All I Do is Work

It's been a long time, but I finally finished up my work with Alabama rapper, Drama.



In my post, I Gotta Hustle, I talked about two rappers I met because of my affiliation with North Greene Records.

After sitting down to talk, both Drama and Trent showed interest in working with me. Trent actually came to me with the idea of working on a music video first, but Drama ended up being getting the process rolling.

Pre-production to post-production took around three months. I decided to downsize my role to Director and DP. I soon realized I was far too swamped with other projects to earnestly sit down and edit. Also, some of the stylistic choices Drama wanted were out of my editing capabilities.

That's when I decided to bring in one of my colleagues, Douglas Dillingham of Zombiesquid Pictures. Douglas' work speak for itself. When I first checked it out I was thoroughly impressed. The editing skill he displays at this level are far ahead of most individuals I know. Plus, I needed someone who could get the work done in an efficient and quick manner.

Doug definitely proved he was the best choice.



To contact rapper, Drama, you can DM him through his twitter page @MrNBADRAMA .You can also contact Doug for editing jobs through his website or by his twitter page @ZSquid.

Working on this project definitely taught me I'm more comfortable shooting over editing. I still love editing and I appreciate the necessity, but I'd rather be out in the world with my camera instead of sitting at a computer. I now honestly realize how important a good editor is for a production team.

When all you do is work, having a strong team behind you can make all the difference. Also, be sure to follow @QueTheLights and check out my updated portfolio page QTL Images.

11/22/11 Update: Music Video work featured on website This is Ham. Click HERE to see.

I Gotta Hustle

Now that Homecoming is over life has gone back to relative normality. I have far more time to work on projects I'm not obligated towards. At the moment I'm working on a music video for Alabama rapper, Drama. I've come into contact with some very talented artists because of my work with North Greene records.

I usually shy away from doing music videos. This doesn't mean I'm not interested in the industry, but many of the artists that approach me usually have very sub-par music. Anyone that knows me understands I'll turn down money if a project doesn't interest me. In this case, if your music isn't well done I'll pass.

Drama and Trent surprised me. When I listened certain tracks I felt as if I were listening to something on the radio. From there I've been working with both. I'm focusing on Drama's video at the moment, but I'll more than likely work with Trent soon. Still, I have done some photography work for him.

You can find Trent on Twitter. To check out more of Trent's work click here. I recommend "I Gotta Hustle." To see more of our work together go to Flickr. Also, Que The Lights is now on Twitter. Be sure to follow us!

I'll Meet You at North Greene

North Greene Records (which consists entirely of UA undergraduate students) has been working with me recently to finish & amp their resurgence into the rap game. The group purports that their sound is a unique compliment to the way we examine southern rap culture. I can get with it!

I'm always interested in working with individuals who I know work hard themselves. Friends, clients, models and co-workers should all have a similar concept of my work ethic- I'm thorough. Once I start a project-I'm GOING to finish it.

Most importantly, I have to feel a NEED to work on the project. It's the urgency that makes me work best. Any project I pick up I'm going to work with the kind of diligence that warrants and brings about more work. The client's project is a reflection not only of his subject matter, but my skill and propensity as a blacksmith of tangible redefinition (could've just said editing there. I'm being fancy on this piece)

I've learned you've got to be willing to help those around you in order to build a good rep. This goes beyond friendships

To clarify the guys I did this project for were my dorm-mates. We even went in together and produced an online radio station show for the campus our freshmen year. This plays into what I'm saying. It's not so much about the friendship (though that makes play a factor). It's more-so the understanding I can trust these individuals to stand by their word & work just as hard as I do. That's all I ask.

 Who is North Greene?