Carl Shanahan‘s music video of The Computers’ tune Teenage Tourettes Camp (which looks to our culturally-beady eye to have been shot at the Spacex Gallery in Exeter during the Laura Kikauka exhibition), is part of the D+CFilm Open Screening at Two Short Nights. We caught up with him to ask about making music videos
How did you get into making music videos, what’s your back ground in film?
I was studying media technology at uni in London and finding it all very dull. I was rather drunk one night and caught one of my favourite band’s videos on TV. I remember thinking ‘I can do that!’ and sending them a rambling email, not really expecting a response. They got back to me and, using the uni’s equipment, I filmed a live promo for them.
How difficult is it for a music video to capture the power of a band’s performance?
I think it depends on the band and song really. If the song is good and the band are strong and confident in front of the camera it’s hard to go wrong. If a band is not so at ease, it becomes a question of allowing them time to get comfortable while staying on schedule. Shoots are always a good laugh though, by the fourth or fifth take everything has usually clicked into place.
What’s the biggest challenge putting the film together, for example, how long do shoots last and what technical challenges do you face?
It’s hard to say what the biggest challenge is as it varies from shoot to shoot. More often than not it’s usually to do with, for example, getting permission to film or finding out who to contact for permission and cost, adapting the setup and power to the location. Lighting can also be problematic especially on outdoor shoots when you need to start getting generators and miles of power cables involved. Weather is also a constant pain!
You tend to focus on South West bands, which bands big or small, are you eager to film next?
I’m not so sure I do focus on SW bands, I think given I’m based in Exeter I just come into contact a lot with the local bands, but I’d say it’s still less than I get approached by London based groups. Having said that the music coming out of the South West and in particular Exeter is pretty incredible. When I first moved down here I was sceptical that the scene could compare to what I was leaving in London. I was so wrong! My first night at the Cavern blew me away, there are some amazing bands coming out from down here who are set for very big things. The only band I would really really aspire to work with would be Nine Inch Nails. Fingers crossed!
For anyone looking to get into making music videos, what tips do you have?
Get out there and do it! Contact bands, offer to work for them for free, don’t get dissapointed by rejection. Don’t get hung up on gear, use what you can and make it work. Eventually you’ll find yourself with a decent portfolio and bands will be contacting you.
Carl Shanahan, thank you
• The D+CFilm International Open Screening takes place at the Exeter Phoenix during Two Short Nights, on Friday, November 27 at 6.30pm. Tickets cost £3 (£2.50). To book call the box office on 01392 667080
(image: from Carl Shanahan‘s site)
