Joe Goddard – ‘Music Is The Answer’ | Shynola

Shynola’s new video for Joe Goddard featuring Jess Mills

Shynola approached me in October 2016 to help shoot some interesting elements for their new video for Joe Goddard. The challenge was to capture 20 singers including Joe and featured artist Jess Mills from 24 cameras simultaneously which encircled the singers.

Each camera was set up identically in terms of height, focal length, capture settings, distance and then locked off for the day. It is so easy to encapsulate that in one sentence but believe me, the set up was an extremely complicated affair. Sourcing the cameras, lenses, tripods, cards, etc was a challenge that the production team at Black Dog took in their stride and I don’t know how they managed it so efficiently.

We had previously chosen an ideal focal length to shoot the talent based on CG pre-vis that Shynola had put together. This gave us a head start on the set up as we knew the expected radius of our circle and the distance between each camera. Marking the centre of the set with a vertical pole with three markers to assist with framing made the process quite straightforward, but it was still a slow and steady process to go through.

We had a regimented sequence for each take to ensure each camera was recording correctly and to try and assist with the post production clip syncing, but I don’t envy the person that had to do that.

We had time to shoot one test which the Shynola guys rendered a quick test of and then we were off.

I’m pleased with my small role in what has turned out to be a stunning visual and emotive triumph.