I so proud to finally present this music video for Nemiss- Paint a Picture. First off this was a big production compared to our usual guerrilla/run and gun style productions. The majority of the scenes were shot on the first day in an art gallery in Dumbo Brooklyn (Dave Shelley United Photo Industries). I have to thank all of the staff involved in the production… especially Rashid Mausi, Cliff Jean, Josh Wingate.. they really made the day run smooth… it could have been pure chaos. There was a stylist, make up, body painter, actors, dancers, extras, PA’s.. just people all over the place lol. Again not really my kind of production… I firmly believe in less is more.
On the other hand.. it’s always good to collaborate with other creative minds to see what you can create as a collective force… the team beats the individual every time. That’s what I’ve learned about making films/videos.. it takes a group of people to really bring it home. Not like music where you can basically produce complete albums in your bedroom by yourself lol.
The big production also gave me some creative tools that I haven’t been able to do in a music videos before this one… (1) the dancers.. I have always wanted to collaborate with dancers..any opportunity to get more dancing in music videos I’m down. (2) the Stylist Kizzy brought a full wardrobe and accessories for Nemiss and the dancers… she told me she wanted to “take it there”.. so I wanted to give her the freedom to explore different looks.. I love the final result… she did a great job. (3) Working with trained actors.. Che’s scenes were shot pretty quickly a lot of times he got the scene in 1-2 takes… it made the second day of production lot easier. I want to shoot more short films with more serious actors in the near future.
thanks again to everyone involved in the production it may sound cliche’ but we really wouldn’t have been able to bring it home without all the extra help.
Bless
Akil “AK-47″ Bakari
Nemiss
Paint a Picture
featuring Chris Rob and Chesney Snow
Produced by- Chris Rob and DJ Spinna
Mix Engineer- Shuhei Hayashi
Video Credits
Directed by Akil Bakari
Shot and Edited by AK-47
1st AD/Producer- Cliff Jean-
Location Manager/Producer- Rashid Mausi -
Key Grip/Set Design- Josh Wingate- Key Grip/Set Design
Lead Actor Che Belmond as The Artist
Painting by Marthalicia Matarrita
Special thanks to Dave Shelley United Photo Industries Location,
Stylist/Wardrobe- Kizzy Knight-
MUA/Designer- Kenyatta Joi
Dancers
Lauren DeVeaux (FELA caste),
Fatima Friday
Lindsay Hall
Nicole Frye
Nicole Von Arx
Renee Settle
Courtney Sauls.