The music video art form allows filmmakers and artists to explore some really different styles and subjects over the course of a few videos. Just over a month ago, we chatted with Michael Lawrence about he and Alex Amolings fun and hilarious I Turn On by Slam Donahue. Their latest video, "Go To Sleep, Mess" by Day Joy, is much darker, dealing with topics like addiction and emotional trauma. We talked to Michael about the video, casting co-director Alex Amoling as the lead role, and working with a child actor in a dark video.
Doug: Despite the lyrics of the song dealing with similar subject matter as the video, was it difficult to get the band on board with such a dark concept? Or were they looking for something dark?
Michael: When Peter and Michael (of Day Joy) first approached me about doing a video, they immediately said that they wanted to push the limits of what an audience would feel comfortable watching. We went back and forth with a concept (which originally was MUCH darker) and decided upon a naturalistic approach. I wanted to tell a story that was everyday, approachable - and even more heart-breaking and disturbing as a result of that. The unfortunate truth is that this is the kind of thing that happens every day, all over the world.
Doug: Was casting Alex as the adult in the video done as a necessity, or did you cast him by choice?
Michael: We were very limited on budget and time, as I was leaving to shoot an ad abroad later that week. Alex, who's worked as an editor (and recently as a co-director on a few projects) is not only one of my best friends, but also an insanely talented actor. He fit the part perfectly, look-wise, and really immersed himself in the part, bringing it to a whole new level.
Doug: What do you guys do there technically for the scenes of Alex drinking? Do you empty out a rum bottle and fill it with apple juice, or is Alex more of a method actor and you guys used real booze?
Michael: While I could totally see Alex going all method on us, drinking a bottle is scotch in a motel room.... we used apple juice. Kelly Thomas, our PD, was there to wrangle props and keep the bottle levels consistent.
Doug: Rylee Jones is also great in the video, what was his casting process like - were you looking for someone who looks like Alex? What was it like working with a child actor in a role like this?
Michael: Rylee was absolutely fantastic! I'm still totally blown away by his performance. He is actually a family friend of Alex, and had done some theatre before. They also happen to look a lot alike. It was his first time acting for film. At first, he was frightened by the Steadicam behemoth contraption, and the blood and dark subject matter. With his parents on hand, we offered to cook him whatever breakfast he wanted. It was his idea to have the pancakes with syrup in there! As the day went on, he grew more comfortable with the role. It was a bit tricky - we had to shoot for VFX, and get specific moments from him, but also not over-direct. We explained the role to him, and that it was all fake, for a movie. Scene-to-scene we would be more descriptive, bringing him slowly into the world. By the end of the day, he was running with the direction. I really can't emphasize how great a job he did.
Doug: Your videos have been shot all over the world, was there something specific about Maine that you thought would work best for this video?
Michael: When we were first developing the concept, it became very apparent that the film would be most effective, most relatable if it was shot in a small American town, preferably in New England. It was important that this be a place that is familiar to most of us. We wanted to explore what goes on begins closed doors, what happens over time to the idyllic childhood. In a way, we were able to question the quintessential American dream, and bring some light to the topic of mental health through a neutral, relatable landscape.
