Behind the Video: Building a Queer Celebration in One Day
Creating a music video on an independent artist’s budget often means making ambitious ideas work within very real limitations. For this project, the concept called for a hot, wet pool party, a large cast, choreography and a celebration of queer sexuality — all brought together during a single day of shooting in New York City.
The result was shaped by a tight-knit creative team and a clear visual intention, with the artist working closely with directors Annika White and Carl Knight to develop the concept from its earliest stages. Below, the team shares how the production came together.
A Small Team With a Big Job
How many people worked on your selected video? Who played a key role in it?
Including myself as the artist, there were 27 people who worked on this video! Everybody played a pivotal role in the video’s execution—but our directors, Annika White & Carl Knight were the linchpin, bringing together an incredible team of creative talent. A special shoutout to our choreographer, Arianne Meneses, our key dancers, Julian Perry, Hannah J Souza and Nisha Virmani, assistant director Nick Sossi Romano, production designer Avvi Hernández, steadicam operator Adam Kim, hair stylist Takayuki Umeda, makeup artists Rio Kinoshita and Shiori Sato, and my partner, Bradley Mickelson.
From Pool Party Idea to Production
How long did it take to make it? What was the process (in short)?
Early in 2026, I came to Annika & Carl with this hot, wet pool party music video concept in mind. We met several times throughout the spring to develop the concept into something extra special—a fun, summery visual celebrating queer sex. The shoot was one-day only and we had lots of ground to cover. We were on location in NYC filming from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., but lots of preparation preceded the actual day of the shoot, including sourcing talent, styling, and choreography sessions.
Making One Day Count
What challenges did you face while working on the video?
One of the challenges was the time constraint. I am an independent artist so the project was completely self-funded, meaning the budget only allowed for a single day on location. Having a highly capable crew who could work together as a cohesive unit, combined with the flexibility, willingness, and enthusiasm of the cast, made it all possible in the end.
Finding the Energy of the Final Minute
What part of the video is your favorite?
My favorite part of the video is the final minute (from around the 2:00 mark onwards). It’s the climax of the song, and the visual truly matches its high energy. This part of the video truly captures the unfiltered, unapologetic representation of queer sex and joy that we had envisioned.
A Visual Built Around Authenticity
Is there any message that the video is sending that you don’t want the viewer to miss?
If the viewer leaves with one message, it’s that what makes you different is worth celebrating. Nothing is sexier than you being your full, authentic self. I wanted the visual to be colorful, playful and provocative—a true embodiment of queer celebration.
Watch the music video below.
CREDITS
Directed by Annika White & Carl Knight
Starring Adam Oh, Julian Perry, Hannah J Souza, Nisha Virmani, Bradley Mickelson, Isaiah Joseph, Angel Arias & Janett Page
Production Company: Clam Studios
Executive Producers: Annika White & Carl Knight
Line Producer: Karla Armendáriz
Production Coordinator: Beatrice Barnes
Assistant Director: Nick Sossi Romano
Choreography by Arianne Meneses
Director of Photography: Carl Knight
Steadicam Operator: Adam Kim
AC: Godfred Sedano
Gaffer: Eli Freireich
Key Grip: Irina Lazouski
Production Designer: Avvi Hernández
Production Design Assistant: João Sanchez
Wardrobe Assistant: Wesley Kan
Hair Stylist: Takayuki Umeda
Makeup Artist: Rio Kinoshita
Makeup Assistant: Shiori Sato
Set Photographer & BTS: Bryce Saucier
Driving PA: Travis Corley
PA: Kylie Shaieb
Casting by Annika White
Edit & Color by Annika White & Carl Knight
VFX by Carl Knight
EQ Provided by Matria Rentals & Clam Studios
