Step into the creative world of Dimitri Basil, the visionary behind the iconic music video for Flight Facilities’ “Foreign Language”. Known for his distinctive storytelling and retro aesthetic, Dimitri shares insights into the inspiration behind the visuals.
1. What inspired you on your idea for the video?
I think it was the track itself and re-watching Boogie Nights around the same time that sort of made me want to shoot a video like Foreign Language.
2. What was the budget?
We had around $4,500 AU, and later we added an extra $1,500 to get the helicopter and other extra shots.
3. What were the limitations you faced with the production?
The main challenge was the budget. $6,000 can sound like a lot of money but in film just hiring equipment for three days can cost around $4,000. We had a small crew, bad weather, multiple locations and a period setting, but we were lucky to have an epic cast and track.
4. Who were your key collaborators?
Our key crew was made up of four people so the line between roles disappeared. Laura Gorun handled production, wardrobe, casting and art direction. Dominique Bassil worked on production and art direction. Toa Daguet shot second unit footage. We also had a great makeup team from Jane Cameron Makeup Academy.
5. What was the process you took to produce the video?
We did location tests around Tamarama Beach, sourced wardrobe from vintage shops and waited patiently for the right weather. We had to reschedule the shoot three times due to rain.
6. What was the turnaround?
We shot over three days with an extra pickup day. Due to weather delays, the total turnaround was almost two and a half months from concept to final cut.
7. What did you shoot on? What lenses did you use?
We shot on a Red One camera and used old Zeiss lenses that were very popular in the 1970s.
8. Where did you shoot it? Are all the locations in Sydney?
Yes, it’s all Sydney. However, due to bad weather we drove overnight to Byron Bay to capture additional footage.
9. Did you shoot the aerial footage also?
I did, and it was a lot of fun. We removed the helicopter door and shot handheld, which was both exciting and slightly terrifying.
10. Tell us more about the helicopter shoot.
We drove overnight to Byron Bay, shot the helicopter sequences in the morning with around 45 minutes of flight time, then drove back to Sydney the same day.
11. That speedboat looked pretty special, where did you find it?
Premier Marine provided the boats after liking the project, and Merivale helped with the pool and additional locations.
12. Did you have shooting permits for all your locations?
Mostly no permits for public areas. I enjoy shooting without permits when possible, as it encourages spontaneity and faster decision-making.
13. Did you cast this yourself?
Yes. The cast was fantastic. Some actors were found on the street, while others were professionally cast through Priscillas Management.
14. How involved were the band and label?
Flight Facilities were very easy to work with and trusted us creatively without imposing restrictions.
15. Did the bad weather delay the single release?
It didn’t. The single was released before we even met, although better weather could have aligned the video release differently.
16. If you could do it again, what would you change?
I would record dialogue or have a sound person on standby.
Special thanks for this interview to:
Adam Cantley
Producer (Screen Media)
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Hi, I’m Erick Ycaza — a music blogger with a BA in Advertising & Graphic Design. I created this blog to keep you updated with daily music news. Surprisingly, I’ve been writing about music since 2007. If you’re an artist and would like to be featured, feel free to reach out: info@electrowow.net
