Wieden+Kennedy London, production company Immigrant Studio, and music sync company Wake the Town collaborated on this music video for music band Metronomy. The new film, “With Balance,” was ideated by W+K creative directors Lucas Reis and Charlie Lanus, with Reis making his directorial debut. “With Balance” is Metronomy’s second single off its upcoming EP, “Posse EP Volume 2,” under indie record label Ninja Tune.
The film takes viewers on an emotional journey alongside a central character who receives a pivotal phone call. Confronted by change, they delve into reflections on a relationship and navigate their own memories while on a swing set. Shot primarily in two extended takes, the video seamlessly integrates a virtual LED stage with practical elements. ”With Balance” stars actress Angela Bundalovic, who recently played the lead in the Nicolas Winding Refn series Copenhagen Cowboy on Netflix. The music video also features the vocalists on the track: Naima Bock and Joshua Idehen.
“The song has a meditative, hypnotic feel to it. Lyrically, we interpreted it as a reflection of a relationship that swings backwards and forwards,” said Brazilian-born director Reis. “The Portuguese word for a swing is ‘balanço,’ which has a lot to do with the single itself. A swing felt like a universally relatable device to visually represent this journey, and the fixed camera on a human face has always been a powerful tool to convey emotions and take listeners through a song.”
Though deceptively simple in its premise, “With Balance” itself was a technological challenge; capturing the feeling of swinging through a myriad of worlds with no cuts. However, the decision to dive into the technical details was primarily motivated by the creative idea. To achieve this, the film was shot on the world’s first full 360° LED stage in Copenhagen, Denmark, under the guidance of production facility house Nordisk Film ShortCut.
Speaking about what drew them to the project, Immigrant founder Rodrigo Saavedra explains, “I think this idea just jumped out from the moment it was committed to paper. Monstrously simple and yet somehow original. That’s what drew us in—this striking visual conceit that also perfectly matched the song.”
The music video for “With Balance” is available on Metronomy’s social channels, including Instagram and YouTube, as well as the band’s official website. Metronomy’s upcoming EP, “Posse EP Volume 2,” is slated to be released on July 12.
CreditsClient Ninja Tune, label; Metronomy’s “With Balance” Agency Wieden+Kennedy London Lucas Reis, Charlie Lanus, creative directors; Rodrigo Saavedra, creative consultant. Production Company Immigrant Lucas Reis, director; Phie Hansen, producer; Jacob Møller, DP; Jude Kimuli, 1st AD; Gustav Pontoppidan, production designer; Åsa Maria Camnert, stylist; Barbara Austfjörð Joensen, make-up. Sync Company Wake the Town Virtual Production and VFX Shortcut.dk Martin Madsen, Mads Buus, virtual production supervisors; Julie Klitgaard, virtual production producer. Editorial Trim Editing Paul Harcastle, editor; Jacques Simon, editor assistant; Noreen Khan, edit producer. Online & Color Rascal Post James Bamford, colorist; James Beck, head of production; Matt Towell, exec producer. Sound Design 750mph Sam Ashwell, sound designer. Cast Angela Bundalovic, Naima Bock, Joshua Idehen. Special Thanks to: Art Official Agency, Kasper Notlev, Pernille Holm, Aran Patterson, Hannah Smit, Filipe Birck, Robson Barreto, Anna Arnell, Ana and Hermeti Balarin, André Mezzomo, Clara Behrmann, Helena Chamon, Shortcut LED Stage
The Best Work You May Never See: Ad Council, U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs, GSD&M, Director Andre Muir Show Us “The Bravest Thing”
As Suicide Prevention Month begins, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Ad Council teamed with agency GSD&M to roll out PSAs for their national campaign: “Don’t Wait. Reach Out.” The initiative, which started in 2021, urges Veterans who are facing challenges to visit VA.gov/REACH, a comprehensive website that helps them access the many resources available.
The PSAs, including this one titled “The Bravest Thing,” were directed by Andre Muir of production house SMUGGLER. “The Bravest Thing” acknowledges that it can be hard for Veterans to reach out if they’re struggling--but in the eyes of their loved ones, seeking help is an act of bravery. By featuring Veterans alongside their friends and family, the film encourages Veterans to open up if they’re struggling and reminds everyone that they can play a role in supporting Veterans in their lives.
“When a Veteran is ready to reach out, VA is ready to provide services and support. One of the bravest things Veterans can do is ask for help,” said Dr. Matthew Miller, executive director, VA Office of Suicide Prevention. “These new messages are powerful and compassionate additions to the ‘Don’t Wait. Reach Out.’ campaign that features the voices of loved ones, underscoring the vital role that family and friends play in supporting Veterans. We all play a role in suicide prevention and this call to action engages community and connections, which are crucial in preventing Veteran suicide. Through this campaign, we can spread hope that Veterans, and all of us, can overcome crises and difficult life challenges.”
6,392 Veterans lost their lives to suicide in 2021, according to the latest data from the 2023 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report.... Read More