work we create together.”Baloji -&nbsp;currently in development on his second feature film, as well as a TV series with A24 - adds:&nbsp;“It is a great honour to work with Prettybird after years of collaborating with Emily Rudge, whose artistic sensitivity and loyalty to her collaborators I deeply admire. It was also a true pleasure to meet the US teams and the legendary Paul Hunter. I value their straightforward, unpretentious vision, free from empty promises, a rare quality in this ever-evolving industry.”• Watch Baloji's showreel at Prettybird

Baloji signs to Prettybird for UK and US representation

Femi Ladi crafts a late-night fever dream drenched in rhythm and heat in a pulsating and ultimately dramatic visual&nbsp;for Leigh-Anne.The video for dancehall-influenced Been a Minute opens in a packed after-hours basement. The air is thick with heat, sweat&nbsp;and anticipation - a&nbsp;sea of bodies moves in perfect, chaotic sync at the best party on Carnival weekend.Femi Ladi brings this energy to life on screen by using a variety of stylistic camera techniques and setups to fully immerse the viewer in the moment. The aesthetic is encapsulated in the gorgeous glow of Stefan Yap's cinematography and Vlad Barin's grade that captures the sense of unbridled passion and&nbsp;intense heat&nbsp;in the movement&nbsp;of Leigh-Anne and her friends.&nbsp;And then comes the curveball, when a visual dominated by dance adds an edge of drama and mystery: Leigh-Anne's focus is disturbed by a passing female in red, starting a party of her own in the next room - who&nbsp;turns out to be her own&nbsp;alter-ego.It's an intriguing way to end the first release&nbsp;from this new chapter of Leigh-Anne's career. Can we expect a sequel?

Enrique Soares Da Silva

The Quarry

REPmedia

Dancehall

Garage

Leigh-Anne 'Been A Minute' by Femi Ladi

Leigh-anne-Pinnock-'Been-A-Minute'-by-Femi-Ladi

Lauren Dunn has created a visual for Kacy Hill that's both intimate and widescreen cinematic for the singer-songwriter's emotional song&nbsp;Please Don't Cry.With gorgeous cinematography by Jeremy Herron, working with a colour scheme that reflects the tension in the lyrics&nbsp;(and Kacy's hair), rather than the song's relaxed pace, Dunn's video focusses entirely on the singer and her performance within an idyllic vision of smalltown America streaked through with scarlet.The almost subliminal effect on the viewer is that behind Kacy's demeanour, there's something more fiery under the surface, and it's taken some things to happen for her to get to this level of stillness.&nbsp;"Wow this project with&nbsp;Kacy Hill&nbsp;means so much to me," says Lauren, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DLApXiqPCBF/?img_index=2" target="_blank">via Instagram</a>.&nbsp;"This video is a love letter to processing grief and being forced to confront your feelings. Kacy and I have been friends and collaborators for over a decade and we both have been making our way through different forms of grief... This project is a cathartic release for us both. "I have forever gratitude for my incredible DP&nbsp;[Jeremy Herron] for being just as passionate and dedicated to the vision as we were. "And I don’t have enough words to describe how insanely lucky I am to have&nbsp;Sebastian [Zotoff]&nbsp;as a trusted friend and visionary that always brings the best out of me."[imgtoken data:1][imgtoken data:2] &nbsp;

Lauren Dunn

Kacy Hill

Country

Kacy Hill 'Please Don't Cry' by Lauren Dunn & Kacy Hill

Kacy-Hill-'Please-Don't-Cry'-by-Lauren-Dunn

What if 'Man’s Best Friend'&nbsp;was actually a man? That's the intriguing premise&nbsp;in Bradley &amp; Pablo's video for pop sensation Mimi Webb.&nbsp;The video for Love Language combines they dynamic duo's signature high-energy visuals and inventive storytelling, crafting a surreal world where men replace dogs in a high-stakes canine competition.Set in 1999, it unfolds in the world of a dog show - reimagined as a “cute boy championship.” Mimi, an expert trainer, showcases her companion’s talents in a series of competitions, where he crawls on all fours, jumps, catches, and impresses the crowd. It’s like Crufts but for Good Boys.As Mimi’s powerhouse vocals and charisma take centre stage, the other competitors quickly abandon their own trainers to join her in a bid for victory.

Bradley&Pablo

Studio RM

Mimi Webb 'Love Language' by Bradley & Pablo

Mimi-Webb-'Love-Language'-by-Bradley-&-Pablo

Reality and fantasy collide in&nbsp;Lucrecia's dazzling promo for JADE.&nbsp;FUFN continues JADE's conceptual narrative for this era - exploring the darker side of fame through irreverent, offbeat imagery and intimate storytelling.&nbsp;We see JADE with her on-screen partner, attending the Nick Grimshaw-hosted premiere of a film she is in, building layers of different characterisations whilst paying homage to her previous iterations.&nbsp;With a heavily surreal vibe, the video features an audience with their faces twisted in evil grins (reminiscent of&nbsp;Philipp Stölzl's 2003 video for Evanescence's Going Under) and stunning visual effects&nbsp;throughout.&nbsp;It's a blockbuster epic and a very welcome return to music videos for&nbsp;Lucrecia, who has been a pioneering creative in presenting the darker impulses of pop stars, from <a href="https://www.promonews.tv/videos/2019/10/30/ashnikko-ft-yung-baby-tate-stupid-lucrecia-taormina/61599" target="_blank">Ashnikko</a> to <a href="https://www.promonews.tv/videos/2021/02/03/bree-runway-ft-missy-elliott-atm-lucrecia-taormina/69286" target="_blank">Bree Runway</a>.And could a superhero film be on the cards for JADE in the near future? Given the breadth of characters she's played in her debut era, it wouldn't be a far stretch to suggest so.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Lucrecia

Mouthpiece

Trim Editing

JADE 'FUFN' by Lucrecia 

JADE - FUFN (Official Video)

Salomon Ligthelm reunites&nbsp;with Little Simz on the conceptual and visually powerful music video for her new track Flood.This is Ligthelm's first music video since directing <a href="https://www.promonews.tv/videos/2021/04/27/little-simz-introvert-salomon-ligthelm/70595" target="_blank">Simz's video for Introvert</a> in 2021. That was a huge statement heralding the next chapter in Simz's musical progress. Now nearly four years later, the video for Flood promises to perform a similar role, prompting a buzz of anticipation for her next album.&nbsp;&nbsp;Featuring Obongjayar and Moonchild Sanelly, the video for Flood&nbsp;is a hyper-stylised meditation on materialism and its role in shaping culture. Evoking the fine art-inspiration of his photography work, Ligthelm's eye for framing and composition is on full display here, with shifting textures created in a studio shoot and&nbsp;a fittingly quickfire edit, brilliantly achieved by Elise Butt, who also cut the Introvert video.&nbsp;The rousing, cinematic vignettes build with palpable energy, matching the chant-like rhythm of the track, and the fearless performances from all three artists are arresting throughout.Above all, Little Simz once again shows that she is a fearless presence on camera, even while sharing screentime with her guest vocalists and a mesmerizing&nbsp;group of dancers. And with this triumphant return Salomon Ligthelm proves that he brings something special out of her.&nbsp;

Salomon Ligthelm

Little Simz 'Flood' by Salomon Ligthelm

Little-Simz-'Flood'-by-Salomon-Ligthelm

Love really hurts in Bradley &amp; Pablo's promo for Jennie &amp; Dominic Fike.The darkly comedic video for Love Hangover&nbsp;begins with May December&nbsp;and Riverdale&nbsp;actor Charles Melton’s character giving a eulogy at Jennie’s funeral, before her coffin is lowered into the grave.Using vignettes to portray an undeniable attraction to someone who’s both toxic and intoxicating, the video launches into the full backstory of events that led up to the funeral.Jennie and Charles Melton are seen on numerous dates in different settings, all of which end with fatal incidents for the former. From drive-in Kaiju's to a pesky olive determined to choke her, the video allows Jennie to showcase her comedic chops to brilliant effect.If you've never seen a K-Pop megastar hurtling towards death by bowling pin machine, this is the video for you.[imgtoken data:1]&nbsp;[imgtoken data:2]

K-Pop

Jennie & Dominic Fike 'Love Hangover' by Bradley&Pablo

JENNIE & Dominic Fike - Love Hangover (Official Video)

Recent <a href="https://www.promonews.tv/interviews/snapshot-qa-lauren-dunn/88173" target="_blank">SNAPSHOT Q&amp;A responder</a> Lauren Dunn heads to Germany for rapper Shirin David's collaboration with singer Sampagne, and a slick yet lighthearted display of ostentatious wealth.Lauren Dunn provides the colourful and luxurious&nbsp;look and sense of tongue-in-cheek fun to the video for Rich Girl, It Girl, where Shirin is an underling in various scenarios, hoping to impress rich girl, it girl Sampagne.&nbsp;

Germany

Shirin David ft Sampagne 'Rich Girl, It Girl' by Lauren Dunn

Shirin-David-Ft.-Sampagne-'Rich-Girl,-It-Girl'-by-Lauren-Dunn

Sophie Ellis-Bextor is up to her old tricks in Sophie Muller &amp; Theo Adams' dazzling promo for Freedom Of The Night.&nbsp;Paying homage to iconic hit Murder on the Dancefloor, the artist plays an overwrought dance mum, dragging her on-screen daughter through a local talent show.&nbsp;When push comes to shove, she releases a big bag of sugary sweets onto the unsuspecting competitors, causing a riotous distraction for Ellis-Bextor and her mini-me to take the crown.&nbsp;Featuring a cameo from one of the original MOTDF judges, it's a delightfully sweet, disco-tinged concept, with a heavy dose of nostalgia and charismatic charm.&nbsp;And let's just take a moment to appreciate the twirling ribbon solo at the bridge - it's safe to say that Ellis-Bextor has reclaimed the dancefloor, almost 25 years after her breakout hit.&nbsp;

Sophie Ellis-Bextor 'Freedom Of The Night' by Sophie Muller, Theo Adams 

Sophie Ellis-Bextor - Freedom Of The Night (Official Music Video)

Matt Lambert directs a short documentary film for Jimmy Somerville's groundbreaking 80s band Bronski Beat.&nbsp;The 40th anniversary short is a reimagining of enduring LGBTQ+ anthem Why, originally released in 1984.&nbsp;Using personal and archival footage, Lambert crafts a powerful story of resilience, community, and solidarity to pay tribute to those who speak up and put themselves on the line for the sake of love - those on the frontlines often being the most at risk.[imgtoken data:1]Using vibrant&nbsp;titles to guide and inform the viewer, the contrast of vintage and&nbsp;contemporary footage reflects the considerable timeline between the original release and today, cementing both the progress and difficulties that are still present.&nbsp;Using textural overlays and graphical elements to transition from vignette to vignette, it's a singular - and important - piece of work, and is absolutely absorbing.[imgtoken data:2]“Jimmy wanted to commission me to make a project that spoke to the climate of LGBTQ+ rights today,” explains Lambert. “I ended up exploring archives from past and present, material from my phone and friends — self-shot material from the community — which became a documentary short film. We had access to Bronski Beat's original stems to sculpt the timeless and still timely score to this film.“It was such a dream to look into the past and future with Jimmy,” says Lambert. “This project was born out of an ongoing dialogue about the past and our ongoing responsibilities to protect what we’ve fought so hard for."We are grateful to have the support of Stonewall UK in a final call to action at the end of the film, so viewers have a resource to go to for help, guidance, and more information on LGBTQ+ rights."

Matt Lambert

Electronic

Bronski Beat 'Why? (40th Anniversary Doc Short)' by Matt Lambert

Bronski-Beat-'Why?-(40th-Anniversary-Doc-Short)'-by-Matt-Lambert

The PRETTYBIRD director talks about starting her career along with a new artist called Sabrina Carpenter, making an award-winning statement with Dove Cameron, and simple, everyday kindnesses, in our latest Snapshot.Lauren Dunn is an LA-based pop video director&nbsp;par excellence. For the past five years or so, she has&nbsp;been bringing her powerful visual sensibilities to&nbsp;artists at the cutting edge of pop and hip hop - including Dove Cameron, 070 Shake, Saweetie, Kali Uchis, Amaarae, Madison Beer, Jack White and G-Eazy - and in 2023 won an MTV VMA for her provocative gender-swapping video for Dove Cameron's Breakfast.Signed to PRETTYBIRD in the US and UK for music video representation, she is also a photographer, with music clients including The Weeknd, Billie Eilish and Meghan Trainor.&nbsp;We caught up with Lauren for our Snapshot Q&amp;A series to find out more about her - including&nbsp;the inspiration she gained&nbsp;on a recent trip to London, and why LA&nbsp;is really good for her right now. Name: Lauren Dunn Birthday: May 25th Where did you grow up?&nbsp;Los Angeles Place of further education and course (if any)?&nbsp;USC School of Cinematic Arts Where do you live now?&nbsp;Los AngelesWhat were the important first projects for you, in terms of a learning experience and getting noticed?I feel like my major break came when I worked with Sabrina Carpenter a few years ago. She was on the rise and I felt it in my gut she was going to be the star she is today! She definitely took a chance on me early on and it was a blast making the&nbsp;Sue Me&nbsp;video with her.[vidtoken data:0]<blockquote>Sabrina took a chance on me early on and it was a blast making the&nbsp;Sue Me&nbsp;video.</blockquote>Best film you’ve seen this year?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Way9Dexny3w" target="_blank">DUNE</a>!! Favourite song/album/music artist this year?&nbsp;Fred Again.. -&nbsp;truly every song! Favourite music video you’ve seen this year?&nbsp;I can watch <a href="https://www.promonews.tv/videos/2023/08/17/jungle-back-74-charlie-di-placido-j-lloyd/82822" target="_blank">Jungle’s Back on ’74</a>&nbsp;on repeat. What has been your favourite night out this year? For my birthday this year, some of my closest friends and I had a hotel slumber party at one of our favorite local spots, the <a href="https://www.petitermitage.com/" target="_blank">Petit Ermitage</a>. We played games and ordered room service and spent the night laughing, crying, and cry-laughing.<blockquote>I feel like my best projects happen when I get to collaborate on the treatment directly with the creatives or artist.</blockquote>Name a film or video or other creative work that had a huge influence on your career choice?&nbsp;Once or twice a year a project really invigorates me and keeps me inspired. While I was in London this summer, I visited Elton John’s photography collection&nbsp;<a href="https://www.vam.ac.uk/exhibitions/fragile-beauty-photographs-from-the-sir-elton-john-and-david-furnish-collection?srsltid=AfmBOoq83FF7JLFwxHu5VrWY4BzWOn-yf9oK8-cRKNTLbsILd-6PQm-b" target="_blank">Fragile Beauty at the Victoria &amp; Albert Museum</a>. It was vast and striking. The images are going to be stuck in my mind for a while. Fleabag and the film Amadeus are also stories I have revisited the past few years.[vidtoken data:1]In terms of&nbsp;music video-related jobs of the past year or so - what was the most rewarding creatively, and why?&nbsp;Breakfast&nbsp;by Dove Cameron is a project I poured my heart into, and its significance means so much to me.When Roe Vs. Wade was overturned, so many Americans and women felt at a loss. This was my way of using story and the power of music videos to say something. Our win for <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MTV_Video_Music_Award_for_Video_for_Good" target="_blank">Video For Good&nbsp;at the VMAs</a> in 2023&nbsp;felt so organic and surprising. I was actually at the show live, watching a performance, when my phone started blowing up about the win! It was a really special moment.[vidtoken data:2]<blockquote>When Roe Vs. Wade was overturned, so many women felt at a loss. This was my way of using the power of music videos to say something.</blockquote>What are your favourite other (non-mv) projects of the past year or so?&nbsp; Recently, I directed a campaign with&nbsp;Hotels.com in collaboration with the NBA. It was wonderful to work with basketball legends including Nikola Jokić and Jimmy Butler. They had such fun, unique personalities and tailoring the spots to them was creatively so fulfilling.[vidtoken data:3]What’s the most surprising thing that’s happened this year?&nbsp;This year has been challenging for personal reasons, but what has surprised me the most is the love and support that’s waiting for you at every corner of your life. From colleagues and loved ones, to even the barista at my local coffee shop, everyone around me has lifted me up. It’s been beyond inspiring.&nbsp; Most annoying/irksome thing that’s been going on this year (work-related or otherwise)?&nbsp;Long layovers, lost luggage and cancelled flights!&nbsp; Your top suggestion to change and improve how the music video industry works? I feel like my best projects happen when I get to collaborate on the treatment directly with the creatives or artist. Cold pitching on open briefs is essential, but getting to craft the project with the team is always more fulfilling for me. I’d love to be able to work more directly with commissioners, creatives or artists to perfectly capture what they are after.&nbsp; What are you looking forward to most for the summer and/or the rest of the year?&nbsp;My closest friends are getting married and babies have arrived, so spending time with my favorite people and making memories is what I’m most&nbsp; looking forward to.• Lauren Dunn is a director at PRETTYBIRD in the UK and US. See her work <a href="https://prettybird.co/us/talent/creators/lauren-dunn/music-video/" target="_blank">here</a>.

THE SNAPSHOT Q&A: Lauren Dunn

Sabrina Carpenter - Sue Me

Amadeus - Trailer (Upscaled HD) (1984)

Dove Cameron - Breakfast (Official Video)

Hotels.com x NBA: Jimmy Butler NYC

Kylie's latest banger, her irresistible collab with The Blessed Madonna,&nbsp;comes with another genius video from Sophie Muller, to further cement her iconic status.In fact, the video for Edge Of Saturday Night suggests that Kylie might actually be immortal. As if shot on the fly during her progress on a wild night out in Ibiza - it was filmed at the legendary Pikes Hotel on the island - starting side-by-side with Blessed Madonna before she proceeds to nightclub, playground, tennis court and finally, fully-clothed dip in a&nbsp;swimming pool, Kylie is a glowing glamourous goddess in every scene and in every format. Not just ageless, Kylie appears to be getting younger...She is certainly revelling in her musical renaissance, and that's the platform for Kylie and her longtime collaborator Muller to do their magic in the video. And it could be hardly described as anything other than magic.By going for the run-and-gun-style approach&nbsp;in its shooting - with sterling work from DoP joel Honeywell - Muller stamps authority through an&nbsp;edit that grabs the viewer from the first seconds. It's a brilliant job, an object lesson in the power of music video editing - like a character in this video of itself.So that's two people cementing their iconic status. And it's certainly the best music video shot at Pikes since Club Tropicana...[imgtoken data:1][imgtoken data:2][imgtoken data:3]

Theresa Adebiyi

Joel Honeywell

Disco

Dance

The Blessed Madonna & Kylie Minogue 'Edge Of Saturday Night' by Sophie Muller

The-Blessed-Madonna-&-Kylie-Minogue-'Edge-Of-Saturday-Night'-by-Sophie-Muller

In our new series about&nbsp;creatives making an impact with their&nbsp;work in music videos in 2024, we catch up&nbsp;with Prettybird director and artist Joseph Wilson - who enjoys spending time with his favourite superstars.&nbsp;From queer drag performer, to visual artist and director, Joseph Wilson is building a body of work that has real substance. Wilson's work explores LGBTQ+ narratives, taking inspiration from his own lived experiences as well as&nbsp;documenting the people and places around him, amplifying their voices and celebrating their stories&nbsp;through his work.&nbsp;&nbsp;That work can take different forms, including installation&nbsp;art and live performance - both of which feature in a recent exhibition, held last month in London. And as a director of moving image, Joseph has explored those themes&nbsp;in a variety of projects, from documentaries to music videos.Having worked last year with Patrick Wolf and Autoheart, he has recently addressed the East London Queer experience in new videos for&nbsp;The Irrepressibles - the musical project of musician&nbsp;Jamie McDermott.So we sent over our new Snapshot Q&amp;A to Joseph, and he snappily sent back his responses. Above: photo of Joseph by&nbsp;Dani D’Ingeo.&nbsp;Name: Joseph WilsonBirthday: 16/10/88Where did you grow up? SurreyPlace of further education and course (if any)? Camberwell College of Art (Foundation), Wimbledon College of Art (BA Hons)Where do you live now? HackneyWhat were the important first projects for you, in terms of a learning experience and getting noticed?<a href="https://www.nowness.com/story/isnt-it-a-beautiful-world-circa-joseph-wilson" target="_blank">Isn’t It A Beautiful World</a>. I started developing this through the Film London Artist Moving Image Network in 2020 before receiving my first Arts Council England grant to complete it. The film then went on to win the CIRCA Class of 2021 and premiere at BFI London Film Festival.[vidtoken data:0]Best film you’ve seen this year? <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkfUgC_rfMA" target="_blank">Crossing</a>, directed by Levan AkinFavourite song/album/music artist this year? Tom RassmussenFavourite music video/videos you’ve seen this year? <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HQrM5L9T1g" target="_blank">IDLES - Gift Horse</a>&nbsp;[directed by David M. Helman]<blockquote>Most annoying thing?&nbsp;Straight pop stars coining in on the queer community.</blockquote>What has been (or usually is) your favourite night out this year? NYC Downlow at GlastonburyName a film or video or other creative work that had a huge influence on your career choice?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gz74_hpl9bU" target="_blank">Tarnation</a>, directed by Jonathan Caouette.[imgtoken data:1]In terms of&nbsp;music video-related jobs of the past year or so - what was the most rewarding creatively, and why?Working with performers from the East London queer community on all of my videos. They’re all superstars![vidtoken data:1]And any music video project, or aspect of a project, that completely sucked? Travelling back from Margate after shooting the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHsR-5R0I88" target="_blank">Juggernaut video for Autoheart</a>. There was a fire in the Blackwall Tunnel.What are your favourite other (non-mv) projects of the past year or so? My recent show <a href="https://www.seventeengallery.com/exhibitions/luv_shannon/" target="_blank">LUV SHANNON X</a>.&nbsp;which ran for two weeks at Seventeen Gallery, London.[imgtoken data:2]What’s the most surprising thing that’s happened this year? <a href="https://collider.com/rupauls-drag-race-uk-winner-tia-kofi/" target="_blank">Tia Kofe winning </a><a href="https://collider.com/rupauls-drag-race-uk-winner-tia-kofi/" target="_blank">Drag Race</a>.Most annoying/irksome thing that’s been going on this year (work-related or otherwise)? James Corden stopping his play to watch the football. Straight pop stars coining in on the queer community.Your top suggestion to change and improve how the music video industry works? Pay directors to pitch!What are you looking forward to most for the summer and/or the rest of the year?&nbsp;My niece being born :)• Joseph Wilson is a director at <a href="https://prettybird.co/eu/" target="_blank">Prettybird</a>, and represented for music videos by <a href="https://www.mouthpiecerep.me/" target="_blank">Mouthpiece</a>. Watch his showreel&nbsp;<a href="https://prettybird.co/eu/talent/creators/joseph-wilson/music-video/" target="_blank">here</a>

Joseph Wilson

Prettybird

THE SNAPSHOT Q&A: Joseph Wilson

CLASS OF 2021: JOSEPH WILSON | CIRCA

The-Irrepressibles-'Yo-Homo'-by-Josephn-Wilson

Joseph Wilson takes a walk on the wild side in this promo for Jamie Irrepressible, aka The Irrepressibles.Shot in Wilson's characteristic black and white tone from his work with Patrick Wolf last year, the video for Be Wild features a cast of characters from the queer community - drag queens, leather daddies and everyone in between - that have become a company of regulars in Wilson's work, from documentaries to music videos.With lingering stares and POV-style camerawork, the video has&nbsp;an enigmatic, hedonistic vibe, which builds to an explosive climax.&nbsp;Brilliant, bold work which perfectly fits the soundtrack - and a fine companion piece to Wilson's other Irrepressibles video, for Yo Homo.[imgtoken data:1][imgtoken data:2]

Alternative

The Irrepressibles 'Be Wild!' by Joseph Wilson

The-Irrepressibles-'Be-Wild!-'-by-Joseph-Wilson

The Irrepressibles' punk anthem of queer defiance inspires a mesmerizing visual from Joseph Wilson brimming with homosexual desire.For the video for Yo Homo, Wilson casts performers from London's alt-queer scene to lipsync the lyrics of the song and radiate attitude and palpable physicality, as they celebrate their identities unashamedly through dance in a rundown warehouse, leading to an explosive climax.&nbsp;The energetic choreography and fast-moving cinematography juxtaposed against the single location and minimalist wardrobe, plus the inventive use of graphics, create an edgy and unexpected visual narrative.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;A&nbsp;London-based artist and drag performer himself, Wilson drew on his own rebellious youth as a jumping off point for this project.&nbsp;"Yo Homo&nbsp;explores the rage of queer youth and the power of community," he explains. "The song takes me back to my teens, when I would get drunk in skateparks and go wild in mosh pits at local rock shows. It’s the song I wish I knew when I was 16, and the song I listen to now with pride and sweet nostalgia."&nbsp;

The Irrepressibles 'Yo Homo' by Joseph Wilson

A playfully theatrical world unfolds in Jim Longden's delightful promo for London outfit Koteri.&nbsp;From the POV of an enigmatic lizard man, we see several unusual scenes play out on-stage. From vintage choreography to BTS shots of a spaceman photoshoot, the video is held together by a sense of whimsy and bold visual choices.&nbsp;It's an electric debut for the band, impressively directed and edited by Longden. Now we need a sequel with more lizard man action...&nbsp;

Jim Longden

Indie

Koteri  'Karnaby' by Jim Longden

Koteri--'Karnaby'-by-Jim-Longden

Elliott Gonzo directs a dreamlike dance film for singer-songwriter Isla Greenwood.&nbsp;The video for Earthdog is a visual journey&nbsp;navigating loss and grief. Choreographed by Joshua James Smith (who is also one of the performers),&nbsp;Gonzo’s tender direction fits perfectly with the dreamy, melancholy of the song."(The video is) set in a dream-like forest and fairground, which reflects the protagonist's turbulent emotions," Gonzo explains.&nbsp;"We wanted to delve into the solitary process of grappling with the loss of a loved one while capturing the profound interplay between memory and absence. We aimed to craft a dance piece that evokes the path to acceptance, offering a universal meditation on the theme of loss."Effortlessly cinematic and atmospheric, it's a beautiful visual which reflects the gentle drama of the track.[imgtoken data:1]

Elliott Gonzo

Final Cut

Singer songwriter

Isla Greenwood 'Earthdog' by Elliott Gonzo 

Isla Greenwood | Earth Dog

Elliott Gonzo and Justin Du Pre co-direct an eerie dystopian promo for&nbsp;Vintage Culture &amp;&nbsp;MAGNUS.The video for Nothing Ever Changes explores a futuristic universe dominated by AI,&nbsp;predicting a Brave New World of human-tech hybrids.Infused with haunting representations of the world we live in, mixed with liquid 3D textures and uncanny transformations, the video is an enigmatic fusing of technology and society. Ending on a mysterious note, it's a powerful visual that really packs a punch.“In my latest project, I explore a dystopian future where young adults are ensnared by a world increasingly dominated by technology, their city transforming into liquid metal - a potent symbol for AI's unchecked proliferation, akin to opening Pandora's box," explains Gonzo.&nbsp;"The story culminates as each character is inexorably coated in liquid silver, illustrating the inevitable assimilation with the technology they sought to escape."This piece was made with extensive CGI work and no AI was involved in the filmmaking process. Massive love to the incredible team for pulling this one out of the bag!”[imgtoken data:1][imgtoken data:2]

Justin Du Pre

Vintage Culture, MAGNUS 'Nothing Ever Changes' by Elliott Gonzo & Justin Du Pre 

Vintage Culture, MAGNUS - Nothing Ever Changes (Official Music Video)

Charlotte Plank and her crew bring the rave with them on a night out in Ben Cole's video for the BRIT-nominee and UK breakthrough dance artist.The frenetic video for Rage - one of Charlotte Plank’s most-anticipated records prior to its release - matches the song’s fast-paced high energy.“When writing Rage, I was heavily inspired by sounds from Pendulum and The Prodigy," Charlotte Plank has explained.&nbsp;"I wanted the hypnotic, almost nursery rhyme-like vocal melody to captivate and hit the itch inside your brain. In that moment when you’re coming up in a rave and everything’s melting away around you, a certain song or sound almost steadies you, pulling you back in, injecting you with energy, riling you up to go for the rest of the night.”Director Ben Cole shot in some eclectic locations across London, capturing an authentic sense of the city’s frenetic nightlife - and it features an unexpected narrative twist at its finale.“This film is a little nod to the endless overlapping stories found on a London night out, and that communal hunt for the rave," says Cole. "There is spontaneity to it all. Thank you to my local kebab shop for letting 50 kids rave to drum and base!”

Ben Cole

DOMA

Charlotte Plank 'Rage' by Ben Cole 

Charlotte Plank - Rage (Official Video)

Elliott Gonzo directs an atmospheric promo for North London rapper Korby.The video for Feel My Face presents a montage of introspective vignettes, using everyday locations as a platform for hazy, dreamlike performance shots.&nbsp;DoP&nbsp;Charlie Knight leans into a naturalistic aesthetic with the cinematography, which feels&nbsp;both intimate and elevated at once.&nbsp;Anchored by Korby's confident yet understated performance style, the video is a dazzling introduction to the artist, who no doubt has big things coming his way.[imgtoken data:1]&nbsp;

Korby 'Feel My Face' by Elliott Gonzo

Korby-'Feel-My-Face'-by-Elliot-Gonzo

Jade Ang Jackman directs a hypnotic promo for Manni Dee, featuring Manuka Honey.The video for All Of It sees the duo embark&nbsp;on a hot girl heist in and around the iconic club Fabric.The coruscating promo is a fast-paced, glitchy affair, blending experimental camerawork and textural overlays with a sense of reckless abandon.&nbsp;Shot on motorbikes and through the POV&nbsp;of a comically tiny Louis Vuitton hand-bag, it's a playful visual with a cheeky dark side - and absolutely enticing to watch.&nbsp;

Jade Ang Jackman

Wash

Manni Dee ft Manuka Honey 'All Of It' by Jade Ang Jackman

Manni-Dee-(feat-Manuka-Honey)-'All-Of-It'-by-Jade-Ang-Jackman

Nicholas Hoult stars in a thought-provoking narrative for&nbsp;The Rolling Stones' Mess It Up - from the old rockers' new album Hackney Diamonds - directed by Calmatic.&nbsp;After a fiery exchange with his partner, we see Hoult storm out of his house and take a long walk to calm down, traversing miles of countryside and breathtaking backdrops.&nbsp;But after realising his overreaction to the situation, he turns back to make amends - only to realise he has been walking for years, and the life he once knew has disappeared.&nbsp;It's a brilliant concept&nbsp;with a typically standout performance from Hoult, and&nbsp;Gus Bendinelli's cinematography adds a vintage, nostalgic feel to the project - only fitting for an iconic group like the Stones.&nbsp;

Calmatic

Rock

The Rolling Stones 'Mess It Up' by Calmatic 

The Rolling Stones - Mess It Up

Jim Longden directs his first music video since signing to Prettybird UK for&nbsp;Jaxxon D Silva,&nbsp;featuring the artist playing&nbsp;an imprisoned character in a brick-lined cell, talking to his alter ego, and then assuming numerous more intriguing personalities.Surreal and eccentric in its concept, the visual for Crack In The Mask features a frantic blend of hypnotic characters&nbsp;and vignettes, in a&nbsp;clash of music video and horror film aesthetics.[imgtoken data:1]&nbsp;"This was my second time directing Jaxxon on screen," explains Longden. "Similar to the first time last year in Don't Look At Me, it was a bizarre, peculiar and outlandish experience. But we managed to get it done due to the two of us being strict, quick and having rehearsed and argued our thoughts for a few days before the shoot."Having the test of creating a film or video in just one room is a test I had always wanted to face. I am pleased with the outcome, and my respect for filmmakers like Sidney Lumet, which has already very high, has grown even more."

Jaxxon D Silva 'Crack In The Mask' by Jim Longden

Jaxxon D. Silva - Crack in the Mask (Official Music Video)

Kali Uchis's new torch song Te Mata inspires a video that celebrates a bygone era of entertainment.In Bethany Vargas's stylish video, the song's subject of a toxic affair is expressed through drama and performance, both evoking old TV formats&nbsp;and mid-century movies - scenes in the heightened style of a 50s melodrama or telenovella, intercut with a sultry performance, in the style of a 60s TV special.A faithful rendition of vintage style - topped with an interview with the star in the makeup chair before it starts - with a hint of irreverence.[imgtoken data:1]

Bethany Vargas

Kali Uchis 'Te Mata' by Bethany Vargas 

Kali Uchis - Te Mata (Official Video)

Elliott Gonzo directs an cinematic promo for Tom Walker, where a young man discovers&nbsp;a burning easel in the middle of the forest.&nbsp;The video for Burn sees the character - played by Joshua James Smith - overcome with emotion as he watches the mysterious painting on the easel engulfed in flame.&nbsp;Then, foreshadowing the events to come, he is struck by lightning, before the entire forest starts to burn around him.&nbsp;Interspersed with high-energy performance sections, the video burns brightly across its&nbsp;two and a half minute runtime, before building to a fiery climax.&nbsp;With an earthy colour palette and frenetic cinematography, the video is beautiful to look at, and the balance of abstract narrative and performance checks all the boxes.[imgtoken data:1]&nbsp;[imgtoken data:2]&nbsp;

Tom Walker 'Burn' by Elliott Gonzo

Tom-Walker-'Burn'-by-Elliott-Gonzo

Paloma Faith ushers in a brand new era in Theo Adams' explosive promo for How You Leave A Man.&nbsp;Shot in Warsaw, the video depicts&nbsp;Paloma as an enigmatic screen siren,&nbsp;cruising through a nocturnal city-scape, in a beautifully lit, cinematic portrayal of empowerment.Building to a strobe-lit, frenetic climax, the video is a perfect showcase for Paloma Faith's talent as a performer and actress - and proves she isn't afraid to push the boundaries and reinvent herself on her own terms.[imgtoken data:1]“Directing Paloma's first video in three years has been an absolute joy," says Theo Adams. "I've known Paloma since I was 16, when we were both performing in back rooms of East London clubs in ludicrous regalia and buckets of fake blood. I want to thank her for putting her trust in me now all these years later and delivering the raw, cathartic, and explosively powerful performance this video needed - just as she did all those years ago."I put Paloma and the entire crew through some Herculean conditions, filming in the rain, thunder, lightning, and freezing temperatures while speeding down Warsaw's city streets in the middle of the night for hours on end. But we all had the best time!”&nbsp;

Paloma Faith  'How You Leave A Man' by Theo Adams

Paloma-Faith--'How-You-Leave-A-Man'-by-Theo-Adams

PinkPantheress heads out on a Mayfair shopping expedition with some best pals in Sophie Muller's video for Mosquito - the follow-up to global smash The Boys A Liar Pt.2.&nbsp;The track sees PinkPantheress embark upon a stylistic shift as she takes her customary opulent vocals layered over a drum and bass beat and fuses them with a colourful Noughties R&amp;B aesthetic.The video also puts a contemporary twist on a '00s music videos, as&nbsp;she explores some of London’s most renowned shopping locations such as New Bond Street, Tiffany, Fendi, Liberty, and Royal Arcade - accompanied by her girlfriends: Charithra Chandran (Bridgerton), India Amarteifio (Queen Charlotte), and Yara Shahidi (black-ish).

PinkPantheress 'Mosquito' by Sophie Muller

PinkPantheress - Mosquito (Official Video)

PRETTYBIRD’s Kelvin Jones has directed a cinematic music video for M Huncho’s latest single Of Course. Shot on location during wild weather in Hastings, which Jones has lensed with an aesthetic that evokes Midwest America, a humorous narrative runs through the promo, based around central character ‘The Plug’, played by the artist.Kelvin Jones explains: “It was a privilege to work with Huncho on this video, he was so easy to work with. He originally hit me up for the job and it was a no brainer, he trusted my creative vision to create something he was more than happy with. We had a weather warning on the first day and we couldn’t move the shoot, so we was hit with heavy rain and terrible wind, and we was in Hastings so the intensity of everything was worse."So pickup day here we come, and on the second we ended up leaving with the scenes we wanted but under a different scope. We used a vast array of lenses for different purposes because I was searching for a lens that had a lot of character. However, we only had our main lenses on the main shoot but we couldn’t get them on our pickup day, so we ended up shooting on Arri’s Signature Primes and the ANGÉNIEUX ZOOM LENS.”

Kelvin Jones

Grime

M Huncho 'Of Course' by Kelvin Jones 

M Huncho - of course (Official video)

Joseph Wilson heads to Margate to create a Super 8mm-shot melodrama inspired by&nbsp;Anna Nicole Smith, in the video for indie-pop combo Autoheart.With a narrative inspired by the late Anna Nicole Smith’s relationship with 89 year old J. Howard Marshall when she was in her mid-20s, the video for Juggernaut features 'Fancy Shews!', aka drag performer Georgie B, as 'Vicky', who disconsolately wanders through the English seaside resort clutching an urn of ashes of her boyfriend - played (in flashback scenes) by 90 year old Margate legend Maurice Morris.Wilson's association with Georgie B stems from them both working as drag performers, performing at Queer club nights including&nbsp;Sink the Pink&nbsp;and The NYC Downlow&nbsp;at Glastonbury. Wilson got his start as a&nbsp;director documenting East London's eclectic&nbsp;Queer club scene - his inaugural documentary project Drag is my Ecstasy, was an acclaimed portrait of underground drag collective ‘Sink the Pink - and&nbsp;Georgie worked as stylist on the previous Wilson-directed video for Autoheart. According to Wilson, she was always going to be the star of this one.[imgtoken data:1]“When I was approached by Autoheart to direct the video for Juggernaut, they had only one request: base the storyline around Georgie B aka Fancy Shews! She had done the styling for our last collaboration for the I Know That He Loves Me&nbsp;video in 2021 and they had become fans."I’ve performed with Georgie for the past 10 years at Queer club nights&nbsp;and most recently travelled to Australia to perform in a cabaret about a failing 18th Century Mollie House with our Drag Mum, A Man To Pet. Georgie played Princess Seraphina and had size ZZ boobs… the biggest breastplate size you can get! We joked about using them for the video but it actually became the starting point to the idea. A few days later the plot came together."'I knew that we would set each other free’ was a line that felt like it needed a good juxtaposition, which led me to think of Anna Nicole Smith who married 89-year-old J. Howard Marshall when she was 26. I spoke to the band about the idea and we started researching Anna Nicole and the way she and many famous women are vilified in the media. We agreed on the idea and ‘Vicky’ - Anna Nicole Smith’s real name was Vickie Lynn Hogan -&nbsp;was born."We did some make up tests with MUA Guy Common and played around with some forehead prosthetics and enhanced cheekbones. I wanted Vicky to appear demonic – a literal manifestation of the demonisation of women. And despite looking like a monster from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, we would see that she was vulnerable, emotional and devastated at the loss of her great love."[imgtoken data:2]Above: Joseph Wilson (right) with Maurice Morris (left) and Fancy Shews! aka Georgie B (centre)&nbsp;on set on Juggernaut videoWilson chose Margate as the shoot location for the PRETTYBIRD-produced shoot, because of the British roots of the band and an affinity with Margate, the home former hometown of his grandma, which he describes as the ‘Kent Riviera’, and where he remembers her going for walks along the seafront with her then 85-year-old boyfriend."When casting Marshall we were put in touch with 90 year old Margate legend Maurice Morris, who has lived in Margate his entire life. He was so wonderful to work with and feel really privileged to have met him. He was completely speechless when he first saw Georgie as Vicky! Throughout her life people doubted Anna Nicole’s feelings for Marshall, assuming she was a gold digger, and she was constantly asked about it."She was judged, ridiculed and abused for the way she looked. She always said she loved Marshall, despite the age difference, and that he was the only man who ever made her feel loved. ‘I feel euphoric in your arms tonight/As I’m magnified, I feel alive’. Isn’t that what we’re all looking for?”

Cinelab Film and Digital

Autoheart 'Juggernaut' by Joseph Wilson

Autoheart - Juggernaut (Official Music Video)

Following the glamorous promo for <a href="https://www.promonews.tv/videos/2023/03/01/jessie-ware-pearls-sophie-muller-theo-adams/80564">Pearls,&nbsp;</a>Sophie Muller and Theo Adams reunite with Jessie Ware, this time with Róisín Murphy along for the ride, for the Freak Me Now video - and it's a hoot.&nbsp;Featuring a feverish blend of disco aesthetics and hypnotic editing, the video sees the two artists in their element, bringing a sense of theatrical splendour to the performance vignettes.&nbsp;And by the sounds of it, as they talk about their collab below, Jessie and&nbsp;Róisín had lots of fun on the shoot.It's a vibrant mash-up of colour and patterns - bringing the vid for Deee-Lite's classic Groove Is In The Heart to mind - with an unabashed sense of fun and playfulness to boot.[imgtoken data:1]<blockquote>We had mad fun dressing up on the day of the video. It was fashion chaos!!</blockquote>“It is a huge honour to have the queen of disco, Róisín Murphy on Freak Me Now,"&nbsp;Jessie Ware has commented. "I messaged her hoping she may think about doing a collab with me and before I knew it, she’d gone straight into the studio and recorded all her vocals for the track and sent them over to us. I have admired her work for so many years and respect her so much. To have her on one of the most fun tracks on That! Feels Good! Is amazing."I still can’t quite believe we are on a track together and have done a bonkers video together. She is graceful, she is generous, she is pioneering, she is Róisín Murphy and she is on Freak Me Now!” And Róisín Murphy has added: “Jessie is just brilliant, a super talented songwriter and an amazing singer. She’s truly beautiful but she’s also very funny and never takes herself too seriously. We’ve been talking about working together for a while. When she sent me ‘Freak Me Now’ I just adored it and felt it was perfectly right for me to be on the song."We had mad fun dressing up on the day of the video. It was fashion chaos!! Like a high class jumble sale, behind the scenes. We laughed at our ridiculousness and we were very silly all day! Just love her and loved everything about working with her.“

Thomas English

Jessie Ware ft Róisín Murphy 'Freak Me Now' by Sophie Muller & Theo Adams

Jessie Ware, Róisín Murphy - Freak Me Now (Official Music Video)

Jade Ang Jackman directs a breezy throwback promo for Priya Ragu's banging summer anthem.&nbsp;With a beat inspired by UK Garage, the track exudes nostalgic charm, and Jade Ang Jackman mirrors this sensibility in the visual aesthetic.&nbsp;We see the artist drive around the city with careless abandon, linking up with friends and toying with the possibility of romance - in an easy fashion.&nbsp;There's dancing, flirting and plenty of laughs, and in this respect it pays homage to the music video style of the early noughties - simple concept packed full of fun vibes, leaving any angst and worry firmly in the rearview.&nbsp;

Priya Ragu 'Easy' by Jade Ang Jackman

Priya Ragu - Easy (Official Video)

GAIKA trawls through criminal records, footage and photos in the search for his ideal accomplice, in Jade Ang Jackman's enigmatic promo for Lady, featuring bbymutha.&nbsp;The distorted black and white video has a gritty 90s aesthetic, blending raw textures and fluid visual effects to create something unique and striking.&nbsp;The abstract chronology and focus on character feels almost film trailer-like in its execution, boasting masterful fight choreography, stirring portraiture and a breathless edit.[imgtoken data:1]&nbsp;“Having known Gaika and his music for a while, I love how his politics is always infused with his beats. It goes without saying that it reminds me of groups like Wu-Tang Clan which feels like the most iconic union of Black and East Asian culture which relates to our respective cultural backgrounds.&nbsp;"Hearing LADY, it reminded me of Blade and Kill Bill so I wanted to create some larger than life characters and movement sequences that felt like a contemporary take on that fused with the trademark digital weirdness / CCTV / state surveillance edge that feels like a creative thread of GAIKA’s too."With bbymutha’s wicked lyrics about Harley Quinn, I really wanted to draw on that energy to craft some female villains.”

GAIKA ft bbymutha 'Lady' by Jade Ang Jackman 

GAIKA - 'LADY (FT bbymutha)' (Official Video)

Iain Forsyth and Jane Pollard direct a mesmerizing promo for Anohni &amp; The Johnsons, starring English model and activist&nbsp;Munroe Bergdorf.&nbsp;The video for It Must Change features&nbsp;Munroe Bergdorf as ANOHNI's stand-in, who mimes the words with passion and intention, delivering a truly stunning performance.&nbsp;Forsyth&nbsp;and Pollard's multidisciplinary art backgrounds are on show here too, with inspired graphics and text interwoven into cutaway vignettes, giving the video a sense of place among a much wider conversation.&nbsp;It's a brilliantly achieved&nbsp;vision, which delivers in every aspect across the board.&nbsp;“Anohni is a visionary artist who speaks with compassion and intellect, from a place of experience,"&nbsp;say directors Forsyth and Pollard. "Bringing one of the most important voices of our time to life on screen has been both daunting and exhilarating."Munroe is the perfect conduit - not only for Anohni's voice, but for her message. It Must Change&nbsp;is a clarion call, pleading with us all to act on the urgent need for positive change in the way we live with one another and on this planet we call home.”

Jane Pollard

Iain Forsyth

ANOHNI & The Johnsons 'It Must Change' by Iain Forsyth And Jane Pollard 

ANOHNI and the Johnsons - It Must Change (Official Video)

Kylie is back - and on top form -&nbsp;in this red-themed, and red-hot promo from Sophie Muller.&nbsp;One of 2023's biggest earworms arrives&nbsp;in the form of Padam Padam, and the brilliant video sees Kylie and a host of energetic dancers perform in a sun-kissed dreamscape.&nbsp;Blurring the line between high fashion and pure pop vibes, the visual has plenty of choreography, vibrant locations and just the right amount of sultry attitude, and proves that Kylie is still right at the top of her game.&nbsp;It's a mesmerising video - arguably Sophie Muller's very best&nbsp;in a fine run of promos for Kylie in the past year or so. And at under three minutes in length, it's easy to get stuck in a loop of repeating it over and over again.

Kylie Minogue 'Padam Padam' by Sophie Muller

Kylie Minogue - Padam Padam (Official Video)

PRETTYBIRD have signed Elliott Gonzo, Jade Ang Jackman and Kelvin Jones to their UK directors roster, as part of the company's move to sign new and emerging talent, since the return of Mia Powell as Head of Business and Strategy.Kelvin Jones&nbsp;is&nbsp;a self-taught filmmaker and Brit School alumni, whose work in design and video-making has garnered over 600 million streams and views. Hailing from South London, Kelvin’s passion for the creative arts has been a driving force in his life since a young age.Starting out as a digital designer before moving into directing, Kelvin has collaborated with some of the biggest brands and artists in the world, including AJ Tracey, Stormzy, Jack Harlow, Ella Mai, Nike, Sony Music, Warner Music, Universal, Northface, Dr Martens, EA Sports and many more.&nbsp;His work has been featured in prestigious brands and companies such as MTV, Complex, GQ, NME, The Face Magazine, and Hypebeast, among others. His contributions to the industry have been recognized by being nominated for Best Video at the Rated Awards.[imgtoken data:1]Above: Kelvin JonesKelvin honed his skills as a Creative and Content Director at GRM Daily, a critically acclaimed platform, before transitioning into directing videos and creative direction for British hitmaker, Aitch in 2019-2020. And he recently directed the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SxueE7YkCo" target="_blank">Aitch's&nbsp;music video for Round 2</a>,&nbsp;with production from PRETTYBIRD.&nbsp;“I’m excited to join PRETTYBIRD, they create a lot of amazing work and I’m glad to be apart of the roster," says Kelvin Jones. "Never knew I would be doing certain things because of where I come from, this usually doesn't happen, so I'm very grateful. We will no doubt be producing some groundbreaking, fun work whilst creating a symbiotic relationship.”Jade Ang Jackman&nbsp;is an award-winning director whose work can be identified by its energetic and vibrant qualities as well as her interest in sport and action. In these realms, she seeks to collaborate with people who’ve traditionally been sidelined from these spaces. She has worked with several Olympic athletes and brands spanning from; UEFA, Channel 4, Gucci, Canon, Audible and more.Most recently, her short film Speed of Sound, about Paralympic gold medallist Carina Edlinger, co-produced by Lammas Park, won best sports film in a prize supported by Arcteryx. In her debut narrative project, she worked with Lammas Park on a project supported by Canon to create an action-drama hybrid based on a self-defence group started by Suffragettes. Currently, she is finishing a film for UEFA for the Europa League.[imgtoken data:2]Above: Jade Ang JackmanJade Ang Jackman&nbsp;comments:&nbsp;“Having worked with the extraordinary Mia Powell across a variety of films and productions, I’m really excited to be joining one of the most innovative and boundary pushing companies out there. Driven by my love for movement and action, I’m excited to deploy a range of cinematic techniques and push my visual world’s further in collaboration with the brilliant PRETTYBIRD team.”Elliott&nbsp;Gonzo&nbsp;is a director making a name for himself on the music video scene, earning him a UKMVA nomination in 2022. His latest work includes promos for Meduza, Wargasm, Enter Shikari, Gunship and Nothing But Thieves, as well as directing content work with; Sony, Polydor, Tate Modern, Red Bull, Nowness, Dazed, NICCE, Ciroc and Redbull.&nbsp;Gonzo’s work has been featured in It’s Nice That, Another Man, Booooooom, Directors Notes, 1.4, and Directors Library, and he competes at BAFTA-qualifying festivals and wins awards around the world."Even from a young age, I’ve always been obsessed&nbsp;with the idea of making my imagination or dreams come to life," says Gonzo.&nbsp;"I’m super stoked to be joining the amazing team at PRETTYBIRD, whose visionary directors have been a major source of inspiration for me over the years. PRETTYBIRD’s dedication to pushing creative boundaries gives me confidence that under their wing (no pun intended - ha) I will be able to carve my own path within in the commercial world. As I explore tech, fashion, and moto commercials, I hope to preserve my unique style and strengths in storytelling."[imgtoken data:3]&nbsp;&nbsp;Above: Elliott GonzoJuliette Larthe, producer and PRETTYBIRD UK co-founder&nbsp;explains:&nbsp;“2023 is already an exciting year for PRETTYBIRD,&nbsp;We welcomed award-winning&nbsp;Director and filmmaker Karen Cunningham to our roster of creators in March,&nbsp;with Mia Powell returning to the nest, I’m looking forward to fulfilling our manifesto of seeking excellence in craft with these dynamic new directors signing with us&nbsp;in addition to Karen we now are representing Kelvin Jones, Elliott Gonzo and Jade Ang Jackman.&nbsp;"Developing these three young exciting new storytellers who are already established image-makers, creates an empowered position, which we&nbsp;consciously focus on and continues the game changing inclusion on which we pride ourselves.&nbsp;Nourishing our new Creators cultivates the energetic shifts that build momentum, giving energy to take action forward and for us to happily work on our process which values Creativity, Craft, Commerce with Care for our Communities.”Mia Powell, PRETTYBIRD UK&nbsp;Head of Business and Strategy,&nbsp;adds:&nbsp;“Having worked with Jade for a number of years, it has been incredible to watch the growth and refinement of her craft. Having an acute obsession with sports and movement has motivated some utterly striking pieces of work which transport you into visceral and beautifully elevated worlds. I am so excited to have her join the PRETTYBIRD roster along with other rising stars on the cusp of greatness, Kelvin and Elliott."I know this new venture will propel them all into a different directing stratosphere and I can't wait to be on that journey with them,&nbsp;developing and nurturing these new relationships in the commercial sphere.”• Watch Kelvin Jones, Jade Ang Jackman and Elliott Gonzo's work at PRETTYBIRD <a href="https://prettybird.co/eu/" target="_blank">here</a>&nbsp;

PRETTYBIRD signs Elliott Gonzo, Jade Ang Jackman and Kelvin Jones 

A fantastical beast&nbsp;is on the run in Jess Kohl's offbeat promo for Heartbreaker - and it's up to Birdy to find and take care of him.The artist is shown cleaning tables at a&nbsp;cafe&nbsp;under the watchful eye of the owner, and it isn't long until a news alert pops up on the TV screen that mentions the beast. That night, the creature visits Birdy at her house, and she takes it upon herself to protect him, right until a twist at the end.&nbsp;The anachronistic aesthetic - which blends 90s public access TV clips and 70s art direction - gives the video an unearthly vibe, which is elevated by brilliant creature effects and an intriguing&nbsp;narrative that doesn't end quite the way you expect it to.&nbsp;

Jess Kohl

Indie-pop

Birdy 'Heartbreaker' by Jess Kohl

Birdy - Heartbreaker (Official Music Video)

Joseph Wilson creates a powerful visual allegory around the return of Patrick Wolf in The Bowline Knot - a short film that incorporates two songs from Wolf's EP The Night Safari - the artist's first full body of work in ten years.The monochromatic film features title track The Night Safari and Nowhere Game - the latter released separately in March. In the full film, it is revealed to be the climactic second half of an extraordinary journey that Wolf undertakes. It comes via&nbsp;boat on Styx-like river, from a domestic house and garden to forbidding industrial complex, but the move represents&nbsp;his escape from claustrophobic&nbsp;inertia to activity, and final angelic glory.&nbsp;&nbsp;Wilson provides Wolf's redemption with his distinctive sensibility,&nbsp;full of vivid iconography and incredible costumery - Wolf collaborated with Marco Tullio Siviglia for the wonderfully creative costume design - and myth and religious symbolism are drawn into an aesthetic&nbsp;that nods to the tradition of queer filmmaking.Above all, the fact everything is shot at night, filmed in black and white, establishes a dreamlike tone of endless possibilities. A highly appropriate way to mark the return of Patrick Wolf as a unique and idiosyncratic creative force.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;JOSEPH WILSON:&nbsp;&nbsp;“When Patrick first approached me, he mentioned that he had two videos that were being released, and it had always been a dream of mine since watching Vincent Haycock’s The Odyssey&nbsp;[for Florence + The Machine] to create a short film that connected multiple tracks - so we decided to release The Night Safari&nbsp;as a prequel to Nowhere Game."Patrick had introduced me to the thrilling boat scene in Night Of The Hunter, which helped me to bridge the two films together, and shooting on water felt imperative to the music Patrick had created. We shot the video over three days, including a reshoot on the canal... It was completely iced over, and I had to go out with my DP to break the ice with a rowing oar so that we could shoot!"The edit was fused by my interest in Artist Moving Image and drew inspiration from Paul Bettell’s Queer psychedelic Illegal Tender. Some of the footage felt too ‘clean’ in post so I played around with crystal earrings and broken glass to make the shots feel more menacing and distorted."Getting to work with Patrick after all these years was a real privilege. I am so proud of the magic we created and grateful to Patrick for inviting me on board and letting my creativity run wild.”[imgtoken data:1][imgtoken data:2]

Patrick Wolf 'The Bowline Knot' by Joseph Wilson

THE BOWLINE KNOT (feat. "The Night Safari" + "Nowhere Game")

Mia Powell has rejoined PRETTYBIRD in London,&nbsp;as Head of Business and Strategy.&nbsp;Most recently working for Lammas Park, developing and building the commercial arm of Sir Steve McQueen’s production company, Powell&nbsp;has worked for several;&nbsp;highly established businesses across the advertising, media and fashion landscape, including Ridley Scott Creative Group, MullenLowe and iris Worldwide.Powell is known for&nbsp;developing and nurturing teams and talent to create award-winning work.&nbsp;A strong advocate for change she continues to champion marginalised and underrepresented voices working with a number of initiatives such as the Shiny Awards, Brixton Finishing School and ELAM.&nbsp;She says she is delighted to be returning to the production company where she established her reputation as an executive working across creative and strategy.&nbsp;“I feel blessed to be back at PRETTYBIRD, where we have built a rich history and have worked on many great projects together," she says. "My name feels synonymous with the PRETTYBIRD brand and having learned and grown so much, it is great to be back with a fresh attitude, approach, and fire.”Juliette Larthe, PRETTYBIRD UK Co-Founder&nbsp;and&nbsp;Executive Producer&nbsp;adds: "I’m happy to be announcing the return of Mia to PRETTYBIRD in London as Head of Business and Strategy. Mia originally started here, and although from day one she understood the dynamics of the industry, her practice and process has grown from strength to strength. Mia is great at pioneering solutions and adds critical value&nbsp;to the pursuit of creative innovation."As we stride into a new era, Mia is aligned with our manifestos for excellence in craft and creating access and opportunity in all sectors.&nbsp;We will work together to foster relationships taking risks whilst encouraging trust to enhance growth.&nbsp;Mia is one of the most exciting people in any room. Mia is also an artist, activitist, and architect as well as one of the best in the business at creative match making.”

Mia Powell

Mia Powell returns to PRETTYBIRD UK

Sophie Muller and Theo Adams give Jessie Ware a touch of Old Hollywood glamour and add a modern twist for Pearls - the first release from the singer's upcoming new album.With an unapologetic sense of fun and frothiness, Jessie finds herself in an all-white boudoir worthy of a Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers 30s musical. Meanwhile, her backing - and her destiny - comes in the form of a sassy girl group situated under a giant&nbsp;moon - the Pearlites.It is a joyous setting for a triumphant return with Pearls - a modern take on the disco classics of Chaka Khan, Gloria Gaynor and others. It's a blast.

Jessie Ware 'Pearls' by Sophie Muller & Theo Adams

Jessie Ware - Pearls

Joseph Wilson directs a cinematic, eerily surreal promo for Patrick Wolf, the second part of an extended film for the artist's new EP,&nbsp;The Night Safari.&nbsp;Following Enter The Day - the&nbsp;romantic and wistful first instalment of Wilson's longer film - the video for Nowhere Game is defiant and thrilling, with a&nbsp;stark, brutalist aesthetic of the video that complements the complex soundscapes in the track.Shot within the extraordinary Beacon Hill Fort on the Essex coast,&nbsp;Wolf enters the imposing edifice by boat, to be confronted by 'Nowhere People' - dancers attired in outfits that give them an uncanny inhuman appearance, that were designed by Wolf himself with&nbsp;Marco Tullio Siviglia.[imgtoken data:1]The story was inspired by&nbsp;the Greek myth of Sisyphus, and&nbsp;Wilson worked with movement director Ted Rogers to direct the performers - or the ‘gloms’ as Wilson and Wolf named them - to develop their own metaphor for breaking the cycle of endless toil."Patrick spoke about how he had learnt to let go of his resentments, lifting a great weight of his shoulders," explains Wilson. "So the idea was that the ‘gloms’ were pulling around their resentments - which start off as small pieces of coal -&nbsp;and develop into large heavy boarders as the story goes on."[imgtoken data:2]Being approached to collaborate with Patrick Wolf on the project on this and the longer film to accompany the new EP "was a ‘pinch yourself’ sort of moment," according to Wilson.&nbsp;"I used to listen to Patrick at college before I came out, and had been to a couple of his London shows when I was 17. I saw a lot of myself in Patrick and he gave me hope that there were other people like me out there."So to be working with him all these years later is very poignant for me. Aside from our creative vision, we share a lot of similarities growing up as outsiders, and both overcoming our own traumas through the pandemic.[imgtoken data:3]&nbsp;"I had come across Beacon Hill Fort a few years ago -&nbsp;[and] I’d been saving it for the perfect project. Located at the very edge of a quiet coastal town in Essex, the cold concrete structures and its prolific history of war, battle and invasion created the perfect setting for the Nowhere Game. Many of the cast and crew were lifelong Patrick fans, which made the shoot feel even more worthwhile."I remember looking up to the sky and seeing a dozen shooting stars as the performers pulled rocks around Patrick whilst he played the viola. It was such a moment! Regardless of the fact there was no electricity, and it was the coldest day of 2022! It was all worth it.”