As the production date for the filming of the What Is A Saint video grows near, life at the Michelle Mangione camp has begun to heat up at an ever-increasing pace. A boost in the numbers of phone calls, meetings, interviews and rehearsals have forced their way into the already busy schedules and numerous summer gigs of Mangione and her band.
Recently Flask and Pen was invited to a walk through/production meeting at a very cool and very gritty second hand store located a few miles south of Los Angeles.
To say that the location of the shoot has character would be to grossly understate the timeless yet historic feel the store’s presence will emote in the video. One step in and you’re taken back to what a second hand store truly is. This place isn’t some wanna be cool retro shop on Melrose with items hanging from shiny racks, worn once or twice but are now, so last year.
Not at all, this shop is full of rows and isles of beat up old racks loaded down with clothes that have some miles on them. Stacks of old ‘70’s electronic equipment, vinyl records, old furniture, appliances your grandmother owned, poor lighting, a bad intercom system and everything else that you’d expect to experience in places like this.
We watched as the production crew, Mangione and members of the band walked throughout the location and discuss angles lighting and marks. We were able to meet and get to know some of the players involved with this project. One of the people we got to know was Peter Chang, one of the Directors of Photography.
F&P: What is your job on the video?
Chang: I am the co-DP along with Daniele Colombera.
F&P: How long have you been involved with this type of work?
Chang: I’ve been working in various aspects of film and television production for about 8 years, but I mostly work as a production coordinator and editor. As far as shooting, I also own a side business as a photographer and videographer, so I’ve got some experience in the field.
F&P: Is this your first music video?
Chang: I did a couple in college, but that’s hardly anything to write home about.
F&P: How did you become attached to the What Is A Saint Project?
Chang: Lori (Cerasoli) had called asking if I knew anyone who would be interested in helping out, and as she described the project to me, I rattled off a few ideas, and she said “wow, do YOU want to shoot this?” It was flattering, but I didn’t think I was ready for such an undertaking, so I offered support as a DP.
F&P: Anything you want to add?
Chang: Visually, I think this project is going to be pretty cool. Being able to shoot this project in HD at a fraction of what it would’ve cost even 2-3 years ago is amazing.
Chang, as well as everyone else we met, is truly a professional and dedicated to the What Is A Saint Project. With filming scheduled to occur on Labor Day weekend all of the final pieces are beginning to fall into place and the excitement throughout the team is very apparent.
Momentum for the song and video received a huge boost recently when Mangione was invited to join co-writer Grace Slick for what was a wonderful interview on legendary rock and roll DJ, Los Angeles icon Jim Ladd’s radio show. Mangione and Slick covered a myriad of issues, which included exposing their varied taste in music, the history of their friendship, and the writing of What Is A Saint.
We will continue keep you informed as to the progress of the What Is A Saint Production, until such time we can bring you the completed What Is A Saint video.
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