Black, white and red is the signature of the “O.K. Fine” video. Using red as a contrast to black/white is a great way to capture the attitude and energy of Clover The Girl. Directing duo McCoy|Meyer has made a visually fascinating video that really follows the twists and changes of the song.
TeamMate consists of Dani Buncher and Scott Simons. The two of them used to be a couple but it ended, and now they are together as a group instead. Directing duo McCoy|Meyer took on the challenge to visualize the change in the video “Damage”. The result is beautiful, energetic and makes you reflect on the complexity of human relationships. MusicVideoMania asked the directors a couple of questions about the video:
– How did this collaboration with Dani Buncher and Scott Simons come about?
We met Dani and Scott at a party hosted by Rodeo Show and instantly connected. These two have a similar work-dynamic to our own, where they share equal creative responsibility on everything they do. This duality manifests itself in their sound, as well as in their writing and creative choices. When we sat down at Rostrum Records, it felt like we all had lived a shared experience, because of the deliberate and methodical nature of being a duo.
– Considering the change in their relationship would you say the video is both about breaking up and staying together? And if so, how is this pictured in the video?
Our concept focuses on the infinite possibilities of collaboration. We wanted to transcend the story of a breakup, and instead visually demonstrate how two individualities, when combined in harmony, can create something unique, and even powerful. Scott and Dani’s story reminds us that when we put aside ego, and nurture one another’s creativity, we pave the way for something more meaningful.
– How did you generate the ideas for the visual design and the use of double exposure?
Our approach was to strip away all the complexities that can accompany a traditional music video, and just focus on Dani and Scott as human beings. At the time we began concepting, we came across Political art in the era of German Expressionism, which often used its subjects as the boundaries of the canvas. We were inspired by this technique, and used it as a way to show how Dani and Scott were still a part of each other, despite their breakup. It allowed us to feature each as the other’s canvas, while simultaneously showcasing them as individuals. Working together with our cinematographer, Ryan Wood, and editor Hayley Harrison, we created a modernized style, emblematic of Teammate’s unique story.
– What are your thoughts about the production process? (Some background information on your production process)
We tend to over-prepare as directors, which can be exhausting, but ultimately opens up the floor for some great moments of discovery on set. Scott and Dani come to the table with an explosive amount of energy, which allowed us to get right into filming. Subsequently, we got a bunch of ambitious “Super Bonus Round” wishlist shots, which you can especially see in the final choruses. The day wrapped, and there was this collective, “What? It’s over??” Needless to say, we’re looking forward to the next time we all get to create together.
Watch The Johnsons ft. Bryce Vine new video and taste their delicious “Juice”. Funny, a bit twisted and very inventive video created by the duo Mccoy|Meyer (Eric McCoy and Justus Meyer). A nice mixture of horror and comedy. In one role we see MTV reality-famed Julia Rose.
MusicVideoMania got an interview with the director Eric McCoy where he tells us of how the video was made:
– How did you get the ideas to the video?
Many of the ideas are grounded in Justus and I sitting around the office and one-upping each other. We tend to work well using the phrase, “yes, and what if…” We began with a loose theme for each of the nightmares (magical, goofy, murder room) and from there, ideas began to come out of the woodwork. For instance, the couple eating cake out of Bryce Vine’s head came from a weird dream I had, the latex gloves are the product of my visiting four dentists this summer (long story), and Partybear was born out of my love for cute fuzzy things that turn out to be deadly. The commercial world doesn’t offer a ton of opportunity to “go dark” so it was fun to explore our dryer side!
– How involved was the band in deciding what the video should be like?
The Johnsons were more involved than most artists typically are with the creative development. (Connor’s wife, Tess, did the production design!) Having the band so invested in the outcome meant they were willing to go above and beyond to get the shots we needed. (Chantry spent two very sweaty hours wrapped in cellophane, and the performance shots while tied to rope were no small feat!) It also meant that we were able to be more ambitious with our schedule, because everyone knew what was at stake, and gave us 100% on the first take.
– How was the filming process?
The filming process was ambitious and I’m incredibly proud of our team, who pulled it off with flying colors. There were so many “what if we tried…” moments from cinematographer David Charry, who pushed relentlessly to insure each of the five looks came out uniquely different from each other. We filmed for three days on a stage and at Dan Ackroyd’s Avalon Club in Hollywood.
– Did it turn out as planned?
We knew we had something that at least we would find funny, but I think everyone was surprised with how it actually turned out. This was, in large part, due to how editor David Andreini chose to blend narrative and experimental structure, which added an extra burst of energy to the cut. Were there things that didn’t go as planned? Sure (our live monkey got booked on another job the night before filming; a mouse trap shot a gummy bear into Clayton’s eye) but we rolled with the punches. All in all, this was an incredible team and one of my favorite projects to date.