Video Descriptions
Blink
Blink is a bold and curious attempt by its auteur to visually as well as psychologically investigate what ensues when pure love challenges destiny. The main character, Luwana starring Pamela Smith has to deal with the unfortunate circumstance of fighting for her daughter's life when the recklessness of a couple cause her daughter Blossom to venture on to the road less travelled.
Blink was shot on location on 8th and Webster in Oakland as well as Ocean beach California. The cinematography was on point brought about courtesy of its cinematographer Michael Street and his amazing team. The great talents of Ed Gillies, Kabari Jackson and Genevieve Nizic present us with a diversity of convincing characters and a real and effective performance. The Oakland film commission and Diane Baker were very instrumental in making blink a reality. Jason Ragosta exhibited his savvy knowledge of film by carefully piecing together this Akendo Production. A short but very effective piece commenting on life, death, love, drugs and humanity.
Hella Clean
Matching visuals to rapper Recka's and producer CH's song HELLA CLEAN, we thought would be full of choices and exciting ideas especially as we decided to go commercial with the concept. The cinematographer, Ben Einhorn, showcased his eye for art in how skillfully he lit and composed the shots, bringing to life, the director-Akendo E. Ntangku's vision.
Much love and appreciation goes out to Queen Anne Hotel in San Francisco and their staff for accommodating our requests and for being exceptionally hospitable to us before, during and after production.
The models, Theresa Shorter, Danielle Webster, Duchess Duh, Amber Danielle, Kaimi'akua Alvarado had a fun time matching ideas and comparing thoughts while working with the Art Direction and Production Design teams headed by Ruth Delph and Pamela Smith on makeup, wardrobe and green screen.
Like our other music videos, " New Bay," and "Y'all Ain't Ready", the bay area is on display again but this time, we highlight parts of the Oakland hills', San Francisco as well as Dublin/Pleasanton. Exotic models, nice cars and 'living the good life (Hella Clean) is some of what we capture with this piece. Enjoy it!
Clara
Clara Schlaimon aka Clara of Dolphins of Hollywood
Clara is such a humble, talented and focused individual so when it came time to deciding on a location for the documentary, going over to cover her at home in Pebble Beach, California felt like a good choice. It was small crew this time comprising of only 4 people, the Michael Street-Cinematographer, Leighton T-Photographer, CH Gilmore-Producer as well as the auteur-Akendo N.
Clara's family was exceptionally kind with her mother preparing a feast for the crew and family. Her father expressed whole-heartedly his support and undying love for his daughter as well as guided us through the beach and rest of the property. It was another fun shoot.
Clara is now in Hollywood pursuing her dream and her new single and Video "So Lame," can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/user/clarathesinger. Go Support!
Creepin'
Came as a spoof for a reality show in which when someone suspects their partner for cheating on them, they call the t.v host who then sets out on an investigation to prove that point or not. The Artist MALIK, out of Hayward, California did a good job acting out the angry boyfriend. Ed Gillies played the T. V show host who informs Malik of a possible date in progress involving his girlfriend. They set out to confront his girlfriend at the restaurant.
Michael Street, Ben Einhorn, Jacob Martinez and the rest of the crew helped capture a film noir look with high saturation lighting and sharp splits during the restaurant scenes but stayed true to an exciting MTV style camera work, with the Golden gate scenes and for most of the outside scenes. Thank you to Sonya Munoz, for letting us use that space, Kaimi Alvarado, Jamie Leigh, lorelei Suarez and everyone else who worked really hard to help pull that off.
"It was a fun experience and will forever remain a very well cherished memory."
Akendo Ntangku
New Bay
New Bay expresses an extension of the love for the Bay area shared both by the artists, Recka of 880style Inc and Daniel Tucker of 'We Out here entertainment', Tic Toc the Titan as well as the director Akendo N. The song heralds the awakening of bay area music with the rapper's styles representing the different cultures of 'gangsta rap' present in the bay area while ushering in a new beat and new hip hop feel sweeping across the bay area putting it on the same platform as any other rap culture from any other part of the country or worldwide.
It showcases a sample of what the bay area has to offer while capturing one of its oldest and most celebrated landmarks; the golden gate bridge. The rappers put up a very impressive act complementing Akendo's style for this video; an attempt to capture reality while displaying the emotional power of the lyrical content.
The video was filmed on location with an exquisite use of fluid camera and a foreign and searching eye. The deal was sealed when the careful and able hands of it's editor, Chezzere Day showcased are artistic expression and creative ability by piecing together a fast paced, high-energy and exciting video making possible the vision of it's auteur. Take some time to enjoy this piece of the bay area with the music courtesy of producer Rich Kidd.
Abbey James
With a cool swag; original, confident and high energy, James interacts with his crowd turning his sharp lyrical tone and savvy delivery into an enjoyable performance. That night, James…………U can please add one or 2 more things about James.
Better Days
The energy that was in the house that night was overwhelming with Josh Black on the drums, Steffan Jari Randle on the bass, and Ryan Kimmo Randle singing lead and on guitar. The crowd went wild with excitement as the band unveiled their line up that night.