I decided to start a series of posts highlighting some of this industry’s dope cinematographers and directors. Often, the artists get credit for the creative brain child of the music video director. Since I enjoy independent films, and whimsical video direction, it’s only right to share with you those creatives who are on my dope list, starting with Yoann Lemoine.
If you’ve seen Drake’s “Take Care,” Katy Perry’s “Teenage Dream,” or Lana Del Ray’s “Born to Die,” videos, then you’ve witnessed Yoann Lemoine’s video direction. Somehow, he weaves a story amist retro, yet clear and incandescent shots, with a shadowy spotlight focus on the subjects face, reminiscent of 1940’s film noir. Born in Lyon, a city in east-central France, Lemoine studied illustration and animation early on – both skills which probably added precision to his eye as a director.
In 2012, he received the award for Best Director of the Year at the MVPA Awards along with being nominated for 6 MTV Video Music Awards for his videos for Lana Del Rey, Drake feat. Rihanna. Along with being a director, he’s a neofolk artist known as Woodkid, and released his debut album The Golden Age on my birthday last year, March 18, 2013.
Check out some of the videos that he’s directed below.