Nigel Thompson talks Differentology video
Nigel Thompson talks Differentology video
Date: Sat, 01-06-2013Gladiators, horses, swords, spears, axes, mud, mas and hot sun all scream step aside Spartacus, make way for Differentology!
For director Nigel Thompson the concept for the much anticipated Differentology video was clear; it would be theatrical, over the top and as epic as the song itself.
“The idea for the video had been brewing in mind since the song’s release.
Then after the brainstorming session which involved Jarod Faria (marketing and distribution), Alana Ramlal (Marketing Manager) and Bunji Garlin we came up with the concept of merging elements of J’ouvert and the Viking mythology which dominated Garlin’s 2013 Carnival persona. The gladiator aspect was actually used to invoke the spirit of mas man, George Bailey. It also symbolises Carnival, past, present and the future,” said director and CEO of Black Ice entertainment, Nigel Thompson.
The only thing that was left to acquire was the costuming needed to transform Bunji Garlin into the Viking.
After searching online for the props to no avail, a friend assured him that the swords, axes, spears and goatskin capes could be made locally.
So, he got them made and was not disappointed. In fact the final products exceeded his expectations.
So far Thompson is happy that the video has been accepted with open arms for the most part but he knows that there are some people that don’t like it.
Despite the latter Thompson knows everyone has an opinion about the ways things should be done but this is his take on it.
“Soca videos don’t all have to follow the same format. For a long time artistes have been bent on making their music more international sounding, but it has to look that way too. Why should I follow a format that isn’t working, it goes right to a definition of madness. Doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. I’m not knocking fete footage with girls wining in slow mo though, it’s just that it has been done so many times,” said Thompson.
Thompson, who is also the elder brother of the producer of the hit track, Keron Thompson aka Sheriff, added that the elaborate nature of the video was to present more than just a wine and jam video and present something of an artistic nature that would have some sort of shelf life.
“Everyone knows Trinis could wine…and yes Carnival is about that but it’s not all that Carnival expression is. To me, using the costuming of K2K Alliance was symbolic of the future because as fashion is everywhere, even in mainstream Carnival and that where it’s at right now in terms of moving forward in mas creation,” said Thompson.
The video was shot in three days at TCL/Readymix Melau quarry in Valencia and at La Chiva in Maraval.
While shooting the video went well, the editing process was where the real work began.
“My take on film production is not about hustling. It’s about utilising ideas and crafting a product that is worthy to be called art,” said Thompson.
Roughly 20 years ago Thompson started off in TV but viewed it only as a job—something to pay the bills.
After a couple stints at some broadcasting houses he realised that wanted to make it his career.
He was soon working independently developing television commercials and business features.
“It was actually because of others noticing me that I identified something in my work and ideas. People were always telling that my ideas and perception of things were different. I was always interested in starting my own business and I knew that I had to get out of the big business model to be able to nurture and expand my ideas,” said Thompson.
As far directing music videos go, Thompson’s approach is one of honesty. If he doesn’t feel the track he simply can’t do the video.
“I feel songs for what they are. I listen and wait for images to form in my head. Sometimes in flows all together seamlessly, then sometimes it comes as segmented bits of one idea but all in all I’m searching for a story to tell. I like telling stories, and I try to add that dimension to it. Sometimes people get it sometimes they don’t. If you don’t get it shoot me a message and I’ll explain,” said Thompson.
As far as the future is concerned, Thompson has his eyes set on movie making. He has already worked out the concept for his first film and gave us a little sneak peek.
“The movie is going to be a social commentary about life in T&T. It will focus on the evolution and also the devolution of our society throughout the years. But as far as the format of the movie you will have to just wait and see it for yourself,” he said.
