The Project

This video came about as a test for Nikon’s new (at the time) D90 HDSLR camera and Redrock Micro’s new DSLR Camera Support gear.  The video was to be used as a cross promotion video for the two companies at the NAB conference in Las Vegas that year.  When I was approached to direct the video, I really wanted to do something for local artist and close friend Doug Burr, whose music was garnering some great local and national attention.  I felt it was a great cross-promotional tool that could be utilized on multiple levels.

The video was shot on location at Texas Hall in Tehuacana Texas.  An amazing gothic building established in the early 1900s.  The themes of the video deal with “stasis” and an overwhelming sense of isolationism.  The song speaks about Vincent Van Gough, and amazing artist with intense personal issues.  Many discussions were had about the process some artist have in immersive creation techniques and how one can be lost in themselves during this process, that the best art typically comes from interaction and not isolationism.  The main protagonist in the video, played by the great Josh Pearson, creates multiple versions of himself representing the multiple facets of an artists persona.  Each version of the original all have luggage as if they are waiting on something to take them away.  By the end of the video, the original Josh decides to leave on his own, leaves his luggage behind and walks out the door. 

For this video to be a success, it was important that we get the best looking shots we could using only the D90 and it’s “stock” lens.  That high production value could be achieved at low cost.  Despite the short amount of time and small crew, I believe a really good looking and well conceived video was accomplished. 

The video was used by Doug, Redrock Micro, and Nikon for various promotional efforts. 

Full List of Credits:

Artist: Doug Burr  

Directed by: Jon Todd Collins
Producer/Cinematographer: James Hurd
Director of Photography: Jon Todd Collins

Client: Doug Burr

2nd Unit DP/Behind the Scenes Footage: Brandon Vanderford

Photographerp: Brandon Lesley

2nd ACr: April Kinser

Key Grip: Jeff Beck
Grips: Greg Brown, Johnny Rodriguez, Thomas Brindle
Dolly Grip: Taylor Collins

Edited by: Jon Todd COllins
Moral Support: Jason Upshaw