After a sold-out screening this week, these talented Adelaide filmmakers reflect on the challenge of making tight-turnaround music videos for the Adelaide Fringe.

Last week, Channel 44 and US filmmaker Norwood Cheek played matchmaker, partnering up filmmakers with local bands or musicians and putting them to the test making a music video in only 10 days.

Now that their videos have been submitted, screened to a sold-out Metro Hotel and are ready to be aired on Channel 44, CityMag checked in with some of the filmmakers to reflect on the challenge and get to know their film style.

 

Iris Wide Shut

CM: What’s your filmmaking method of choice (e.g. digital, Super 8, etc.)
We shoot on digital, especially tight turnarounds such as this it is the only practical option, however, we incorporate filmic techniques such as a film print lut and film grain to achieve a more authentic film-like aesthetic.

CM: If you were to describe the video you produced in three words, what would they be?
High energy mind-bender.

CM: What was your favourite memory from the 10×10 process?
Setting up at Star Avenue Studios. We got to experiment with the lighting and look of the set.

CM: You were partnered with local musician Lucas Day for the music video challenge, what was your favourite part about working together?
Lucas is rather charismatic which lends itself well to the screen. He was also a pleasure to work with!

CM: Would you recommend a challenge like 10×10 for other filmmakers?
We would absolutely recommend it. Working under limitations often births creativity and a challenge like this will help anyone hone their craft and sharpen their skills.

Connect with Ripley and Mel from Iris Wide Shut on Instagram and check out their website.

Chase Rodgers

CM: What’s your filmmaking method of choice?
Although digital is where my experience lies, I’ve had a blast going back through tapes, both VHS, Mini DV and coming across old Super 8 and Film Cameras. I am looking forward to the future where I use some of those for more artistic purposes.

CM: If you were to describe the video you produced in three words, what would they be?
It’s very difficult to describe it in three words in my eyes but if I had to, it would probably be… Abstract, energetic and creative.

CM: What was your favourite memory from the 10×10 process?
The entire process for me could be classified as a “memory” but my favourite would definitely be when getting some supporting B-Roll of the band “traversing” throughout the city to get to the final video spot. The band members (Viddy, Kai and Joey) got some e-scooters and were riding throughout the city, and seeing some of them zone out whilst speeding around and in the background whilst I got one of the others to focus on B-Roll, was definitely something I found both humorous and memorable.

CM: Would you recommend a challenge like 10×10 to other filmmakers?
100 per cent. I think my recommendation as well is to really honour what the challenge is about. Everyone wants to make a top-end music video but the core elements of the challenge include making a music video in 10 days and meeting new people.

My recommendation for other filmmakers and even bands is to of course get involved, but also allow things to happen, don’t scout bands beforehand, don’t come up with elaborate video plans before the workshop, really take the opportunity as I believe it should be taken which is meeting new people, working within a succinct timeframe and creating a timeless video together.

It’s not a competition but more a product of your creative and critical thinking within a short time span.

CM: The video you made was with Newgate Crowd, what did you love about working with them?
I could list about 10 different things, to be honest. Newgate Crowd, including their surrounding band managers and people helping bring equipment, are so supportive and they don’t take themselves too seriously or act like they’re above everyone else. They’re selfless and were very negotiable and were up to film whatever, they didn’t expect me to make the next 10-million-view music video, they’re just a fun humorous group that wanted to work together on something fun and creative. I couldn’t have asked for a better band to work with.

CM: Is there anything else about you and your filmmaking career that you think CityMag needs to know?
I’ve really enjoyed this experience as a whole and I personally see this as what I hope to be the start of many other opportunities and experiences I’d like to be a part of.

Connect with Chase on Instagram or check out his website.

Oliver Quixley

CM: What’s your filmmaking method of choice?
My filmmaking method of choice is digital. While I love the look of film, digital these days is incredibly flexible, not to mention cheaper and easier to work with.

CM: Describe the music video you made in three words.
Bizarre, chaotic, intense

CM: Do you have a favourite memory from the shoot?
I can’t pick a favourite memory, there are a lot and it all went by in quite a blur!

CM: Would you recommend a challenge like 10×10 for other filmmakers?
I’d absolutely recommend 10×10, as many others have noted it’s quite similar in spirit to the 48-Hour Film Project. It’s hectic and a lot of work, but quite a rush and lots of fun!

CM: You made a video for the Dandy Buzzkills, what was it like to work with them?
The Dandy Buzzkills were great to work with; they put in so much effort to work together and make the video really shine. They went so far as to use actual pigs’ eyeballs fresh from the butcher as a gross prop in the mad scientist’s lab at the start!

CM: What other projects do you have in the works?
I have a short film currently wrapping up post-production which will *fingers crossed* be accepted into the Adelaide Film Festival later this year, and in the interim, I’m keen to keep working on short-form projects and more music videos!

Connect with Oliver on Instagram or visit their YouTube channel.

Zachary & Sebastian Benn

CM: What’s your filmmaking method of choice?
Anything we can get our hands on. Usually digital.

CM: Describe the music video you made in three words.
Hot glam sandwich.

CM: Do you have a favourite memory from the shoot?
It was after shooting in a tight, sweaty, rehearsal space (shoutout to Rewind Studios) in the quickest hour of our lives. We sat in the park with Church Moms and drank lemonade. It was a quiet aftermath bonding moment that told us the work would be worth it.

CM: Would you recommend a challenge like 10×10 for other filmmakers?
Absolutely! The timeframe and pressure prove that you have the means to create right now. This weekend. Tonight even. You don’t have the option for doubt, which is exciting and rewarding.

CM: What was your favourite part about working with Church Moms?
Right away it felt like we had been working together for years. The creative back and forth was so much fun, and it helped that they let us work with an absolute banger. Church Moms are sick, do yourself a favour and dive into their stunning technicolour keytar punk world.

To connect with Zachary and Sebastian or collaborate with them on film projects, email robotfightprod@gmail.com

Paddy Maddern & Harry Kellaway

CM: What’s your filmmaking method of choice?
Our preference is making videos on Super 8 and 16mm film. However, for the challenge we shot digitally and edited our video to look like film.

CM: If you were to describe the video you produced in three words, what would they be?
Energetic, nostalgic and cheerful.

CM: What was your favourite memory from the 10×10 process?
The screening night as we got to show our music video for the first time to The Fuss (and the public) who absolutely loved the video and praised our talents. 

CM: Would you recommend a challenge like 10×10 for other filmmakers?
10×10 is a great challenge. Like the 48-hour Film Festival, it is a great way to test your creativity under time constraints and with zero budget. The advantage of working within these limitations force you to think outside of the box.

CM: What was your favourite part about working with The Fuss?
Despite their name, the band did not kick up a fuss! We loved the ease of collaborating with the band and they showed amazing trust in us to produce a music video that encapsulated both the song and the band’s own identity. 

CM: Is there anything else about you and your filmmaking that you think CityMag and our readers need to know?
Since graduating together from Flinders University, we have always been on the lookout to collaborate with ambitious new clients and musicians. Through our videos, we would like to bring about more awareness to filming on Super 8 and 16mm film. While it is costly and difficult, the results are irreplaceable compared to any other medium, and the Australian (celluloid) film community is a helpful, friendly and evolving movement. We highly recommend more people to give it a go!

Check out Paddy’s website. Connect with Harry on Instagram.

James Adams

CM: What’s your filmmaking method of choice?
Digital.

CM: If you were to describe the video you made in three words, what would they be?
Weird, weirdly-cinematic and weirdly-fun.

CM: What was your favourite memory from the 10×10 challenge?
Watching the shot list come to life beautifully thanks to our director of photography, Astra Vadoulis. Or, our first assistant camera, Connor Patterson, saving the day several times. Or, laughing every time our frummer played a drum fill with less than half the required drums as we couldn’t get them all out to the location.

CM: Would you recommend other filmmakers participate in a challenge like 10×10?
Definitely, it’s an incredible learning experience.

CM: You made a music video for Exit Plan, what was your favourite part about working with them?
We connected straight away on the visions we had for the video. They also went along with every wild idea I had for the shoot and were able to play any parts of the song we needed for specific shots. True professionals and already very talented musicians.

CM: Is there anything else about you and your work we should know?
I have a website and I promise you I’ll update it in 1-4 business months.

Cael Snelson

CM: What’s your go-to filmmaking method?
We shot digitally on the Black Magic Pocket Cinema Camera (6k pro), however in events to come we would love to try shooting on 16mm or Super 8.

CM: What are three words you’d use to describe the video you made?
Our video could be described as groovy, experimental and colourful.

CM: Do you have a favourite moment from the 10×10 challenge?
I think my favourite part of the process would have been picking the song, Parvyn had many wonderful works to choose from, and it was nice to approach the challenge by sitting back and vibing along with her music until we fell upon the one we wanted to shoot for most.

CM: Would you recommend a challenge like 10×10 to other filmmakers?
I would absolutely.

CM: You made a music video with the artist Parvyn, did you have a favourite memory from working with them?
It’s difficult to pick any one favourite part about getting to work with Parvyn, I think above all I appreciated and enjoyed her enthusiasm towards the project, and I hope to be able to collaborate with her again sometime soon.

CM: What are you looking forward to working on next?
I look forward to sharing more of my content with the world, and hope my passion towards the art of film-making inspires, brings joy to and brings positive influence to my audience for decades to come.