We were so pleased to be asked to make a music video for ‘Telephone Screen’ by the punk band Horrible Dolphins.
Following some initial sharing of ideas via email, we met in Colchester to discuss plans. Taking the band’s initial idea of following a protagonist walk the streets of Colchester, we developed this in to a full narrative, with multiple walk-on extra characters and a wide variety of props.
Like most great punk bands, the Horrible Dolphins lyrics are full of social commentary and pathos, regarding the modern consumer of hand held technology. Using visual techniques such as the over-sized and absurd wooden Instagram sign, we draw the audiences attention to the voyeuristic habits induced by our mobile phones.
Character choices were very important. If our protagonist is going to ignore people, which members of society should they represent? We thought environmentalists, the homeless, young family’s, and perhaps most significantly in today’s climate – the right-wing politician. Beginning the video with our youngest cast member – 2 year old Cody – and ending with our most senior member – 93 year old Peter – was important to both give the narrative a cyclical structure, and also highlight the multi-generational targeting of digital technology, a message of the text.
Production
The whole video was filmed in a day, on location in Colchester. We used the Canon 80D with a prime lens to get the depth of field required. We also made use of ND filters to ensure a consistent light due to the variable weather of the day, and made use of a steady cam to get a more stable shot, but still conveying the motion of walking.
Together with the Instagram sign, clothes and make-up, we needed lots of props for the exterior shoot. Drinks and cans needed to be created free from copyright, so we created entire drinks brands for the beer (Laughing Llama) and health drink (Fresh) see here –
Additionally we created rosettes for our politicians and a fictional news company ‘Plastic Media’…
The final production was edited in Adobe Premiere Pro, with additional editing on Adobe After Effects and Adobe Audition.
