Hey there, Flamethrowers!

So you wanna help me make a music video? You’re in the right place. First, to get you in the right headspace, here’s the song!

Next, watch this example video of what we’re looking for. You’ll simply film yourself doing the exact same thing.

Here’s everything you need to know.

• CAMERA: Your smartphone is perfect. If possible, use your the main camera, not the selfie camera on the screen side. A tripod or some sort of phone grip can help, or just have someone film you, holding as steady as possible.

• FRAMING: Try to frame yourself similarly to the example video; just the top half of your torso. Be sure to film in horizontal/landscape.

• SETTING: No particular requirements here, just try not to have anything too distracting behind you, and no super-visible brand names. Outdoors is fine too.

• DRESS: Wear whatever makes you feel most like yourself. If you’re a person who loves makeup or loud clothes, go for it. This song is ultimately about queer people who grew up in high-demand religious spaces, but allies are absolutely welcome to be part of this video.

• LIGHTING: Nothing special, just be sure we can see you clearly. Feel free to use a ring light if you have it, but you can also face a window or lamp. Avoid backlighting — any light source should ideally be in front of you, not directly overhead and definitely not behind you in the camera frame.

• LENGTH: Your video only needs to be about 40 seconds, and definitely no longer than a minute.

• CONTENT: Your video should have four distinct sections, all filmed in one continuous shot. Each section only needs to be about 10 seconds:

  • Section 1: A flat expression, resolute with a touch of melancholy. Be sure to give a few seconds looking directly into the camera, then feel free to experiment with looking away, down, back to the camera, etc.

  • Section 2: With the same flat expression, pick up and hold a photo of yourself in a church-like setting at a younger age (childhood, youth, young adulthood… whatever you can dig up). It’s fantastic if your photo reads as a church setting, but any photo of yourself from the past will do.

  • Section 3: Extend the photo at arms length, holding it in front of the camera so we can get a good look at it.

  • Section 4: Put down the photo and smile! Whatever joy you’ve found in life today, that’s what we want you to convey to the camera. Feel free to have some fun here: look away and back to the camera, look down and back up, laugh a little… Emote away!

• UPLOAD: When you’re done, simply upload your video to this Dropbox folder!

Deadline: Friday, August 2

That’s it! Thank you so much. Can’t wait to put together a beautiful video with a bunch of badass religious trauma survivors.

xx
Flamy