Arcade Fire Video on Pitchfork
Posted by Jay C. on November 14th, 2007
Filed under: Personal Projects, Music
Today I was lucky enough to have my film-school-made-fan-video for The Arcade Fire’s ‘Neighborhood #2 (Laika)’ posted on Pitchfork. I had recently seen a post about a great fan-made Joanna Newsome video, so I figured I’d send them a link and see what happens. Surprisingly, they posted the video today and I’m thrilled. This is just one step closer to my goal of making Tomas Bajuk an international superstar. Here’s the write up:
The Arcade Fire, doing it for the kids. Fan of the band Jay Cheel made this video for a film school project a few months after the release of some record called Funeral, with the Montreal-based indie rockers’ permission. Shot on 16mm film, the clip swaps out the actual Arcade Fire for a likeable cast of school children. Wearing ties, the kids rock out “Neighborhood #2 (Laika)” in preparation for the big talent show. One dude sits in class, looking bored behind a copy of Macbeth; a girl passes him a terse missive: “Come on Alex you can do it.” It’s really a classic work, dude.
But the surprising star of the video is the mustached, bespectacled gym coach, whose subtle humor could make you forget that “Neighborhood #2 (Laika)” probably has something to do with a Russian space dog (unless you already did?). With the offbeat presence of a Napoleon Dynamite character, the coach stands out even though he’s only a minor character. He eventually shows up to see the kid band perform on the talent show stage, nodding his head to the urgent beat. At last, he and three other judges render their verdict: 9.7.
Tom’s in the army now, hunting down Bin Laden. Hopefully he’s got an internet connection. Thanks Pitchfork!
November 16th, 2007 16:34
I enjoyed your video. Are you going to make more now that you have the HDVX? Also did you get that 35 mm lens adapter yet? If so what do you think of it?
November 19th, 2007 12:14
I hope to make some more music videos in the future. Just have to find some good bands to do it with!
As for the lens adapter, haven’t used it yet. But I am starting a new project that might call for it. I’ll let you know how it goes.
February 11th, 2008 16:36
I just got around to listening to the first episode of Cantankerous. It was pretty entertaining, you play music through most of it but it works since the levels are too loud and the tracks complement the theme or topic quite well. Are you going to do any more recordings? The story about foiling the attempted robbery is pretty crazy.
April 16th, 2008 22:46
hello, your mockumentary for guitar hero was brilliant, and the arcade fire video was as well. do you attend film school in new york city?
May 5th, 2008 20:40
Hey Julia,
I do not. I attended film school in a little town called Welland, Ontario. I’m three years out now and currently working for a video game company called Silicon Knights in St.Catharines, Ontario. A long way from the majestic streets of NYC.
May 22nd, 2008 03:42
The hard part about making music videos is finding good bands! I’ve been gravitated towards doing a fan video myself.