Music videos are a way for artists to express their songs further, create an aesthetic for their brand, or just simply express themselves. When music artists release their music videos, their fans would be so excited to watch and support their favorite singer or band, with a serious case of LSS coming their way right after putting it on replay.
There are a lot of music videos to see online and on tv, catering everyone with different tastes in music. Here are the favorite music videos of your 24 Frames officers and why they’re worth your time.
1. Up & up – coldplay
chris holgado’s pick
Coldplay’s “Up and Up” is made by filmmakers Vania Heymann and Gal Muggia. Chris said that this music video resonated with him. “Its surrealism combined with the song itself propels me into an airborne feeling.”
He adds, “Up&Up is one of the unique music videos I’ve seen in various times. It’s ability to send me afloat is the feeling that I look for from every other music. While other music might give me a relaxing freefall, Up&Up’s music video gives the type of flying that replaces excess thoughts with inspiring fragments of ideas.”
The dreamlike imagery of this music video got an award for Best Visual effects at the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards.
2. sisikat ka, iha – bita and the botflies
gel pande’s pick
Gel’s favorite would be another surreal music video called “Sisikat Ka, Iha” by Bita and the Botflies. With its psychedelic illustrations and theme, Gel explained that the band was brave to tackle the topic about women. “Their topic of choice was sensitive, but the execution of the music video was effective, with the moving illustrations and psychedelic style backing up the message of the song.”
3. usisa – bullet dumas
zia nape’s pick
Zia’s choice would be Bullet Dumas’ “Usisa”. She said that the music video “showed that as a Filipino artist, Bullet really wants to speak up and fight for what he stands for using his talent. However, the government and the society are against his views of making a change in our society.” She adds that she’s inspired by the music video’s cinematography. “The style of the visuals in the video is the style that I want to do in the future.”
4. Nothin’ on you – b.o.b. ft. bruno mars
melissa garcia’s pick
Melissa said that Nothin’ On You is her favorite because she liked how this kind of music video is a creative alternate for the usual “cinematic” music videos that we know. “I love the part where there are cut-outs [of girls] of different races. For me, it is a big deal because it is one of our issues for a long time, which is interracial relationships.”
5. the writings on the wall – ok go
ella mariano’s pick
Ella has chosen “The Writings on the Wall”. She said that this music video has stood out to her among all their catalog. “I started to find out about their band when Ian Eastwood, a famous dancer, danced for their music video / advertisement for a phone brand. When I looked for their other videos online, I realized that OK Go loves to get creative on their music videos. The Writing’s on the Wall stood out for me out of all their other videos because I have always wanted to do art illusion murals. This music video is a one-take video where they walk around a huge room filled with art illusions, with the band also being a part of the illusions. It’s visually pleasing to the eye for anyone who’ll watch it.” She adds, ” After watching this music video, I told myself, “I wish I could’ve thought of this concept first” because it was done so smoothly. For sure, a lot of work was done behind the scenes, but I know it’s going to be worth it, seeing that after the music video ended, the crew came out behind the walls with smiles of relief on their faces.”
6. me – taylor swift ft. brendon urie
joshua asi’s pick
Joshua said that “Me” by Taylor Swift is his favorite music video. “I like the colors used in the music video, as well as the transitions that they’ve used. As for the concept of the video, you have to think it through to understand the message behind it – like how the song related to the video.”
7. empty – kevin abstract
angela apostol’s pick
Angela explained how “Empty” by Kevin Abstract is one of her favorites. “It tackles the struggles of the LGBTQ+ which is very important for me because artists should use their platforms to raise awareness upon the issue. The storytelling may be very simple, but it still brings an impact to the viewers. You’ll feel the emotions brought by the characters in the video despite having no dialogue.”
8. sanctuary – joji
dean pineda’s pick
Dean explained why his favorite music video is “Sanctuary” by Joji. “The music video gives off a retro Star Trek kind of vibe which contributes to its aesthetic. It is set in outer space, which is very cool in my opinion. The song itself is lovely and endearing. It has a memorable story that corresponds to its wonderful lyrics. The concept of the music video is about sacrifice, how you can do anything to give life to the person you love for them be happy.”
9. walang hanggan – quest
zel salcedo’s pick
Walang Hanggan is Zel’s favorite because she loves the way Quest write his songs. “The way he created the lyrics was astonishing and well written as it talked about the love that was left for him. The words play well with how he wants the story is written.” She added that the music video gave more meaning for the song. “When I first watched the music video, I was full of awe since the script and the song was a great combination for a quality story. After I watched it, I remembered crying and clapping my hands because it really brought my heart and mind to tears. I even told myself that I want to create a quality script and song like it.”
10. caroline – amine
martin pastor’s pick
Martin’s choice is Amine’s “Caroline”. He explained that he’s biased since Caroline is one of his most favorite songs of all time. He adds, “I actually do love the music video for it because of its simplicity and the color grading which is very lively and makes use of the color yellow abundantly which is also one of my most favorite colors.”
11. baliw – coln
lloyd canilang’s pick
For Lloyd, “Baliw” by COLN is his favorite. “This is my favorite music video because they started from scratch. The people behind this is a group of friends who vlog. One of those friends is CongTV, who also has a skill in playing instruments and tried to write songs.” With this, they started to form a production team and this music video happened.
12. you were good to me – jeremy zucker
sam de asis’ pick
Sam’s all-time favorite is “You Were Good to Me” by Jeremy Zucker. She explained that the music was “very sentimental and it gives me so much feels making me feel like I’m part of it.”
13. family – the chainsmokers
denmark mallillin’s pick
For Denmark, “Family” by The Chainsmokers is his pick. He explained how this music video is dedicated to their friend, Rory. “Rory Kramer is an amazing filmmaker who produces a lot of music videos for DJs all around the world. It’s unique to tell a life story through a music video instead of a documentary or a narrative film. The music video is subjective and it’s simple. There weren’t any grand visual and sound effects because the main purpose of the music video is to show how strong their family bond is.”
14. born to die – lana del rey
marvin del barrio’s pick
Marvin’s favorite would be Lana del Rey’s “Born to Die”, being that she is one of the best artists for him. He explained that this music video remains one of his favorites. “The music video really has a story and still shows some good sceneries. Lana Del Rey always steps outside of the box. Shooting the music video on location in France is brilliant, especially since she was able to mix centuries of art together. The music video also popularized the flower crown. It puts those seen at Coachella to shame. It’s full, fluffy, and ridiculously regal.” He adds, “I’m also obsessed with contrasts, and it looks like Lana Del Rey is as well. Juxtaposing the opulence of 17th century France with a vintage Ford Mustang and bright red Converse is just brilliant. Lastly, I’m certainly no fan of violence, but the song is called “Born to Die,” and this the video itself is a perfect way to pay homage to the song title.”
15. thriller – michael jackson
josh roque’s pick
And for Josh, “Thriller” by Michael Jackson is his favorite music video of all time. “When we make music videos, we don’t usually think ahead of how it will impact its viewers. Instead, we stay true to the message of the music and make it our own expression or art form, which is why global popstar Michael Jackson and film director John Landis exceeded on so many levels.” He then further explains the things that made “Thriller” an iconic music video. “A cinematic song for this song from the album of the same name deserved cinematic treatment, reason being why it had made such a memory to me the first time I saw it on our 4:3 television screen. The zombie dance, the romance narrative, the black excellence, the red jacket, the iconic ending, the horror theme, the unexpected duration; “Thriller” changed the people involved in it just as much as it did the world. Because the difference it made from previous visuals was how it gave us an experience, evolving music videos into its own genre of cinema that we celebrate today.”
There are different ways to tell stories. And at times like this, it’s very effective to tell stories visually. Music videos brings out the creativity of artists – to interpret a song in a short amount of time and make their brand known. We may have different tastes in music, but one thing’s for sure – we all enjoy a good music video.
In collaboration with Tunes, 24 Frames will have an upcoming Video Music Awards on March 28, 2020 at Taumbayan Kamuning. 24 Frames’ filmmakers and Tunes’ singers team up to create music videos that are worth the wait. Joins us as we find out this year’s winners and jam along for an open mic after the awarding ceremony. For more details, visit the 24 Frames or CIIT Video Music Awards FB page. See you there!
There are different ways to tell someone’s story, whether it be by word of mouth, a news article, or in this case, a documentary film. There have been lots of stories told in a form of film, which interested the audiences because a documentary is not just a film – it’s the life of a real person or a group of people.
24 Frames members Mathew Quirante, Timothy Diaz, and Klarize Bangit are here to share their thoughts on three documentaries: Honey Land, Apollo 11, and Homecoming, respectively.
Honey Land
Honey Land was nominated for Best Documentary Feature in this year’s Academy Awards.
A 2019 film by directors Ljubo Stefanov and Tamara Kotevska, Honey Land is about a woman named Hatidze Muratova being a wild beekeeper – harvesting honey the traditional way. Suddenly, a family of beekeepers come to her land and tries to take away her livelihood.
Mathew Quirante said that this film is one of the best examples of documentary film. “It’s quite unique for the fact that you feel so in it and the cinematography is so impressive. It took three years for them to capture a story of a woman who’s been raising bees and harvesting honey to go to town and sell her honey to bring some food home. And she’s taking care of her bedridden mother that she lives with.” Mathew adds that Hatidze’s motivation to carry on is her mother. “Even if they have a sustainability issue, she still tried to take care of her, spend time with her, and make her mother happy until her last moment.”
When he was asked about the ending of the film, he said that “it’s quite heartbreaking and I’m happy for her at same time because her duty as a daughter is fulfilled now that she can start a new chapter of her life. She found herself yearning to create her own family and continue being a beekeeper.”
Apollo 11
Apollo 11 was nominated for this year’s BAFTA and Independent Spirit Award for Best Documentary.
Apollo 11, a 2019 film directed by Todd Douglas Miller, is about NASA’s Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins’ successful mission to the moon on 1969. In this film, never-before-seen footage was released, showing the viewers a new perspective on the moon landing mission. Timothy Diaz said that what makes this film different from other documentaries is that this shows us how historical this event is. “It’s the first time that humans will go to the moon. Also, they introduced the astronauts in order to know more about them, where they came from, and how they became an astronaut. This film focuses on the experiences encountered by the astronauts throughout their journey to the moon and of the people working at NASA during this event.”
Diaz thinks that what motivated the people in the film is that they want to share how historical this event is – being the first ones to reach the moon. “NASA was motivated because of the people guiding them, supporting them, and praying for them, especially the moment when the President John F. Kennedy talked to the astronauts, praising them for making their way up to the moon successfully.”
He added how the ending satisfied him as an audience. “As one of the people who likes this kind of topics, the film’s ending satisfied me because of how the film showed how the Apollo 11 landed on Earth safely and the processes after their expedition before they go out of the quarantine and come home to their families. It’s also satisfying because their expedition was a success and also shows how happy the people are when they succeeded.”
Homecoming
Homecoming was nominated for the 2019 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Special.
The 2019 Netflix documentary, Homecoming: A Film by Beyoncé, is about the iconic 2018 Coachella performance of Beyoncé and process of creating and rehearsing for the said music festival. With her most awaited performance also dubbed as Beychella, Beyoncé prepared something more than just a performance.
Klarize Bangit explains that the documentary has a lot more to offer than just Beyoncé’s performance. “It tells us a different aspect beyond her songs that resonates the voices of the youth, women and especially the black culture. In this film, we are able to see the connection of the performance she made on stage and her personal life story and advocacy. Unlike other documentaries that I have watched, this film focused on how she wants to emphasize the beauty and the power of the African – American culture.”
Beyoncé served as a role model to millions of people around the world. “Being able to be the first African-American woman to headline Coachella, she made sure that she made use of that chance to make the people well represented on stage”, she added. “Throughout the entirety of the film, we are able to feel how she is driven to advocate for the empowerment of women. Not only were we able to see a series of montage and clips of her personal life and relate to how she overcome her hardships to balance her life as a performer and a mother, but also that her family always comes first as well as on how she led the rehearsals and made sure that each detail of her performance is done carefully. She made sure that it was able to tell a unique story through bringing different characters on stage to make each personalities shine.”
After watching the film, Klarize was moved and empowered. “Her narrative is very relatable most especially to young women who don’t want to be kept inside a box and want to explore their capabilities in a large extent. She was able to voice out for a lot of people who are marginalized. This film made sure that each of us have our own freedom and we are powerful as individuals. We should not be labelled because each of us can transcend the standards the society sets for us and we should not be afraid to voice out for our rights.”
Stay tuned for more film reviews on Wednesdays and follow the social media sites of 24 Frames on Facebook and Instagram to keep updated with their latest news and events.
A film with an extra as the lead role? You got it. The 9th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival’s Best Screenplay, Jeffrey Jeturian’s Ekstra, is about Loida Malabanan’s life as an extra in a television show, hoping to get her big break as an actress, as well as to earn enough money to fund her daughter’s tuition. Based on real-life events, this drama-comedy film shows the harsh reality of being in a television production, no matter what position you have: an extra, director, production staff, and the like, using a comedic take to show it.
From left to right: The assistant director (Vincent de Jesus) watching Venus (Tart Carlos) and Loida’s acting chops to get picked as a maid in the show.
Loida’s life throughout the film is very relatable, especially to those who are trying to find their way in the film industry. When asked who they can relate to besides Loida, Graphic Head Joshua Asi answered that he could relate to Marian Rivera because at times, “nakakalimutan ko rin ang linya ng aking sinasabi” when it comes to spilling lines during a scene. Finance Manager Dean Pineda and Media Head Sam De Asis said that they could mostly related to Olga, a newbie in the extras. Dean said that “she’s doing everything in order to excel in her field by taking up acting classes even if it’s expensive. That’s why I see myself in Olga.” Sam added, “because just like her, almost everyone in the film industry would really work a lot for the passion that we have in us.” As for Assistant Secretary Chris Holgado, he states that “I can find a part of myself on the director who takes up on his job without question, even if it burns himself out being a glue that tries to stick everything together because the minute I find something that I know gives me purpose, I’ll pour myself into it, even if it drains me.” Business Manager Zel Salcedo talks about how she could relate to Josie, the talent manager, because of how she really cares about her talents. “Kahit kailangan niya iplease yung mga director by being on time and assigning the perfect people for the role, she puts herself on to her people’s shoes kahit minsan siya na rin na papagalitan.” She added that one of the things she likes the most about Josie is how she takes the blame of the problems instead of putting the blame on her extras. “‘Pag may problema, andiyan na ‘yan. ‘Di kailangan dramahan ‘yan para mawala, inaayos ‘yan.”
Loida and Ms. Amanda (Pilar Pilapil) shooting a scene for the tv show.
For most people, they would think that shooting a show or a film is just simple as showing up, taking the video, editing the show, and premiering it on TV. When, there’s a lot of work behind a show. So, did the film portray what happens in a production? Sam answers, “it portrays how things really go inside a set or a shoot and stressful things could be”. She added that despite the problems, a production team would still push through no matter what happens. Joshua agrees that the film is portrayed realistically. “Hindi maiiwasan ang ano mang uri ng problema at dahil may hinahabol na deadline ay kakailangan talaga magawan at baguhin ang mga nakatalagang plano. Kung sa maliit na set ay may problema na, paano pa kaya sa malalaki?” Chris stated that the film was portrayed perfectly, “from the minor roles up to the major ones, everyone that makes up the set, takes an equal amount of tension on themselves. That means everyone is a victim of the work that they shoved themselves into.” Dean explains that the production in the film is accurate, especially in our country. “They handle their “extras” like livestock. They get paid little money and get treated poorly. The film in the movie looks like a highly budgeted film, even getting a sponsorship from a well-known brand (GSM Blue). But with all that, they still fail to treat their crew right, like how the “extras” was made to ride a packed low budget car.” And lastly, Zel stated that it was accurate by how it portrayed the handling of the budget for the production, deadlines, casting, production design, and even catering. “It was all real when creating a film kahit school stuff lang ang production ko. I experienced all the hassle at hirap sa paghahandle ng lahat na yan, behind the prod palang yan! Mahirap.” Furthermore, she said that the portrayal of the production is accurate, however, she hopes that how they treat people in the film isn’t the case. “May posibilidad na ‘yon ang realidad pero may konting pag-asa ako baka ‘di naman ganon kalala. Lahat naman tayo naghihirap at ‘di mawawala ang mga taong mas naghihirap sa’yo. I just think it’s unfair for being treated poorly from people who are selfish for their own entitlement.”
Overall, being in the film industry is something that almost everyone desires to be in. But with a film like this, showing the struggles of every character in the film, it just goes to show that this industry is not all glitz and glamor. That’s what makes this film worth it to watch.
Stay tuned for more film reviews every Wednesday and follow the social media sites of 24 Frames on Facebook and Instagram to keep updated with their latest news and events.
“Have a fresh start, ignite your passion for film, and have the power to empower.”
24 Frames is making a fresh start with a new theme and new recruits this term. For this term, the officers have decided on being “fresh” as the core theme of its events and ethics moving forward. If you’re wondering what fresh means to us, Graphic Head Joshua Asi says that it’s about “a new start or there is something new”. Visual Head Zia Nape added that it’s about “coming back from our previous phase with a progressive mind”. Creative Head Denmark Mallillin said that being fresh is about “breaking all barriers of tomorrow to lead and to create a better student body, also taking this chance to breathe new colors, experiences, and opportunities this semester.”
Evolving in the organization is an important thing. When asked how do you evolve in the organization by being fresh, Media Head Sam de Asis said to evolve with the org by “sharing my fresh ideas, creative thoughts, and being open to learn new things”. Publishing Head Ella Mariano added that “stepping out of my comfort zone and exploring new things will help me evolve as an officer and a filmmaker”. For Production Head Gel Pande, “we evolve differently, but the idea of holding on to the positive effect of being new helps us inspire ourselves to develop more further each and every day.”
With the new term of officers in line, External Head Martin Pastor says that he expects great things from the new batch of officers. “I really do believe that we have successfully put together people who share the same passion and love for filmmaking and will do whatever it takes to spread the beauty of films”. Internal Head Lloyd Canilang says that “I’m expecting fun activities in the organization to help the new and old members”. In addition, he wants everyone to be more hands-on on the activities to come. Marketing Head Marvin del Barrio shares the same thought on having more activities to engage with the members. “I would always love to interact with the members so I’m just excited for what our org, 24 Frames, can really bring to the table this year”, he added.
A fresh start comes with exciting activities and opportunities to learn more about filmmaking. Assistant Secretary Chris Holgado says, “being involved in the 24 Frames organization is a great opportunity for individuals to learn, discuss, and get their hands on filmmaking along with their fellow CIIT students because the first step into the growth zone is learning with others.” For Business Manager Zel Salcedo, “being a member of 24 Frames is a vital factor to gather various talents and by being involved in the organization, they are able to enhance and discover their unique talents to evolve as a team, as a production, and as a family.” Moreover, Finance Manager Dean Pineda says that “members should be involved in 24 Frames for them to grow in their field because we help members to evolve as filmmakers.”
As our family grows year by year, the future shines bright for 24 Frames. Vice President Angela Apostol says that “I can still see 24 Frames opening doors to new opportunities and building new relationships for aspiring filmmakers”. Secretary Melissa Garcia adds, “I see the future of 24 Frames with talented students who will continue to do their passion and reach their goal for film no matter what it takes.” And lastly, President Josh Roque says that “the future of 24 Frames is bright and clear with the fresh message we want to deliver: the time to start is now to be a filmmaker capable of change to empower lives of the people. I believe that the student leaders in this term will not only excel as overseers but as directors individually, and that they are just the beginning of a new generation coming together for the pursuit of Philippine cinema.”
Follow the social media sites of 24 Frames on Facebook and Instagram to keep updated with their latest news and events, such as its upcoming General Assembly.
Honey Land was nominated for Best Documentary Feature in this year’s Academy Awards.
Apollo 11 was nominated for this year’s BAFTA and Independent Spirit Award for Best Documentary.
Homecoming was nominated for the 2019 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Special.
