Sometimes it feels like a song finds you. Like it was made
specifically for you and it reached out when you needed it most. Hearing Andrew
Shapiro’s “Mint Green” for the first time was one such rare and beautiful occasion.
I came across the track by chance on Pandora and immediately stopped what I was
doing and devoted my full attention to it. I was so touched by the song’s
collection of layered pianos, delivering notes of love and hope and melancholy.
When the track finished, I sat inspired and deeply moved.
As fate would have it, Andrew and I became friends about month after I discovered his music. He found a post I had written on this blog a while back, and wrote me a kind email about it. After sharing a few emails and phone calls, I decided to film the story I had conceived for “Mint Green.” It’s hard to explain where the story came from, it’s just simply how I envisioned the song. Andrew’s music has a very cinematic quality to it, so it was my intention to create a short film around the music, rather than a standard music video.
Music has always been an integral part of my filmmaking, but
this is the first time I actually committed a single story to a single song. “Mint
Green” marks a few other firsts for me as well. It was the first time I shot
in the 2.35:1 aspect ratio (ultra widescreen), which was equally challenging
and fun, first time I worked with a child actor (a born natural), and the first time I cried while actually shooting a scene
myself (try to guess which one). The video stars Micah Parker and Carolyn
Gilroy, who are both in my upcoming feature, Wait. Micah and Carolyn gave me everything here; my job was just to
make sure the camera was in focus and capture it.
I hope you enjoy our work, and do please check out more of
Andrew’s music, linked below.
Here is the embedded Vimeo file of “Mint Green.” You can
also find it on YouTube here (make sure to upgrade the quality to 1080p).
Well, that was a damn good video. I like the editing as it definitely wasn't too conventional in most music videos. I know what scene that made you cry. I won't tell.
ReplyDeleteI like the track although it's not really my thing. I'm more of an esoteric kind of guy ala Brian Eno and Aphex Twin.
Thanks man! Really appreciate your comment. I adore Brian Eno and Aphex Twin. The score for my first ever short film is comprised solely of their music.
DeleteWhat scene do you think made me cry?!
The scene with the guy, the girl, and the baby.
DeleteYep. When the baby smiled, we all lost it. It was very surreal.
DeleteThe music was beautiful and the video looked fantastic. Especially considering it was mostly just taking place in an apartment. The actors were also all great. I understood exactly what they felt at all times without them ever saying a single word. That takes talent. Micah Parker also really reminded me of Oscar Isaac. And i have to admit that the ending got to me as well. I'm really looking forward to watching Wait now. Good job, Alex.
ReplyDeleteThanks Henrik! The setting was definitely an exercise of the film: Can you pull a short off even though 98% of it takes place in a small area? So I'm glad to hear that you appreciate that. Micah adores Oscar Isaac so he'll be thrilled to hear your comparison!
DeleteI love, love the video! I actually discovered Andrew Shapiro pretty recently, I really dig his style! It's so unique, and I was particularly enamoured with Mint Green. It's probably my favourite of his, and I have to say, I think you really brought out the best parts of the song for me with this video. The actors were all great, and that ending really knocked me out. So so so so excited for Wait :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Aditya! I'm so happy you like the video and it has you excited for Wait. Sounds like you had a similar connection to Mint Green as I did. So funny how we can connect with a song in that way. Thanks again for the comment!
DeleteMost of my favorite videos are made by some of the best directors. It is great. I watched it like 7 times and I'll re-watch it more. It seams that Andrew Shapiro's music inspires you. Did you think about a partnership? Like John Williams and Steven Spielberg.
ReplyDeleteMicah Parker and Carolyn Gilroy were great and the centered shot composition was perfect. You defenitly have a great eye when it comes to cinematography. I loved the music but more the video to be honest. Can't wait for Wait...
Damn man, thanks so much for this comment. Means a lot to me. Andrew and I have had conversations about him scoring my next film, which would be a dream. I seriously can't even imagine that. So happy you like the video - thanks for the support!
DeleteBeautiful song and video, but now I'm all teary eyed at work. I love watching those two. They have fascinating presence.
ReplyDeleteAnd that baby is adorable.
Thanks Brittani! Really appreciate that! That baby... wow. I was so nervous to work with an infant because it is impossible to predict what's going to happen. We only shot that scene one time, because it was just so perfect. I mean, her reaction to Carolyn is EXACTLY what I wanted. She really sees her.
DeleteThree things just happened.
ReplyDelete1) I discovered a new song for my playlist
2) I cried like a baby
3) I became even more excited to see Wait!!!
Damn man, thanks so much! Sorry to make you cry though! But I'm thrilled you liked the video :)
DeleteDude. Powerful stuff, here. I'm with Britt and Drew up there. Tears. Beautiful song, too. You really did a great job with it. I absolutely loved the centered shots of their faces at the end.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kevin, so happy you like the video and appreciated those shots! Perspective shots like that are really scary, because it's so hard to tell if they're going to work. But I'm glad you dig them!
DeleteAlex, when will your movie 'Wait' be available?
DeleteAiming for a late summer/early fall release. Will let you know the second I know! Thanks for asking, really appreciate your support.
DeleteWow. I loved the heart it took to see the story in this music and the eye it took to bring it to us. That was lovely.
ReplyDeleteThanks Richard. Really appreciate you watching and leaving such a nice comment.
DeleteBeautiful, man. I love the thought and care you always put into your shots, and your style just feels so natural, so effortless. Anxiously awaiting Wait!
ReplyDeleteThanks Josh! Really very nice of you to say. I'm so pumped to get Wait out there. Soon enough!
DeleteInteresting you created a story from a piece of piano music, the tune fits well with the scenes. Especially like at 01.40 when she spins around and the piano helps change the mood to something more joyous.
ReplyDeleteThanks Chris. For me, the whole story came together at that 1:40 moment. That's where the story began for me, and I built everything around it, so I absolutely love that you called that moment out specifically.
DeleteI love, love the video! I actually discovered Andrew Shapiro pretty recently, I really dig his style! It's so unique, and I was particularly enamoured with Mint Green. It's probably my favourite of his, and I have to say, I think you really brought out the best parts of the song for me with this video. The actors were all great, and that ending really knocked me out. So so so so excited for Wait :)
ReplyDeleteRivi
bebe wellness
Wow, thanks so much, this made my day. I really really appreciate this. Wait will be out soon for sure!!
DeleteInspiring story there. What occurred after? Good luck!
ReplyDeleteThanks! What do you think occurred after? ;)
Delete