GETTING ALRIGHT

A few months ago, I was asked by a friend of mine if I'd be interested in directing a music video for a local band on STOMP Records. I, of course, jumped on the opportunity. Ever since wrapping Conversion, my directing "oeuvre" had been limited to little experiments with my iPhone, or tinkering with public-domain footage. To do something more or less legitimate was something that was definitely music to my ears (pun intended).

When I heard the song, "Get Alright" by Ska•Soul•Rock'n'Roll sensation The Fundamentals, I was immediately hooked (as was every single person within earshot). Along with the song, I was forwarded the band's concept notes, in the form of crude storyboards. These, while ambitious, were not the most interesting I'd seen (it reminded me of the plethora of SoCal Ska-Punk videos produced in the past 20 years). The song was begging for something different. All I knew is that the band were dead-set on featuring their van in the video. Good. Something to start from. I decided to contact the band's sole XX chromosome carrier: Julia Gellman - trumpet player/second vocalist.

I shared my apprehension towards the storyboards they had given me. She, thankfully, told me that these weren't to be taken all that seriously and that I was free to let the song inspire me and come up with something completely new. Good, because I already had. The song is all about having a good time. Julia reiterated that they wanted the video to feature their van, a clunker of sorts that still managed to make it all the way across the Great (not so) White North. That's when I told her about my concept:

"The van breaks down in a bad part of town. They try everything but it just won't turn over. Deciding to make the best of a bad situation, they set up a makeshift campsite and "Get Alright". After a few days of frisbee, BBQ, and awkward sleeping arrangements, they decide to plug their instruments into the van's battery and revive their infamous carriage through the power of their rocking..."

They were an absolute dream to work with and I'm happy to report that you will soon be able to see our second video together!

In the meantime, GET ALRIGHT!

Official video for "Get Alright" by The Fundamentals. From the album Get Alright, available NOW from Stomp Records!

Directed & Edited by Dominic F. Marceau
Concept by Dominic F. Marceau & The Fundamentals
Director of Photography: Josh Usheroff
Produced by Frédéric Tremblay
© 2012 Stomp Records