R & B(ri) Girl: Aussie Aus "Bungee" Video Shoot
BTS Shot by @itsbarrydaly
Ya’ll wanna hear a story about how I became a R&B love interest? It’s kinda long but it’s full of suspense.
Aight, so boom! I’m walking my sweet pup, Cookie, one sunny afternoon and I get a call from Mister Barry Daly. Barry is a creative artist I follow on Instagram who is truly a visonary (check out his insta here @itsbarrydaly). We became IG buddies through a few mutuals and we talked all the time however we had never met. We had intentions of meeting in LA for as long as we could both remember so I was excited to hear that he was in LA for a little while. He calls me and says, “Hey Aisjah! Hope all is well. I know this is super random but I know an artist who is shooting a music video and they need a model. The model that they had booked cancelled and they arrive to shoot in 2 days. I showed them your IG and they wanted to go ahead and work with you if you are available.”
Now I have a 9-5 job so I always have to consider that when I take side jobs. So I was hesitant at first, asking Barry when is the shoot; “in two days,” he says. Don’t get me wrong I love living my creative dream, but with this pandemonium at play, I cannot risk losing my steady source of income that I am grateful to still have at this point. I knew if Barry was calling, it’s because he knows some truly incredible people so I decided to at least speak to the manger to better understand the concept. I actually always wanted to be a leading lady in at least one R&B video so I am happy to have been able to check that off of my bucket-list. The next day I was on the phone with Aussie’s Manager, he explained the concept and I took the job.
Ife, Aussie’s Manager, sent me a few images of what he and the artist had envisioned for the shoot. They were going for a 70’s theme which I loved. I am the type of creative that is committed to the art so whatever it is, you can count on me to be completely invested in the project. Want me to be in a freezing pool, you got it. With that being said, the artist mentioned my butterfly locs hairstyle and wanted that aesthetic for the shoot.
An image with the same hairstyle was shared, so the team assumed I still had the style. Guess who didn’t have locs when I booked this gig and zoomed with the team? Bish you guessed it! Me! Ya’ll know I change my hair like I change underwear so you never know what hair I’m going to have on any particular day. Being the committed creative that I truly am, I told the artist and the manager that it wouldn’t be a problem to have the requested hairstyle in 2 days. Chile, I slightly regretted my decision to commit because I forgot how long it took the first couple of times to achieve the look. I contemplated buying a wig but ultimately decided to do individuals but I cheated this time. I made my plaits much bigger, which saved me a lot of time.
Hair, Make-up and Styling, by me!
Shoot day rolls around and I show up on set to the most beautiful retro space I had ever seen. Each room was so charming and had it’s own personal style yet the entire set was such a cohesive vibe. I met the team, the other model and the Aussie for the first time and they all were such lovely people. I couldn’t have asked for a better first video shoot experience. The entire time I was there, Aussie, Ife, Barry, Zach, Sam and Bethany were so kind and professional. The entire crew made sure all scenes were comfortable to shoot and I’m just grateful for the experience.
I was originally asked to do one day, however the other model cancelled for the beach shoot and I was able to move some stuff around and shoot the next day. Beach location was El Matador Beach but if you make a left and walk a bit down, you avoid all the crowds. Second shoot day was nothing short of amazing and further solidified that the team is awesome to work with. I have a few takes-aways from the entire experience that I’d like to share with ya’ll. Always be professional because trust me, people talk about everything. Commit to the art. I was determined to do a damn good job and I try to respect the artist’s vision while doing my best. I know how important that is because that’s how I am, in fact, I think all creatives are this way. Lastly, know that your online presence (in this case- instagram) is your resume. I cannot overstate how true this is. It’s worked for a number of jobs I’ve been able to secure lately.
A huge thank you to the entire team. I had the best time ever. I’ll drop their handles so you can IG stalk them or book them for their services. The artist, Aussie Aus @aussieaus_, the manager, Ife Olaore @ifemakes, the BTS photographer/videographer extraordinaire and the reason for making this all happen, Barry Daly @itsbarrydaly, production Zach and Sam, @borkhouseproductions ( @thefatzoo & @samnapod).
Without further adieu, please watch Aussie Aus “Bungee” Video, which is already over 7k views at post.
Let me know your thoughts in the comments!