Meg & Dia "Roses" (Dir: Lex Halaby)
A video I directed for Pop Rock duo Meg&Dia for their Warner Brother/Doghouse Records release. Would love to hear what some of the other regulars have to say. All forms of comments and feedback are welcome. Thanks.
considering not very inspiring song (and presumably quite a strict pop line from the record co), that's not bad. i like the photograph imagery - but felt like it could've done with more variation upon the sitting-on-floor performance - cam just tracked back & forward a bit too many times. also looked pretty 'shiny' (but they probably liked that) - am assuming it was video shot to look like film? or maybe just a bit too much treatment in post? dunno. but nice work.
Thanks loz. Yeah we stayed pretty true to the Pop aesthetic and then added a slight curve ball with a little darker imagery. It was shot on HD with color correction by Marshall Plante at The Syndicate in Santa Monica, CA.
it feels conflicted, the song is very pop sentimental but it seems like you wanted a Fincher type aesthetic but then dumbed it down to match their cuteness. cinemetography and set design are great; it's just the song and terribly cheesey girls. and the slow motion bit with the leaves.
plore, appreciate the feedback. It's always a tough when approaching a pop/rock video. You want to strike a balance and don't want to fall too far on either end of the spectrum. The band's demographic is mostly teenages and obviously making the girls look good was high on the priority list. However, I think we did a good job of adding a darker tone and theme, while still maintaining flattering shots throughout. DP: Johnny Ching, PD: Bradd Fillmann.
Really pretty, Lex. I guess I would have liked to know more about the creepy guy who's taking pictures, but then again, maybe that makes me creepy. The look is super pop and crisp and clean but still dark. Nice.
great that a major finally saw your talent from the rock indie world and gave you the opportunity to direct a pop video. look forward seeing the Bad Religion video.
I really love the crisp look. The dark tone adds a weight and maturity to the band, and therefore the song, that separates it from the usual teen pop video. Personally, I think you very successfully answered to the challenge of an appropriate and engaging tone, which is the true hallmark of great directing.
