This year at SXSW, we’re taking the time to chat to the directors of the clips officially selected as part of the music video series at the event. Today we hear from Daniel Garcia, the director of the popular Killer Mike video for “Reagan”, which you can view above.
What was the first music video you directed?
I directed 3 videos at the same time for my first commission. All Stones Throw.
J Dilla – Never Felt Like This
Madvillain – Monkey Suite
Madlib – Take it Back
We had about a month and a half to complete
How did you get involved in it?
My buddies at Adult Swim hooked it up. THANKS JASON.
They’ve always been good at pushing good music. Finally got their own lable too… Williams St. Records. Def check that shit out
Did you jump right into the directors chair or did you work on other videos in other ways previously?
All my videos are a collaborative effort. I have a good team that supports the projects, and would be lost without them. Props to Michelle Higa, Steve Choo, Harry Teitelman, and Jessica Milazzo.
What advice would you give to first time music video directors?
1. Smile on set (keeps everyone relaxed)
2. Dont dump your own money into it
Keep it reasonable, and mind the budget. Just cause you see it done a million times on TV and movies doesn’t mean its cheap and easy… especially when you’re green.
How did you come to work with Killer Mike?
Through Williams St records
How long did the project take?
One and a half months
How did the idea for the video itself originate?
The song is heavy. We wanted to do something that would compliment it and give it some added value. it was important to have some humor in the piece otherwise it would just be too overwhelming.
Were you a fan Killer Mike before you got involved?’
Yup!
What does it mean to have the clip as part of SXSW?
Lots of emails flooding your inbox.
What are you looking forward to seeing while you’re at SXSW?
Evil Dead. The trailer looks fuckin scary, and i’m a fan of the original.
Have you got anything else in the pipeline you can tell us about?
Aiming to shoot a narrative short this summer about the moon and where children’s teeth go. There’s another music video in the works as well, but I don’t want to jinx it by discussing. It would be a fantasy piece as well
Beyond what you’re working on now, where do you hope that working on a video like this leads? What are your aspirations/goals?
I take it day to day. I’m a nerd at heart so i love playing with new gear.
Would love to take on some longer form projects although I’m very happy working on commercial projects at the moment. I’ve been fortunate to have some great clients that offer creative freedom and a budget to play with.
And finally, what are your 3 favourite music videos of all time?
That’s like asking someone their favorite band. it constantly changes…
Off the top of my head i would say:
Fever Ray – If I had a Heart
Royksopp – What else is there
& Killer Mike – Big Beast ( my buddy Tom Bingham did it)
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Director Daniel Garcia’s animated music video for Killer mike, “Reagan”, will screen as part of SXSW’s official music video competition on March 11th, 13th and 16th. Check out the details here: http://schedule.sxsw.com/2013/events/event_FS14255
