Toby MAC

As we neared the end of shooting music videos, Toby Mac, Kirk Franklin, and Mandisa (Season 5 American Idol) approached us to do something for their new single. I still love what we accomplished with this video.

This video was a lesson in throwing out the rulebook and just giving it our best. Shooting in Nashville required some creative problem-solving. We scouted from Pittsburgh, PA, and struggled to find a suitable pawn shop setting for the concept. Fortunately, we connected with Ruby, an art director based in Nashville, who offered her storage space to create the set. We brought along our art director, Merissa Lombardo, and 1st AC, Curtis Abbot. Stephen Hunter was hired as DP. We filmed using the original Red One camera, along with a homemade ring light 🤣.

Upon arrival, we had only two days before the shoot. Our first task was to scout the warehouse and meet Ruby. Initially cluttered, the warehouse became our canvas. With only four of us we spent the next sleepless 48 hours bringing the set to life, our hotel rooms overflowed with props and decorations.

Somehow we transformed the space into a convincing pawn shop. Casting was done through friends of friends and Craigslist, and it worked out 🤷🏻‍♂️. Although the shoot was scheduled for 12 hours, it ended up running 18, which was challenging. However, saving the performance for last, featuring the three artists, helped give the shoot a boost of energy.