VIDEO DIRECTOR - UNCUT! (TOPEL LEE)

INTERVIEW WITH (LOCAL OPM) VIDEO DIRECTORS - A SERIES

TOPEL LEE
"LISTEN, LISTEN and LISTEN"

Topel Lee's works besides his filmography were: “Sili Song” by Fatal Posporos, “Baboy” by Radioactive Sago Project, “Hari ng Sablay” by Sugarfree, “Sayang” by Gloc-9, “Hallelujah, Much Has Been Said and F.U.” by Bamboo, “Magbalik” by Callalily, “Kung Wala Ka, Waltz and Pitong Araw” by Hale, “Sandalan and Trip by 6Cyclemind, “Doobidoo” by Kamikazee.

Direk Topel Lee (Christopher Lee) begun lighting his torch of passion for directing was aproximately in college, he said “I directed my first music video when I was still in college. The first video I directed was Fatal Posporo’s “Sili Song.” In exchange for Math 1 exam answers, I directed their music video.”

With Rox Lee and Mon Lee as his models for doing his music video thing, both were experimental filmmakers.

Same necessary clamor you would hear from directors about things that hamper their creative insights into materiality, “incompetent production staff, artists who are full of air, and low budgets,” he explains. He adds, “the main and often constant difficulty I have had to deal with has always been the small budgets I have had to work with for most MV projects.” However, these never compromised his love to do things that he wants and he is supposed to be doing. “For the most part, you have a huge amount of creative freedom... with this kind of freedom you are able to experiment and hone your craft and film making techniques in the process.” Most of all it's how he and some others see and enjoy the fruition of what he has done, he elucidates, “you get to watch your work on TV...Your friends, family, and the rest of the thousands of viewers get to watch the fruits of your labor.”


MORE VIDEO TALKS

Looking back, how bumpy was the road when you were just starting to get your feet wet? The road was not so bumpy because back then, there were only a handful of music video directors.
What's the hardest part in being a music video director? The hardest part would be working with a low budget.

Growing up, did you envision yourself doing this?
No.

What are the common misconceptions about music video directors?
None.

Do you usually base your visual concept on the meaning of the song itself?
Yes.

Does adding visuals to the song make the song more expressive?
What do you think and in what way?
Yes, definitely.

How do you choose song or songs to be made into a music video?
I never choose the song. The recording company, the band or the band’s manager always gives the song assignment to me.

As a particular director with particular taste of music, what type of music or song do you usually directs or interested in making a video?
Rock, Alternative music

Years after years of directing (producing) music video, what is the shortest time you've spent so far to come up with one?
1 week

And the longest one?
2 weeks

As head and director which gives imperatives every now and then, how do you get into terms with the artists themselves?
I do not compromise my concept. I listen to their suggestions but I always make sure that the general concept remains intact.

What segment or part in the music video making that makes you exited or expectant?
The conceptualization stage.

When does a music video takes a lot of finances to make?
When the video is shot using film.

What do you think makes a music video salable in terms of market and popularity?
I think the reasons for this are: (1) the fans get to see their favorite artists, and (2) they get to feel the power of the song visually.

Does making a music video, makes a living too?
Definitely not. It is a good way to start but making music videos only is not enough to keep you afloat.

So far, whose music video you wish you would have directed?
Eraserheads

What would you tell an aspiring music video director?
Be unique. Be creative. Push your boundaries. Experiment.

Would you recommend it to other people who are thinking of going the same route?
Yes.

The greatest lesson a music video director can ever share?
Listen to the music...not just the lyrics of the song, but listen to the beat, the rhythm, the nuances of the instruments and the voice, as well. Feel the music. When you feel the music, images will form in your mind and everything will just flow.


NEXT IN LINE:

WINCY ONG
AVID LIONGOREN
RA RIVERA
CARL DAVID PALISOC
PAUL SORIANO

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Special Thanks to:
Pinoy Mag 5th Anniversary Issue
Released Date: 06 November 2008
Special Feature: MUSIC VIDEO DIRECTORS
Facebook: Pinoy Magazine (official)
And for all the proceeding and preceding articles in this blog.