IN CANADA
"There’s workman’s comp and pogie, for when we’re shown the door.
There’s Canadian Tire money, in at least one kitchen drawer." - Chris & Dave Hadfield
- 2014 | 4:56
- Production Company VMG Cinematic
- Featuring performances by Chris Hadfield, Dave Hadfield
- Producers Alyssa Milot, Mark Campbell
- Art Director Angela Newell
- Editor Patrick Collins
- Cinematography by Alex Dacev
- Directed by Ken Simpson
MUSIC VIDEO
"Chris Hadfield's 'Most Canadian Music Video Ever' Is So Darn Nice" - Huffingtonpost.ca
“Chris Hadfield, brother make most Canadian music video ever" - CTVNews
"Retired astronaut records 'In Canada' with his brother dave…" - CBC
I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Chris Hadfield and his brother Dave and direct them both in this music video. The budget and deadline for the video were both tight, but the graciousness of the Hadfield family and the phenomenal crew made it a complete joy. Much thanks to VMG Cinematic for the opportunity and to my constant collaborator, Alex Dacev!
ORIGINAL PITCH
TONAL REFERENCE:
“The Wonder Years” Intro meets the “Tree of Life” with a Canadian twist.
VISUAL STYLE:
For the family scenes we want to create a sense of a typical family vacation at the Hadfield cottage as if one of the family members were filming their entire stay. The Hadfield family go about their typical daily activities where they're encouraged to acknowledge the camera and even “ham it up a bit”. The camera movement is very lively and playful, often moving around to engage or accommodate those who are on camera. Moments of soft focus and lens flares are not only ok, they're encouraged.
For the musical set-ups where Chris and Dave are seen playing and singing the song, the camera is more subdued (although still hand held) and Chris & Dave are encouraged to interact more with each other & their environment rather than the camera itself. Ideally, it should feel like they were creating the song right before our eyes, and not just recounting it to us.
At the end of the video (during the bonfire scene) these two styles meld together, where the camera moves subtlety, the compositions are framed “dirtier” more observational. Rack focuses are more intentional rather than accidental. Overall, the scene is slightly more artistic/cinematic. We the audience, should feel like a fly on the wall during an intimate, joyous family get-together.
