Case Study
“My experience working with Brad as a director/videographer during the video of my song “Addictions” was exponentially better than other talent I have worked with in the past. Brad is thorough, organized, and always professional. He has the rare ability to channel his creative ideas with logical reasoning, which allows him to execute his visions. I plan on working with Brad as much as possible in the future and I would recommend the same for any artist trying to take their visual brand to the next level.”
Comic “Addictions” Music Video
Discovery
Comic is not your average funny guy — he’s a Detroit hip hop artist. His lyrics are witty and his flow is impeccable. Comic’s 2021 album “Press Start” paints a narrative of life post-pandemic and reflects about childhood memories.
Our producers acutely listened to the Comic’s “Addiction” song to extrapolate the narrative and mood. We derived a two-column script that breaks down 3 set designs, including one green screen, and accommodates various lighting environments.
Our strategy was to produce a cohesive branded music video, photo set, and designs to promote Comic’s “Addiction” music video.
Photography
The photo set revolved around an isolated bar scene. We captured various images that could be used for the album cover, show behind the scenes of the video, and share on social media channels.
We chose a black and white color palette to compliment the timeless vibes of the 2021 “Press Start” album.
Graphic Design
We chose a cursive script and white labelled font to match the tone of Comic. The visual design that will be used for the thumbnail of the video reveals some character — the Comic’s portrait is being split into two personalities by his addictions.
We rendered a black and white version of the “Addictions” font to wrap into the final album art design.
Design for Portrait Video Thumbnail
Portrait Video for Social Media
Video Production
Wrangling the details of 3 set designs, props, equipment, and organizing the logics can be challenging. Our pre-production documents outlined the days minute by minute agenda to compliment the various scenes.
Comic is transported to his childhood memories — we green screened his performance into the backdrop of Mario Kart to match the lyrics and sound effects in the song.
Lonely bar scene — check!
After Comic dialogues to himself over a whiskey on the rocks, his second personality is revealed. We directed this scene so that the 2 versions of the Comic, would be interacting with each other lyrically and with body language.
We output the video as a standard 16:9 HD video for Youtube. Additionally, we created a portrait video that included black and white images to letterbox the music video. This portrait video is designed for social media — as a vertical video it is favorited in the algorithm, increases your plays, and is a fun way to display a portrait design of the song’s Album Artwork.
Comic “Bits” Music Video
Video Production
After a very successful first music video, Comic and Crystal & Rose decided to team up and make a second video. “Bits” holds a catchy beat and serves as a powerful introduction to Comic.
Microphone — Check.
Stool — Check.
Projector — Check.
After acutely listening to “Bits” on repeat, we decided that it was going to need some far-out visuals to bring this song to life. We edited some archival footage that matched the tone and lyrics of the song. We found a shoot location that could accommodate a large enough projection to accommodate the synchronized visuals. Then, we just needed one more thing — the talent.
Comic — Check.
Similar to the common theme in the first video — we decided to reveal the dual personality of Comic.
The first half of the video is centered around a buttoned-up Comic with clever punch lines. Halfway through the video, Comic gets more aggressive energy, the background gets a bit darker, and he loses the blazer.
The video ends in with Comic being winded after a impressive string of witty lyrics.
Social Media & Podcasting Strategy
Two premium music videos are great! — but how do we get the word out there? And keep the conversation rolling?
Crystal & Rose strategized with Comic to develop a social media strategy that would support ongoing video, photography, and podcasting content that will help him connect with his audience.
The podcast will feature interviews and freestyles with other hip hop artists, comics, and various talents.
Comic will release the new album in September 2021. The new podcast to be released in October or November 2021.
