Playlist: Machine Operated
We caught up with the Pulse Films directing duo Machine Operated to talk sources of inspiration, bitcoin and Oriental shorthair cats.
What’s the best music video you’ve seen recently and why?
Joshua: beabadoobee - Last Day On Earth. Directed by Arnaud Bresson. Ridiculous amount of transitions and techniques. Blew my mind!
Nathan: The video for Leonard Cohen - The Hills is great.
beabadoobee – Last Day On Earth
Leonard Cohen – The Hills
What’s the first music video you remember being impressed by?
J: Busta Rhymes - Gimme Some More, JAY-Z - 99 Problems and Missy Elliott - Work It.
N: Outkast - Hey Ya! Is a classic.
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Jay Z – 99 Problems
Busta Rhymes – Gimme Some More
Missy Elliott – Work It
Outkast – Hey Ya!
And what’s your all-time favourite music video?
J: Anything Chris Cunningham, Michel Gondry or Jonathan Glazer.
N: Loski - Hazards.
Credits
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- Production Company Hidden City
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Credits
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- Production Company Hidden City
Credits
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- Production Company Hidden City
What other directors/artists do you look to for inspiration?
J: Our friends Bafic and Dexter Navy have been great mentors for us. Amongst many others we tend to ask them questions when we’re confused or feel like we could use some guidance from more experienced directors. They’re always honest and transparent with us. But my biggest inspiration in life is my Grandmother.
N: I’ll second Josh’s answer!
What are you listening to at the moment?
J: Laurel Halo. K-Trap, Erika Da Casier & Tucky Buzzard are my most recent played.
N: I've been listening to Matthew Halsall, Laraaji and Frosty.
What’s your favourite bit of tech, whether for professional or personal use?
J: My speakers.
N: I'm somewhat of a technophobe but I do think that Bitcoin is probably the most impressive technology created in my lifetime.
Credits
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- Production Company Forever
- Director Machine Operated
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Unlock full credits and more with a Source + shots membership.
Credits
powered by
- Production Company Forever
- Director Machine Operated
- Grading Cheat
- DP David Bird
- Colorist Toby Tomkins
- Art Director Louis Simonon
Credits
powered by
- Production Company Forever
- Director Machine Operated
- Grading Cheat
- DP David Bird
- Colorist Toby Tomkins
- Art Director Louis Simonon
What artist(s) would you most like to work with and why?
J: Portishead or Radiohead because they're the two greatest bands of all time :)
N: Sam Wise would be at the top of my list, we’ve been close friends from childhood and we have been wanting to collaborate on something for a while!
How do you feel the promo industry has changed since you started in it?
J: We’ve only been in the industry just over a year, so I think the only thing that changed it is obviously Covid. Budgets are tighter because of testing, etc. People are less willing to take risks and there’s more hoops that we have to jump through.
N: I haven’t been working in the industry for too long so I’d have to say that covid regulations have been the biggest changes.
Where do you see the music video industry being in five years’ time?
J: In the same place. The only thing that will change is where they'll live and how many different versions and aspect ratios you have to export.
N: Hard to say, but I can imagine there will be more emphasis on vertical videos and videos that will be viewed on phones.
Tell us one thing about yourself that most people won’t know…
J: My name, so nice to meet you I'm Joshua!
N: I have an obsession with Oriental shorthair cats.
