Instant Video #30 — I Had Hid by Tammy Lin Foreman (4 min. 2009) Directed, shot, and edited by Lester Alfonso for the collaborative weekly video project that ran from 2008 to 2010.
Check out also: The Instant Video Showcase and Before Instant Videos featuring videos prior to the Instant Video project and broadcast on CBC’s ZeD TV. Audio tracks are available for purchase on Tammy Lin Foreman’s Bandcamp page.
Down and Dirty
Friday, June 12, 2009
Instant Video #30 wouldn’t be the first video for this song of Tammy’s.
This is flashing back a few years ago when we lived in Toronto; another late night. I was experimenting with my new editing system. I decided to make Tammy a video for a song she had just finished mixing. I was working on a National Geographic special at the time and this public domain footage literally just fell onto my lap. It was a spontaneous marriage of sound and image – so crazy it seemed to work.
I Had Hid went on to be screened in a film festival and was broadcast on national television in 2002.
I’m a bit surprised that Tammy wants to do this song again. Old feelings are brought up. But it also feels right.
It’s nighttime so we have no light to work with. I thought I could stretch the “using only available light” parameters and shoot it all by candlelight. Then, I thought, what would happen if I played with the candles a bit… It kinda reminds me of the magnifying glass video.
Sepia plus the candles equals an old fashioned look. Maybe Tammy can wear an old lace dress. I want to put her on a wheeled platform and pull her through the spooky hallways of a haunted mansion led by flying candles.
Then, as quickly as it came, the inspiration turns to disgust. Take two? Really? No. I’ve lost faith in this idea. Flying candles? Wha?
But now I have a demo…for something. Maybe put together an Instant Video compilation reel of failed attempts. That could be funny. See! There’s a reason for everything.
Try again tomorrow. The gear stays put; same location. Nothing changes, except… “All I know,” Tammy says the next day, “Is that Tom Feenstra painting has to be in this one.”
Pause. “Okay,” I say. “I can work with that.” So. Tammy puts up the painting and I focus my lens on its details… Another sudden flashback.
I have to summon a wild abandon now. I have to call up my inner giddy cameraman. He’ll make some mirthful sense out of my everyday. His eye will wander off and find distraction.
It’s finally uploaded now. After eight tries, I think this one will finally work. If I had to do it again. I’d make Tammy do some gardening first and then shoot the video with some mud on her hands. Close up: muddy hands on the keyboard. Get down and dirty.
I Had Hid by Tammy Lin Foreman You know I never meant to hurt you And I can't believe I did I'm sorry that all the things I just said I had hid, I had hid, I had hid, I had hid I did I really should have told you sooner Why did I wait so long? Coz you thot that we were getting closer But I didn't feel that strong It was so little to me And so big to you I thot that you'd begin to see But you never did see thru I had to tell it to your face I don't feel the same as you And now you're gone but there's a trace Of everything I've held on to I had hid, I had hid, I had hid, I had hid
posted by Lester Alfonso at 1:16 PM 1 comments
so soulful. love this instant-video / song
Unknown August 13, 2009 at 12:16 AM