This Music Video of the Week continues an evolving visual universe, expanding on themes of identity and pressure through a stripped-back superhero narrative. Working with a small crew and limited resources, the director leaned into simplicity, mood, and careful composition — allowing constraint to sharpen both the storytelling and the visuals.
Below, director Luke Annett shares insight into the creative process behind the project, from production decisions to the emotional core driving the film.
A Lean Crew with Clear Creative Anchors
Operating with a compact team required clarity of roles and a high level of trust across departments, with several contributors carrying significant creative weight throughout the process.
“Around 12 people in total, excluding EPs and the commissioner.
I directed, produced and edited the video; Tom, my DP, was invaluable throughout pre-production and on set, and our colourist George graded the video beautifully, creating a full cohesive look in just one session.”
Developing a Sequel and Shaping the Process
The project builds on an existing narrative world, with earlier creative groundwork informing both the concept and the practical production approach.
“The video is a loose sequel to the first film we made for Zino’s EP, so the superhero concept had been developing for a while.
I’d been exploring a few different approaches, but once the budget and logistics became clear I decided on a one-day studio shoot with around three weeks to handle post.”
Balancing Ambition, Budget, and Practical Limitations
One of the central tensions of the project lay in achieving cinematic scale without access to the usual production resources — a challenge that shaped both planning and execution.
“The main challenge was scale; making a superhero video that didn’t feel DIY or cheesy on a very tight budget.
Without a producer, I took on most of the pre-production, with Tom guiding a lighting and kit approach that created the dark, gritty mood whilst remaining in budget.
On the shoot day we lost remote focus, forcing us to rethink blocking and coverage for many of the shots, ultimately pushing us towards simpler, more deliberate compositions.”
Directors Favourite Moments
Some of the most memorable sequences emerged through a combination of careful planning and discoveries made in post-production.
“The falling shot is my favourite moment for sure, and I was super happy with how close to my original vision we got it.
I’m also really happy with the opening where we flash through the different scenes – a moment that was discovered through experimentation in the edit.”
Externalising the Internal Struggle
Rather than leaning on literal storytelling, the video uses genre conventions to express internal states and connect this chapter to a broader narrative arc.
“At its core, the video is about someone feeling lost and overwhelmed by their environment, then finding a way to rise above it.
The superhero concept helps externalise that struggle without spelling it out too literally.
The previous video functions as an origin story, so together they form a wider narrative about identity, pressure and self-belief.”
Connecting at the Festival
We asked director Luke if the crew is planning to join the festival.
“Yes, for sure! If the video is screened, I’ll be making the journey from London and would love the chance to meet other filmmakers and creatives at the festival. Tom the DP will also be coming over from Amsterdam for it.”
Watch the music video below.
CREDITS
Director: Luke Annett @lvkeannett
Production Company: Plus Another One @plusanotherone
Executive Producer: Clara Stewart @clarastasiagrace
DOP: Tom McCagherty @tommccagherty
1st AC: Josh Bister @jdbstr
Gaffer: Tristan Hutchinson @tristan_hutchinson
Spark: Helena Bermejo @helenaense
1st AD & 2nd AC: Sasha Pankratova @sashapankratovax
Runner: Dior Emanuel-Garwood @realeffingdee
Editor: Luke Annett @lvkeannett
Assistant Editor: Jay Aaron @airtothemanor
VFX Artist: Joe Forder @jf.vfx
Sound Designer: José Pedro Rijo @rijo_on_theway
Colourist: George Neave @georgeneavecolour
Colour Assist: Liam Van Rooyen @liam_vans
Colour Producer: Kat Tallis @kathryntallis
Colour House: Coffee & TV @coffeetvstudio
Mask by: Ethan Bellevue @edominic_
Commissioner: Nicolle Rios @nenitanicollerios
