Ellis Bahl, director of Alt-J‘s acclaimed video for “Breezeblocks”, was kind enough to take some time to chat to Larry Heath about the clip and more!
How did you get involved with working with Alt-J?
I pitched a treatment for Breezeblocks on the commissing site Radar Music Videos.
Can you tell us a little about the concept behind the video and how it came about?
I had been thinking about doing a backwards video and then when I listened to the track the first words were “she may contain the urge to run away so hold her down with soggy clothes and breeze blocks” and an image of a woman submerged in a bathtub with a cinder block on her chest popped into my head.
What did it mean to you to have the video as part of the SXSW Music Video Competition?
It was very exciting! I had been to SXSW once before, but as a journalist. So, I already knew how much fun and how awesome the festival is and I was really stoked to have the video be a part of it. Also, it was an honor to be nominated with such great videos in the category.
There has been some great critical response to the video all around the world, and it made huge waves here in Australia – what do you take away from that sort of response?
It certainly bolsters my ego, but when it comes down to it, I’m just grateful that I get to keep making videos.
Talking more about you now – how did you get started in the world of Music Video Directing?
I decided I wanted to be a director so I bought a camera and a computer. I knew a lot of musicians in Brooklyn, so I started making music videos for them and eventually that grew into a career.
What advice do you have for budding music video directors?
Work harder than you think you should, listen to criticism but don’t take it personally, don’t give up.
Since we first spoke, you’ve moved to Los Angeles – how is the city of angels treating you so far?
I love Los Angeles. I never thought I’d say that. I love the weather, I love being able to go hiking everyday, I love driving, I love the friends I’ve made here, and I love the culture of creativity that exists here. Everybody is down to make stuff with you all the time.
What projects are you working on at the moment?
I’m working with Doomsday Entertainment and Colonel Blimp on super top secret projects that I can’t talk about right now!
And finally – what are 3 of your favourite music videos of all time and why?
Tom Waits – Going Out West
It’s so simple and it’s all about his captivating performance. My girlfriend and I watch this video like 5 times a week. Seriously.
Spike Jonze’s video for Wax: California.
Such a solid concept and near perfect execution. And to think, NO ONE can ever do a man running on fire in slow motion ever again.
And Spike Jonze – LCD Soundsystem, Drunk Girls.
So good, entertaining, and makes fun of music videos and the industry without being corny.
