GIVE THE GUY(S) A HAND!!!

Yo! Just a quick update on a couple of things over the last few weeks.

Big releases for the bands I've made music videos for showcasing their new albums.

First up - BLACK NEON KNIGHTS

The band dropped with first album 'RISE UP' on the 19th February. And yes, while I could be very biased about it, I still like to think I know bad music from good.  As for this album?  Its a belter full of riffs and energy.  It's a must listen if you're a fan of Pearl Jam, Black Sabbath, and Alice in Chains.  The band are tight, the songs well written, and chock full of great riffs.

I'm genuinely happy with the work I did for the band.  I tried to give them something new and original than the usual rock music videos, to try and show the energy the songs have while being visually arresting to the viewer.

I honestly feel the band can take that next step and hopefully get signed up.  So if you like any of the videos and more importantly the music, show some love and buy the album from the links below to help em out and keep them going.

Buy on AMAZON
Buy on iTunes
Buy the CD

Follow the guys below -
TWITTER
FACEBOOK

And here's my contribution below.  You can check out behind the scenes photo's and promotional guff over on our FACEBOOK page.

Next up - MERRIN

I've known the band since my University days and see them go from strength to strength.  Their second EP is called 'MIDNIGHT MOVIES' that was released 1st March.

Again, could not be more impressed.  In the genre of bands that emerge from movie soundtracks of the 80's heavily influenced by Tangerine Dream, John Carpenter, Goblin, MERRIN have moved up a gear with this album.

The album is more focused and balanced than their previous release 'DOOM CINEMA'.  With the added percussion and synth arrangements widening the scope, the album has a lot of prog-rock influences behind it with the likes of Mogwai being a major influence for me.

As for my input you can read about the history HERE.  It's a video that is dirty, grimy, and not for everyone as it's very uncomfortable. This is something that fits the band and the new album, especially with the redux version of the song Henry Kane.

Again, show the band some love and pick up a copy of the album.  And for you budding filmmakers, if you love the sound and want them to work on your films, give them a shout!

Buy the ALBUM

Follow them here -

TWITTER

FACEBOOK

Here's some publicity from SLAUGHTERED BIRD too

Enjoy the video!

Stay tuned for more new updates for a few projects we've got lined up!

See ya on the flip side...Danny

The Wind-down 2015: PART ONE

Howdy.  This turned from just the one month blog to the end of the year one.  So sit back, relax, and I hope I don't bore you to death.

Had a busy arle year so I'll hit you up with what's been going down:

MUSIC VIDZ

Two music videos leathered for this year that I've produced, written, and directed.  A personal record especially from a one-man-band style operation.

Both videos were for the rock band Black Neon Knights for two singles - RISE UP and 'NECROMANCER'

You can read about the production and release of 'Necromaner' HERE and HERE

'RISE UP' is the latest taken from their soon to be released album in February. You can also check out the history HERE

It's a cracking rock tune and I love what the guys are churning out.  The lads were happy with the video as its something unique to the usual rock music video style.

Again, I can't thank all the people involved (see previous BLOGS) enough.  If you ain't caught it, check it out below.

Feedback has been really great. There's a sense of the unexpected with it and you don't really know where the video is going until it goes completely off the rails. Lots of praise for the visuals which was a huge incentive for the project in the first place and something I'm most pleased about.  A lot of time and effort went in to creating the authentic VHS look which, while now a cliched style to use, is often not done in the right way.  Aspect ratios and the colour drain plays a huge part that worked well in offsetting the band footage before opening it up with the full HD footage.

I'm really happy with how it turned out.  Some kind words from Chris Barnes over at SLAUGHTERED BIRD horror site, as well as the nicest's guys in horror Mr Liam 'Banjo' Regan and Andy 'INK' Stewart capped it all off.

Might be small time for some people, but fuck you it's prolific from me (hehe)

Please head over to the FACEBOOK page to check out TONS of behind the scenes photos and concept art. It's a good little insight into the production on how the video became.

NEW WEBSITE

Designed and launched this bad-boy earlier in the year.

Check it out and share for all your music video needs.  Feedback is welcome.

http://www.dereksdontrunfilms.com/

SCRIPT-LIFE

Other personal highlights include actually ranking in a big screenplay competition.

While I do appreciate reaching the semi-final, you have to win it. You don't get anything for 2nd place.  But what it does do it gives you that push to say "Hey, it's not all shite that you're doing" so keep going.

I met one of the finalists, Ben Stiener (director of the multi-award winning short 'The Stomach') and hope it gives him a big push. Really good guy.    

COMFORT ZONE

In addition to the above, I've been dipping my toe is things outside my comfort zone. I'm currently collaborating/helping out with a writer I met on the Creative England course from last year, Rachael Genn.

I've tried to give her a helping hand organising script read-through's with a drama group for her comedy series. In addition to helping her direct a section for a unique pitch video for a installation she's trying to get funding for.

We've worked well together and its been a lot of fun. It's great to collaborate with people like this and remove myself from my own little bubble.  I just hope I don't fuck it up.

So, keep an eye out for my festival travel blog as well as my top films for 2015.

As for 2016?  I've got plans.  The music video gigs should take a step up. The writing should get more of a push. And...well...hopefully get a narrative short off the ground.

Thanks for everyone who's helped out over the year. I met some new friends all on the edge of doing exciting things. Stay tuned and don't forget to holla atcha boy!

See ya on the flip side....Danny.