Creating the “Wanted” Visualiser for Lila Iké
I was commissioned to create a visualiser for Lila Ike’s “Wanted”. A song lamenting the loss of young men to crime in Jamaica, where I served as director and cinematographer. I go in depth about the creation process of this visual we made in Jamaica
“Wanted” Visualizer, Performed by Lila Iké, Directed by Yannick Reid
I was commissioned to create a visualiser for Lila Ike’s “Wanted”. A song lamenting the loss of young men to crime in Jamaica.
When I first heard this song, the production reminded me of something I would have heard on my parents radios in the early 90s.
Jamaican Pantomime - credit: Jamaica Gleaner
In my youth my parents would carry me to the Pantomime; A form of local theatre with exaggerated and comedic tongue in cheek styles. This was my reference for the visual.
I wanted the whole video to feel like the viewer was watching a Pantomime. It’s exaggerated, there’s a lot of pretending, but it’s all deliberate for that vintage effect. For me it is also like pulling out the deep culture or Jamaican-ness of the song, without adding too much of a heavy layer to an already serious theme.
Most of this film used practical effects, to make it feel like true theatre. It was also plenty fun seeing how these turned out. The spotlight gives you that feel like you’re in a late night small cosy theatre, and the lights come on to reveal Lila, who I have as the ethereal narrator of the film.
When I conceptualised this film, I had our lead talent Karlon, in my mind. I don’t think he acted before, but the character I envisioned was him. Thankfully when we reached out, he was interested and I think he did a great job.
This is my favourite moment from the film. A key element where Lila as the Narrator, crosses unfortunate paths, and they both break the fourth wall, by looking right at the viewer. being able to incorporate narrative elements like these is personally so rewarding.
Which each phase of the films story I chose to play with the lighting. The almost inverted colour here in the beginning =, helps to communicate -the transition of the character, the almost other world state. At this point the character flirts with riches he has from his robbery. The colour is also a foreshadowing matching police colours, and again, Lila breaks the 4th wall talking to the viewer but the character (wanted youth) is not aware of her presence.
I don’t want to give away the whole video in this post, and leave some open to your own interpretation. This project wouldn’t be possible without the teamwork from my crew.
Yannick Reid - Director, Cinematographer, Edit & Colour
Habibi Bailey - Producer
Karlon Edmonson - Wanted Youth
Hasani Cole - Gaffer
Ayana Riviere - Stylist (Lila Ike)
Shaquiel Brooks - Photographer & BTS
Aaliyah Hinds - Stylist (Karlon) & PA
Osunya Rose - Style assistant (Karlon)
Tonisha Kong - Make-Up
Latoya Reid - Hair
WOF Tiny Space - Studio Location
Far Eye Films - Production rentals
Photographing Rockhouse Hotel for Financial Times
I had the privilege of shooting an editorial piece for The Financial Times’ Luxury Lifestyle magazine “How to Spend it”, for both web and print, within I share a bit of my own personal experience, background on my favourite photos and some that didn’t make it into the article.
I had the privilege of shooting The Rockhouse Hotel in Negril for an editorial piece for The Financial Times’ Luxury Lifestyle magazine “How to Spend it”, for both web and print, within I share a bit of my own personal experience, background on my favourite photos and some that didn’t make it into the article.
My parents were quite elated about this one.
I want to share a bit of my experience and some of my favourite images, but not before imploring you to check out the actual article, written by Enuma Okoro.
I had been to Rockhouse Hotel twice before, but this was my first time overnighting there. It’s a beautiful location on the coast of Negril, with it’s rooms situated on the cliffs - nothing short of breathtaking.
The grounds feature long pathways connecting all parts of the hotel like a road network, I loved the feeling like I was traversing through a mini jungle, and I wanted to bring out that feel of childish wonder and cheekiness whilst exploring the grounds.
Across the road, I went with Enuma to Rockhouse Farms where I learned fresh ingredients for Rockhouse’s two restaurants are supplied. My favourite aspects were the handcrafted candles made for Rockhouse and sister hotel Skylark hotel, being made on the grounds. I loved the scents and boutique design of the packaging.
I love these images, this gentleman is one of the artisans who also woodwork furniture on the farm for both Rockhouse Hotel and Skylark Hotel. I have a personal love for environmental portraits that show people in their work environment, doing what they do.
The Spa is another area I had never seen before, and wish I had the time to make use of! The light and weather was also very kind to me as I love the tonality in these images.
My final share is this gentleman here working on his creative dish at the rockhouse pool bar. Again, I love to catch people in their element, and the pride this gentleman took in his preparation really energised me. I was taken aback by his striking blue eyes, something I had never encountered before - but what I love about these images is the harmonious colour palette coming through. Of course, I enhanced this with editing, but the red gold and green in the background, lifted him from being lost in it. His grey almost.. lilac attire seems to be a less saturated colour of the peas, then again the green in the dish finds family in the green in the background, then the yellows of the background, and a bit in his skin and the corn in the dish work together. I may be tooting my own horn here, but hey, I love what I do.
There’s much more images I’d like to share, but I think it’s professional etiquette to allow my client’s article to lead out in this time as they were kind enough to include me on such a wonderful project. Again, give it a read here, there are more images I didn’t include here in there.
Until next time!
Rebel Salute 2016: Beyond the Stage
A leisurely study into some of the activities beyond the stage at Rebel Salute 2016. Gallery Inside
This year I attended the second day (and night into morning) of Rebel Salute's 2016 staging. This was my first time at Rebel Salute ever, after having repeated shows like Reggae Sumfest, and Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival. Working with my dad, he was contracted to reach the location early, specifically to capture images of the setup for a client, but was invited to stay for the actual show.
Rebel Salute Stage
what was very special about this visit was I wasn't really there to cover the stage performances, I had a lot of free time and was essentially just a patron most of the time there. This gave me the opportunity to really experience the fullness of Rebel Salute.
I had a specific interest in the vendors there- what I found particularly interesting was the authenticity of the various persons on the grounds at their stalls hustling. Moreso, Rebel Salute being an event based on rastafari values, most stalls were of goods that were owned by rastas, or fit inside their lifestyle values - Vegan foods, Marijuana based edibles, hemp based clothing, and natural handmade goods.
Everything on this table incorporates marijuana in the ingredients.. Cakes, Coffee Drops, Ointments, Even herb bag-juice
As I mentioned.. Herb Bag-juice
the photos I brought home reflect more of a study of the hustling that goes on at Rebel Salute, something that was very fun to immerse myself in and study. I hope you enjoy the images!
Throwback Feature: "Who Knows" Music Video BTS
A short recap of the photography and video BTS (some unseen before) from the Who Knows video shoot. Gallery Inside
One of the earliest works I did with Protoje, before creative directing for him, was a BTS feature for the music video for the first single off Ancient Future; "Who Knows". Working with Nickii Kane for the first time we were tasked with covering both a photography and video aspect of what was going on over the 2-Day shoot process.
At the time, I was still just learning how powerful social media was, so a lot of these images didn't see the light of day (at Least on my channels). I happened across them while doing some backing up of old data, and while the images are only JPEG (cringes), I still think aesthetically, and historically they are worth seeing, So I edited them over.
"Who Knows" was Directed by Storm Saulter, and has made crazy waves internationally, especially in the UK where it was playlisted on BBC
Protoje and Chronixx reminiscing on old memories during an on the spot interview
I should also mention I was particularly favourable of the wardrobe and styling of the video
You can watch "Who Knows" here
Gallery after the jump