Wintec students spend summer face down on video
Flynn Walker (left) and Ben Wilson (right) in the Wintec studio where the music video 'Face Down' was filmed.
Wintec Communication student, Ben Wilson gave up his summer holidays at the beach to stay inside, filming and editing his first music video with music student, Flynn Walker.
The result, nineteen year-old Ben says, is now the highlight of his study (so far) and this week, Flynn's song, Face Down was released on YouTube.
It all started when Ben heard about Wintec’s School of Media Arts' ‘special topic’ paper that gives students the flexibility to explore a creative project of their choice. He jumped at the opportunity.
“As a creative person, this paper really appealed to me. There were no restrictions, I could just go for it!” says Ben.
The all-round creative, who’s passion also lies in theatre and performing arts, says he’s always on the look-out for exciting things to film.
“If you’re into cinematography and video production, you want to connect with musicians as you can visually push boundaries in music videos. I’ve always wanted to do a music video and this paper helped me to achieve this dream,” he adds.
Ben reconnected with emerging musician Flynn Walker, an old high school friend who had just signed up to study Wintec’s Bachelor of Music and Performing Arts and was keen to collaborate on a music video.
Flynn explained the songs’ inspiration and conception and, after bouncing ideas off one another, Ben created storyboards and the overall concept.
Ben researched 70s and 80s fashion before scouring thrift shops for costumes and props.
“We used my grandfather’s boots that he’s had since the 80’s and had to include a double denim outfit in there too!”, laughs Ben.
Inspired by variety TV and live music specials, Ben was able to employ a number of film techniques he’d never used before.
Determined to ensure the finished result was professional, Ben got hands-on, building plinths for the set as measurements for filming had to be very specific.
Following some trial and error shooting footage in a garage, Ben realised the video needed be created in a controlled environment so used Wintec’s purpose-built recording studio and editing suite.
“Being able to work with an awesome musician and create a video from scratch has been a major highlight of my study so far,” concludes Ben who is now hooked on the experience and seeking out further work that enables him to connect with other creatives.
Check out ‘Face Down’ on Youtube.
Find out more about Wintec’s Music and Communication programmes here.
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