Raul Gonzo asked me to lighting direct a music video for a local band. I have found that Raul is very discerning when it comes to pro bono projects. Yes I said pro bono. So we shot for 5 long days and got pizza and tacos for pay. Why would a couple mid career pros work like madmen for not a single penny?
Have to say that their music is good, very good. So when they go platinum they will come back to us to do all of their videos in return? Unlikely. If and when a band takes off their management and the labels will wrap them up with their own resources and we will not see them again except for on MTV. That’s the way it is and that’s fine.
It is important to keep one’s eye on the ball. At Monkey&Snake we all wear many hats. One day I am a director, the next a producer and lighting grip, then a photographer. Back in the office I am an account executive and strategist. Ariel wears as many hats. We wear so many hats because we are good at it but most importantly we really enjoy it. We are agile, quick to react and never ever bored.
Working on the video was as much for us as it was for the band. The band will see an immediate benefit from this video. But Raul and Monkey&Snake will see the long term benefit. Adding this video to our reels keeps us relevant to a demographic that we must not lose touch with. We deal with corporate accounts that ultimately depend on the very people that watch music videos to purchase their products. We pay attention to trends, fashion, pop culture and art.
Sure in business one must stay relevant, aggressive and farsighted. Doing this video fit the bill, a smart investment in our companies future. So was it worth it? I worked so hard that it took me a few days to recover…and I loved every minute of it. Working with smart ,creative people while doing what you love…
Isn’t that the best reason to go to work?
