FOLIO
by jack diablo
Remember music videos? Once upon a time there was this channel on TV that used to play them all the time, in fact there were several. Somewhere along the way the powers that be decided they weren’t profitable enough or something and changed their programming to include banal reality TV shows about whiny, over-privileged brats, frat boy pranks and ridiculous car mods. The music video seemed to fade into obscurity.
While I’m pretty sure nobody watches MTV anymore, YouTube and Vimeo have made getting exposure for your homemade or independent music video as easy and painless as checking your Facebook page. National acts are still making music videos which have also found a new home on that great equalizer, the interwebs. The playing field has been leveled and it’s never been easier to show off what you can do.
At the beginning of the year I predicted on Urban Jacksonville Weekly that 2010 would become the year of the music video revival, locally at least. When it came time for my band to make a video of our own, we sought the help of local artist and owner of the Fox Restaurant, Ian Chase, to film, direct and produce it. We had the vision and he provided the skills. Of course I think it turned out to be one hell of a collaboration. When the finished product posted, I blew it up, posting it everywhere I could and the feedback made all the hard work worth it. Experiencing the process and watching it with my friends when it finally went online was one of the most fun things I’ve done, probably ever.
There have been several music videos from local bands that have made their way online, but only those who know they are there have seen them. The movement is growing so it’s time to take things to the next level. After watching the music video program at the Citrus Cel Animation Festival, I thought it would be awesome to put together a festival to highlight the rich and creative talent found right here in Jacksonville. So with the help of some friends, we are putting together a music video festival and contest to be held at the 5 Points Theatre in conjunction with the August First Fridays.
Consider this your call to arms local bands! While the details are still being ironed out, it’s time to get to work. Find yourself a camera or a friend with some video skills and create that video idea that’s been swirling around in your brain. The tentative deadline for submissions is July 15. A limited number of finalists will be chosen to air at the event and awesome prizes (to be determined) will be awarded to the winners of several categories. We’ll view every video that comes in but this is the time to put your best foot forward and really create something you can be proud of.
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