|

Entertainment

Keeping dancehall on US screens

GIL GREEN: video director bats for dancehall

BY HOWARD CAMPBELL Observer senior writer

Friday, January 04, 2013



GIL Green, who has directed music videos by Sean Paul and Elephant Man, has revived his involvement in dancehall productions through his 305 Films.

In a recent interview with Jamaica Observer, he said the company has helped promote visuals by two high-profile acts.

"My company is seasoning upcoming directors and one of those is Dayo (Dayo Harewood) who recently did two videos for Popcaan (The System) and Beenie Man (Hot Like Fire). With the changing record company situation, this is one way I can stay with the dancehall scene," Green said.

The 37-year-old, who is married to a Jamaican, vacationed on the country's north coast in December. He said artistes around the world are increasingly producing low-budget music videos which are posted on YouTube, attracting hundreds of thousands of viewers.

He estimates music videos by top pop acts cost record companies as much as US$200,000. That goes beyond the budget of dancehall performers, many of whom have failed to attract major label attention in the last five years.

"Dancehall is in a odd space right now, it's not getting a lot of play (in the US) and that's definitely not a good thing," Green pointed out. "Dancehall is my passion but there is no money."

Born in Atlanta and raised in Miami, Green studied film at New York University. He has directed music videos for a number of leading artistes such as Akon (We Don't Care, Beautiful), Lupe Fiasco (Out of My Head) and DJ Khaled (I'm On One, featuring Drake, Rick Ross and Lil Wayne).

Green has also worked with several Jamaican artistes including Sean Paul (as he appears in Do You Remember by Jay Sean and also featuring Lil Jon), Elephant Man (Pon the River) and Sizzla (Thank You Mama).

Green worked with Sean Paul and Elephant Man around six years ago, a time when dancehall was popular among pop fans in the United States. At the time, a handful of Jamaican entertainers were signed to major record companies which helped push their music on major cable channels including BET and MTV.



POST A COMMENT

HOUSE RULES

 

1. We welcome reader comments on the top stories of the day. Some comments may be republished on the website or in the newspaper – email addresses will not be published.

2. Please understand that comments are moderated and it is not always possible to publish all that have been submitted. We will, however, try to publish comments that are representative of all received.

3. We ask that comments are civil and free of libellous or hateful material. Also please stick to the topic under discussion.

4. Please do not write in block capitals since this makes your comment hard to read.

5. Please don't use the comments to advertise. However, our advertising department can be more than accommodating if emailed: advertising@jamaicaobserver.com.

6. If readers wish to report offensive comments, suggest a correction or share a story then please email: community@jamaicaobserver.com.

7. Lastly, read our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy



comments powered by Disqus

Band SOJA marches on

 

Mavado creates magic with Jadakiss

 

Tarrus tours Europe in June

 

Styleweek 2013 starts at Fiction

 

Do Go See May 24

 

We Are Massiv shoots fashion film

 

The past, present & future of L'Acadco

 

Acoustic aspirations from Ky-Enie

 

Children's gospel final on Sunday

 

Eljai makes name as reggae artiste

 

Events at a glance

 

Hundreds turn up for Tastee audition

 

Dante's struggles for comedy series

 

PHOTO: Greater August Town Film Festival launched

 

Chief Keef arrested

 

New movements from Oku

 

Labour Day treat for W Kingston residents

 

Cat Eyes takes on removing shackles

 

Toots on the mend

 

'Jah Wayne' yearns for mainstream

 

Today's Cartoon