Daniel Peters, is a fellow freelance filmmaker based in the U.K. He might look like a rockstar, and in part you’d be right.  Daniel creates music videos like a rock legend and has over 20 music videos under his belt. Also, he has shot and edited documentaries and wedding videos.  We are going to explore his methods of pre-production, production, his influences, and his inspirations as a filmmaker.
How did Daniel catch our eyes at AWSY? He shot directed and edited an experimental video called Bertie & Princess. The video beautifully showcases the work of a stable and the majestic nature of horse riding. He caught our eyes again with his latest work with the band Hello Lazarus- X marks. There’s no way to describe this music video. Therefore, we are posting it here! We hope that you’ll enjoy it as we did.

Mr. Peters, has accepted to be interviewed by the AWSY team on Vimeo. #AREWESHOOTINGYET Vimeo INTERVIEW:

We interviewed Daniel Peters through Vimeo. 

Hello, Daniel!

Thanks for giving me the opportunity to talk to you and accepting the interview.

Q: How did you find your next project? A: I’ve got to the point where clients contact me regarding music videos/weddings etc.
Anything different that I want to endeavor in, I contact companies discussing ideas, projects.

Q: Tell us how is your average day of pre-production? A: My usual Pre-production depends on the project. First thing is usually typical-location hunting, but for many bands this is tricky as most bands can’t afford location fees which makes my job a lot harder…as i think location is key when it comes to any project. Then if anything in the treatment requires any effects, I usually test that out first with stand ins, etc., to make sure it works smoothly…so that way i don’t shoot myself in the foot on delivery time.

Q: How do you meet such talented bands and what is your work ethic with them or any other client? A: Sometimes through my brothers recording studio (Anemic Studios) or from bands spreading the word on my work. My work ethic is usually the same with everyone…until I hear the song, i can vision the location, story, feel etc. Then I discuss my vision and the band usually likes it, few changes might happen here and there, due to time, location, actors or just simple story changes. But if i don’t feel for the song, I won’t do the project. It will just hurt me more than if I shot it for the money…if my heart isn’t in it I won’t do it. Been there and done that and…well it simply didn’t come out good.

Q: How do you fight with writer’s block? Because my writer’s block is kicking my ass for months now. A: Writer’s block is a bitch. I’m a big tv/drama fan so most of my inspiration comes from that and great photography…rather than other music video pieces.

Q: How do you manage to make your digital footage look and feel organic? Especially with your latest work with Hello Lazarus. A: I’m glad you said that. There are so many people shooting now that everything looks the same so, I always try my best to make my work … well look like my work. To be honest, anyone can shoot music videos, but I want to have a certain style with mine. For the Hello Lazarus one, they actually didn’t like the idea at first, so I had to do a lot of convincing which makes that project even more satisfying for how it came out. Im a big fan of film, the look of shows like, true blood, american horror story… so I try my best to copy that look with whatever I’m shooting on, which is usually cheap digital cameras haha. Funny enough, nearly that whole video was shot with a cheap Sony Nex5n.

Q: As a musician yourself do you feel like you have an advantage in the editing room?A: Def not….but my way of editing i do just as they way i shoot. If I’m not feeling the song, I won’t edit it…so I usually edit the video straight away as I am completely in that vibe/zone of that style. I hope a lot of my edits look different too and editing is def another form of art. A great cinematographer can shoot something amazing and beautiful but an editor…can fuck that up in seconds, Ha!

Q: Which is your favorite gear so far? A: Def the Red Scarlet but i wouldn’t be able to appreciate it if I didn’t start off shooting the way I did. I started with a Panasonic HVX 200 with a shoot35 adapter, then moved over to the Canon 5DMKII and here I am now with the scarlet…

Q: Tell us about your production workflow?A: My production workflow with bands tend to be a little similar I usually start off shooting the wides, as this warms up the band and they tend to not feel too awkward as I’m not right in their face yet with the camera.

Q: What would be your dream-gear? A: I think my only dream gear would be the phantom camera… other than that, i’d much rather have great actors and access to amazing locations.

Q: Do you have a new project in mind or in pre-production do you want to share with us? A: I’ve been writing and trying to start shooting my web series that would air an 1hr episode every 2 weeks, but getting the budget for actors/locations has been really tricky. Thats all I can share on that, Ha!

Q: Was there ever a project that turned into a nightmare? What did you do to keep from happening again?
Ha definitely… a band changed their mind on the location and said were nearly here now and we’ll just shoot it at your studio. I said no, they showed up anyways…discussed a few things, pretty had to set up and shoot a music video in 2-3 hours… no names mentioned, sorry, Ha!

Want to learn more about Daniel then visit danielpeters.org for more music videos and follow him on Twitter @danielpetersdop.