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MIKE WORD: THE RE-EMERGENCE OF A RISING STAR
After a 6 year hiatus, Michael Word (MIKE WORD)
re- emerges with this soulful tune (Plastic Roses) about how in love as in life, things don't always fit the "happily ever after” script and life happens differently than we dream or anticipate. Often times real relationships are beautiful because they are temporary and emotions are fleeting and real roses won’t stay alive forever.
Mike Word is an RNB / NEO SOUL artiste, singer , producer and writer, who first burst on to the scene in 2007 after starring in a reality tv show (Creative Academii), after which he teamed up with TV producer, Media Mogul and owner of the R70 media group Ayo Shonaiya, signing up as the first artiste under the RMG label.
With hits like DO IT FOR LOVE, IN MY ROOM and POP SUGAR featuring Rapper , Nigerian super model and label-mate MUNA(Munachi Abii) produced by SarZ with a video directed by SUPERMAN featuring Kentro World, suffice it to say he’s been doing this RNB thing for a minute.
Now in his 2018 re-entry, after taking a few years to pursue other passions and explore other facets that constitute his art, Mike Word returns with his unique blend of soul and "abstract RNB" as he likes to call it. Deep lyrics expressed with subtle blue scale in pentatonic notes and a story line that engages the mind and soul.
To compliment this, he engaged the creative prowess of his long-term buddy, Dr Seth to deliver a truly inspiring music video. This video was carefully thought out and eventually filmed in locations in the US and the UK.
Welcome to the unraveling of what promises to be a beautiful ,mind blowing, soul stirring musical experience, …..presenting MIKE WORD
FILM SCHOOL: TO GO OR NOT TO GO
It all started in 2004. I was in my 4th year of medical school. It had been a challenging year, but also one that would shape the direction my life and dreams will take in ways I could not even begin to imagine at the time.
My gospel R 'n B band, Rivaflo had attempted to record some demos in the only digital studio in town then and I was totally blown away by the technology involved. So much could be done on a PC and incidentally, my dad had one at home. Naturally, my curious nature took over and over the next few months, I set out to acquire the resources for my own home studio. That opened up a whole new world for me. I had no idea I could be good at this kind of stuff.
I started honing the craft of digital sound mixing and even got as far as making mixtapes for the popular dance groups in town at the time, then I met a friend, Theo Keys who had a similar set up in his dad's garage, plus this guy was churning out some crazy animation and motion graphics. The rest is history.
Over the years, I doggedly pursued the dream to harness, master and fan into flame this creative spark. I always had a good idea the direction my dreams would take me but because of so many constraints along the way, I have had to make compromises and wait and learn, biding my time but learning all I could at every opportunity. Over time I evolved, improved on my craftmanship and got to the point where people started to laud my work.
However, earlier this year I decided it was time to take another step closer to my goals. I enrolled to get some formal education in film making. A couple of friends thought it was not necessary because they had been themselves and believed there was not much I didn't know already.
Well, I did go ahead with it and I believe it is the best decision I have made lately. I am absolutely enjoying every moment of this.
I am not used to bullet point approaches to success, but for brevity I would list now what I would say are highlights of why getting a formal education is such a good idea after all:
* Structured learning: in contrast to learning at your leisure through YouTube and Lynda.com tutorials (which by the way are a huge part of my learning with regards to film making), in school you have targets, homework and whatnots to keep you learning something everyday. There is also the added advantage of being able to ask questions and get answers to them immediately. Call it spoon-feeding if you like, but it sticks.
*Mentors and Models: One of my instructors said "there is really nothing new in film making, rather we all follow in the footsteps of our predecessors".
Every creative likes to think they have their own style and they are original, but the truth is even the most genius of us starts out by imitating the work of others we admire.
*Roots: Roots are important. It is where you go back to draw strength when you are overwhelmed. This comprises, the friends and teachers you met along the way.
*Collaboration: Film making is collaborative. That is one great lesson I learnt recently. Up until now, I had done most of my work by myself with or without one or 2 assistants. However, I have come to understand lately that the product is only as good as the efficiency and smooth running of the entire filmmaking machinery.
*Competition: One might be lucky enough to pick up some healthy competition in school. Healthy competition keeps one on one's toes. It is one good deterrent to stagnation.
*Positive Creative energy: It is such a powerful thing when you are surrounded by people who buzz in the same frequency as you. For me this actually stimulates my creative juices. I was also lucky to choose a school where lots of productions were going on and I could actually learn from other people's projects things like set design, costume and lighting choices.
*Routine: Routines are great. They foster discipline and discipline is important for consistent productivity. From punctuality to classes and shoots to taking logs of all the equipment, keeping a checklist and etcetra. I will just never work the same way again.
*Legalities: Ha! Now to the elephant in the room. I remember combing the internet in search of UK filming regulations when I moved here years ago. No one actually posts about these things. On a number of occasions I had done some filming looking over my shoulder. Well I am just so glad this "myth" has been demystified.
*Hands On experience: Finally, nothing beats being there to do that. One might spend all the time watching tutorials and yet not really improve, but when you are lectured on a particular technique and thereafter practically put your newly obtained knowledge to use, it sticks.
I probably could go on and on but these are nuggets from my experience so far. I am glad I followed my heart and I will err to the side that supports getting some form of structured knowledge in that field that could potentially propel your dreams to the next level.
Happy dreaming!
Dedicated to my newfound friends, Tobias, Yasmine, Prarthna, Hugo and my Instructors at the London Film Academy, Lincoln, Davie, Geoffrey & Simon.
CROSSING FATE: DIRECTOR'S DIARY
Wide shot... Medium, OTS and CU, Wide shot... Medium, OTS and CU......on and on and on it went. Those were the thoughts I woke up with. Then I remembered, the dialogue in that last scene still needs some work. I picked up my phone and dialled the producer who also doubled as the screenwriter for the film. Ring.....Ring...... She will have to pardon me for this one. I'd met Dami just about a month earlier but it felt like I'd known her forever. One thing I know very well is that waking her up early in the morning is not the brightest idea. But today was different...."Hello Seth, ..... Gimme a minute please. Just stepping out of the shower". Okay..... Click.
I probably should relax myself and hop into the shower. Why was I so nervous? I'd directed and shot music videos and wedding films for years, so why is this any different. Well, lately I've been working on getting into film. I'd even worked on a couple of sets as slater and cinematographer but had never directed before now.
Today would be my directorial debut. Also, I'd not met the cast before now and had no idea what they were going to be like. Is Mofe going to turn out as some cocky Celeb actor or is he going to be easy to work with? I do work well under pressure but this guy had better be in the right head space today. We also have so much to do in 12 hours cutting across 3 locations. Most of the storyboard was done, but you never know still.
Just then, my ringer goes off. It's Seyi, my Assistant DP and focus puller. He was going to be a little late getting to location. Well, thanks for the heads up.
At this rate I was going to be late myself. I said a quick prayer and hopped in the shower. I was out in minutes and dressed and in another couple of minutes was loading the car with the equipment.
Fast forward another couple of hours, we were all set to roll on Scene 1.
I had no reason to be so worked up it turned out. Everyone was on set and we were already trading banter like we'd been together for ages. I looked around and said a silent "thank you Lord". I knew then we were going to have a lovely experience filming Crossing Fate. This was another step in the right direction and I've been blessed with the right crop of people to take the journey with.
"Camera...Rolling, Sound....Speed, Call it.....Scene 1, Take 1 .........Action!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
2015 has been a great year. One of the best in fact.
There is so just so much to be thankful for.
We do hope you feel the same way about it.
We at IRIS media studios are equally as excited about 2016.
So many lovely events and projects to look forward to.
In the way we know how to express ourselves best, we are
wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New year.
Enjoy!
Cold December night by Dr Seth on Soundcloud
MIKE ABDUL's MUSIC VIDEO SHOOT
Film making makes my world go round anytime, but every opportunity to shoot a music video is highly cherished. It feels just like concieving and birthing a child and the process from scripting to scouting to shooting and post just gives me a certain high no drug can match.
So I get a call a few weeks ago about shooting a music video for Nigeria's most prolific gospel artist. He was coming to the UK in a few days for a week and would love to shoot a simple yet lovely video. The machinery was immediately set in motion and with the help of an efficient team comprising Mc Rodstar as location manager/photographer, Bukky as MUA/driver and my ever reliable friend Ayo De Gee as gaffer, we pulled of another IRIS MEDIA epic.
Here is a link to the video shot on Location in Canterbury, Kent and Mill Hill studios, London.
NO OTHER NAME by MIKE ABDUL
So I get a call a few weeks ago about shooting a music video for Nigeria's most prolific gospel artist. He was coming to the UK in a few days for a week and would love to shoot a simple yet lovely video. The machinery was immediately set in motion and with the help of an efficient team comprising Mc Rodstar as location manager/photographer, Bukky as MUA/driver and my ever reliable friend Ayo De Gee as gaffer, we pulled of another IRIS MEDIA epic.
Here is a link to the video shot on Location in Canterbury, Kent and Mill Hill studios, London.
NO OTHER NAME by MIKE ABDUL
MaMoMi MULTISENSORY WORKSHOP
We live in a world where every moment that passes we are faced with challenges and have to make choices to get through the day. However, there are those people whose challenges are not just getting through the day....they want to experience what we experience and breeze through life just like everyone else. For some, the appreciation of art which so many of us take for granted is their heart's desire, and there are even those that go a step further and create art despite their disability. MaMoMi initiative is a project dedicated to the appreciation of art from a multisensory approach. The experience totally blew my mind and a film is in the making to document this evolutionary move. But meanwhile, here is a glimpse of the workshop.KEMI & LANRE
The weekend of April the 12th was fun. Yea, fun because there's nothing as fulfilling as engaging a couple's love story and telling it in my own way.
This is a lovely couple whose acquaintance I was opportune to make a while ago and I was nothing short of euphoric when I was asked to make their wedding film.
Follow this LINK to see the short film and please leave your comments and likes.
This is a lovely couple whose acquaintance I was opportune to make a while ago and I was nothing short of euphoric when I was asked to make their wedding film.
Follow this LINK to see the short film and please leave your comments and likes.
RECYCLE BINS & COPY CATS
This morning, I started working on a montage, and in the process of selecting rushes I wanted to use, I had to delete some files. Then something caught my attention for the first time that I'd never given thought to till now.......the recycle bin NEVER "complains" if one sent into it a 100 similar files with the same file name and extension as is the case in any other folder.
I had to pause for a moment and reflect on how this is so similar to the life of the average creative.
Many a time, we are tempted to duplicate someone else's style. As a matter of fact, we all do it at some point or another for some reason or the other, be it tight deadlines, brain block or sheer laziness.
But, the crux is that, a lot of what we do ends up just like those files in the recycle bin.
To stand out, and be unique takes time, devotion, talent, and inspiration. We all need these, and should invest in developing these ingredients to attain & master originality in our crafts. Only then can we truly have our place & name in the "folder" that is our generation.
.
FILL IN THE BLANKS
Every time I see a child taking his first steps or saying his first word, I cannot help but wonder what it was like when I was the same age, reaching those same milestones.
Ours is a privileged
generation, but I daresay that it gets even better because whereas we had the
good fortune of having our "baby" pictures taken with the occassional
polaroid or the instant film
cameras, our children and wards have the privilege of parents and guardians with access to a rich array of more
sophisticated, yet user-friendly devices.
We could never blame our
parents for not having so-many childhood
pictures or videos of us, but I daresay it would be inexcusable if those growing up under our
watch have to experience any 'gaps' in their developmental showreel.
It is about time you grabbed a
camera and started filling in those blanks. We only get to live once, after all.
Photography by Dr Seth
Model : S. A.
Photography by Dr Seth
Model : S. A.
DISCOVER YOUR NICHE
Have you ever been conflicted about who you are, or what you're meant to be doing?
It is an age-long belief that everyone is good at something.
We all were created to fulfill one purpose or the other.
For Archimedes of Syracuse, it was solving mathematical nightmares and inventing cool stuff, & for Bach, it was composing great music.
I had quite a struggle discovering what mine was (maybe I still am), but to overcome the incessant conflict that comes with not knowing, I came to terms with the fact that it must have to do with what keeps me up mostly at night, and what fills my mind the moment I'm awake.
I love capturing images, and it doesn't just end there. I love arranging them and nurturing them till I've given them the ultimate expression. But that's me. You've got to find out what your niche is and explore it. I still watch film-making tutorials every opportunity I get. I never get bored learning about this subject ever!!!
Over the years, I came up with a few characteristics that I believe define a film-maker.
1. You see a potential plot in every occurrence around you.
2. When you watch TV, you're thinking camera angles, depth of field, audio quality, color grading, and "who on earth is this director?!!!"
3. When you'rε at an event, your eyes are darting between the crane and the projector screen, and you flinch each time a shot seems "off".
4. You don't mind traveling miles on your own tab to shoot a great subject.
5.Each time you make a few extra bucks, you're thinking what lens or light to buy next.
6. You're always willing to do more than what you're paid for because for you, it's an expression of your art, & not just a job.
7. You spend hours everyday learning what you can from the pros.
8. When you log into your ebay or amazon account, your 1st search is for some camera or lens or accessory.
9. Your ebay/amazon watch folder and shopping basket is filled with film-making equipment.
10. When there is a natural/man-made disaster, the 1st thing that hits your mind is, "oh! why did I not pack my camera this time". (BE CAREFUL WITH THIS LAST ONE).
So, there it is. BUT, I'm not you, & neither are you me. It's up to you to find out what you're most likely to excel in.
I can assure you though, that the road to self-discovery is an interesting one. Have a safe trip.
It is an age-long belief that everyone is good at something.
We all were created to fulfill one purpose or the other.
For Archimedes of Syracuse, it was solving mathematical nightmares and inventing cool stuff, & for Bach, it was composing great music.
I had quite a struggle discovering what mine was (maybe I still am), but to overcome the incessant conflict that comes with not knowing, I came to terms with the fact that it must have to do with what keeps me up mostly at night, and what fills my mind the moment I'm awake.
I love capturing images, and it doesn't just end there. I love arranging them and nurturing them till I've given them the ultimate expression. But that's me. You've got to find out what your niche is and explore it. I still watch film-making tutorials every opportunity I get. I never get bored learning about this subject ever!!!
Over the years, I came up with a few characteristics that I believe define a film-maker.
1. You see a potential plot in every occurrence around you.
2. When you watch TV, you're thinking camera angles, depth of field, audio quality, color grading, and "who on earth is this director?!!!"
3. When you'rε at an event, your eyes are darting between the crane and the projector screen, and you flinch each time a shot seems "off".
4. You don't mind traveling miles on your own tab to shoot a great subject.
5.Each time you make a few extra bucks, you're thinking what lens or light to buy next.
6. You're always willing to do more than what you're paid for because for you, it's an expression of your art, & not just a job.
7. You spend hours everyday learning what you can from the pros.
8. When you log into your ebay or amazon account, your 1st search is for some camera or lens or accessory.
9. Your ebay/amazon watch folder and shopping basket is filled with film-making equipment.
10. When there is a natural/man-made disaster, the 1st thing that hits your mind is, "oh! why did I not pack my camera this time". (BE CAREFUL WITH THIS LAST ONE).
So, there it is. BUT, I'm not you, & neither are you me. It's up to you to find out what you're most likely to excel in.
I can assure you though, that the road to self-discovery is an interesting one. Have a safe trip.
YEA, SOME HOBBY...
Someone once said, "there's nothing like making a living off your hobby". I totally agree with that.
For me however, I haven't thought of photography or film-making as merely a hobby in a long time (that was a lifetime ago).
Now, it's work, work,.....and more work, with this or that tutorial to learn or some deadline to make.
All the same, fact still remains that I absolutely love capturing images, and whether I make a few bucks or not doing what I love doing, I am adding value to myself some way or the other.
C'mon, let's go shoot some hobby.
For me however, I haven't thought of photography or film-making as merely a hobby in a long time (that was a lifetime ago).
Now, it's work, work,.....and more work, with this or that tutorial to learn or some deadline to make.
All the same, fact still remains that I absolutely love capturing images, and whether I make a few bucks or not doing what I love doing, I am adding value to myself some way or the other.
C'mon, let's go shoot some hobby.
Night shots without strobes taken on my Canon 550d with a 18mm-35mm f/4.0-5.6 lens.
VIDEOS BY DR SETH ON VIMEO
Here is the link to my vimeo channel....... http://vimeo.com/user5738514/videos
Comments and contributions are always welcome
Comments and contributions are always welcome
SHOOTING THE PRODUCT
It was just like any other day, and as was my usual practice, I decided to log on to ebay to do some "window shopping".
I'd been toying with the idea of buying a used studio photography background kit with a set of soft boxes so I could step up my portrait photography lighting skills. However, on this day, no one seemed to be selling, but just as I was going to log out, an object caught my eye. It was a portable kit for product photography. Wow! It was in my shopping basket in a jiffy, & I couldn't wait to have it delivered already.
During the week-long wait, I researched all I could on product photography. I knew I'd just found me a new "baby".
This type of photography wasn't so popular back in Nigeria, and that's quite understandable because we did most of our shopping on our feet.
In this part of the world where lots of buying and selling take place online, it's easy to guess just how important a role product photography plays in the retail business.
As it turned out, I didn't have to wait out the whole week, thank God! On the 4th day, my delivery came through, and immmediately I was on my knees setting it up. That took a little over 3minutes and in another minute, I'd whipped up my camera and tripod, and set them up for action.
Putting to use all I'd learnt about lighting and composition, I ended up with some interesting shots of everything that was in sight at the moment.
Here are some of the interesting shots;
I'd been toying with the idea of buying a used studio photography background kit with a set of soft boxes so I could step up my portrait photography lighting skills. However, on this day, no one seemed to be selling, but just as I was going to log out, an object caught my eye. It was a portable kit for product photography. Wow! It was in my shopping basket in a jiffy, & I couldn't wait to have it delivered already.
During the week-long wait, I researched all I could on product photography. I knew I'd just found me a new "baby".
This type of photography wasn't so popular back in Nigeria, and that's quite understandable because we did most of our shopping on our feet.
In this part of the world where lots of buying and selling take place online, it's easy to guess just how important a role product photography plays in the retail business.
As it turned out, I didn't have to wait out the whole week, thank God! On the 4th day, my delivery came through, and immmediately I was on my knees setting it up. That took a little over 3minutes and in another minute, I'd whipped up my camera and tripod, and set them up for action.
Putting to use all I'd learnt about lighting and composition, I ended up with some interesting shots of everything that was in sight at the moment.
Here are some of the interesting shots;
You can be sure I'll be taking this one all the way in my characteristic manner, and you can bet I'm looking forward to my next product photography project.
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