Video Static: Music Video News

WATCH IT: Melanie Fiona "Wrong Side..." (Larenz Tate, dir.)

There's some star power behind this new Melanie Fiona — it premiered on Jay-Z's Life+Times site, stars Omari Hardwick, and was directed by actor Larenz Tate (Menace II Society and lots more) — but the video would stand alone even without those talking points. A split-screen chronicles the good times from Fiona and her man's relation on one side, while contrasting the after-effects of their break-up on the right. It's like the r&b version of "Closing Time," which is very much a compliment. --> watch "Wrong Side Of A Love Song"

Melanie Fiona "Wrong Side Of A Love Song" (RocNation/Republic)
Larenz Tate, director | Andrew Listermann, producer | Riveting Ent, production co | Tommy Labuda, rep |  Rob Witt, DP | Whitney Weir, editor | Shannon Burgee, production manager | GloriaFX @ Riveting Post, vfx| Bob Curreri, colorist | Emerald Listermann, exec. producer

WATCH IT: Sevyn Streeter "I Like It" (Parris, dir.)

A sleek, modern take on the pop/r&b video with minimalist architectural locations and restrained choreography that feels fresh and real. --> "I Like It"

Sevyn Streeter "I Like It" (CBE/Atlantic)
Parris, dir. | Andrew Listermann, producer | Riveting Entertainment, production co. | Tommy Labuda, rep | Emmanuelle Cuny-Panicker, commissioner 

IN PRODUCTION: Melanie Fiona - Larenz Tate, dir.

Starring Omari Hardwick and directed by Larenz Tate... 

• artist: Melanie Fiona
• song: "Wrong Side Of A Love Song"
• label: RocNation/Republic
• director(s): Larenz Tate
• rep: Tommy LaBuda
• production co: Riveting Ent.
• DP: Rob Witt
• producer: Andrew Listermann

IN PRODUCTION: Vali - Paul Coy Allen, dir.

• artist: Vali
• song: "Shut it Down"
• label: Rostrum
• director(s): Paul Coy Allen
• production co: Riveting
• rep: Tommy Labuda
• producer: Shannon Burgee
• DP: Rob Witt
• exec. producer: Andrew Listermann

Director Signing Updates: Adria Petty, Larenz Tate, Alma Har'el

A recap of recent director signings with production companies...

Adria Petty x Moxie Pictures

Director Adria Petty signs with Moxie Pictures, with representation by Tommy Labuda. Pett's work includes videos for  Coldplay f/ Rihanna, Regina Spektor, and Beyonce.

Larenz Tate x Riveting Entertainment

Actor Larenz Tate joins Riveting Entertainment for music video directorial work, with representation by Tommy Labuda. Tate's acting credits includes a lead part in the influential Hughes Brothers film Menace II Society, in addition to roles in Oscar winners Ray and Crash. He made his directing debut with a Conjure Cognac commercial starring Ludacris.

Alma Har'el x Tool Of N.A.

Director Alma Har'el join Tool Of North America, with representation by Laure Scott. Har'el earned acclaim this past year for her Sigur Ros video "Fjogur Piano" starring Shia LaBeouf.

WATCH IT: MKTO "Thank You" (Chris Marrs Piliero, dir.)

There's a tweenage riot brewing in this video for pop duo MKTO. Director Chris Marrs Piliero gives the guys a variety of tricky tools to seed the rebellion, including spray paint that erases faces and powerful black balloons. And if you recognize the group's Malcolm D. Kelley as Walt from LOST, then you'll be thankful for the numerous Easter Eggs in the classroom scene and a quick reunion moment later in the video. --> watch "Thank You"

MKTO "Thank You" (Columbia)
Chris Marrs Piliero, director/editor | Brandon Bonfiglio, producer | Riveting Entertainment, production co | Tommy Labuda, rep | Joe Labisi, DP | Riveting Post, vfx | note: Chris Marrs Piliero is now signed with DNA

WATCH IT: Rome "Seasons" (Paul Coy Allen, dir.)

Rome goes without Sublime in order to flight with girls representing all four seasons. As expected, Winter is a buzzkill. --> watch "Seasons"

Rome "Seasons" (Fueled By Ramen)
Paul Coy Allen, directo/editor | Rebekah Sindoris, producer | Riveting Entertainment, production co | Tommy Labuda, rep | Bryant Jansen, DP | Bryant Jansen @ Riveting Post, colorist  | Andrew Listermann, exec. producer | Alex Bittan, commissioner

DIRECTOR SIGNINGS: Alex Nazari to Rockhard / Hyperballad to Riveting

Alex Nazari x Rockhard

Director Alex Nazari has signed with Rockhard, with Tommy Labuda as his music video rep. Notable credits include:

• T.I. "Go Get It"
• Future f/ Diddy & Ludacris "Same Damn Time"
• Lupe Fiasco "Freedom Ain't Free"

HYPERBALLAD @ Riveting Ent.

Directing crew HYPERBALLAD is now with Riveting Entertainment; music video representation by Tommy Labuda. Video credits include:

• Far East Movement f/ Flo Rida "Change Your Life"
• Lifehouse f/ Natasha Bedingfield "Between The Raindrops"

IN PRODUCTION: Lil Wayne f/ 2 Chainz - Parris, dir.

• artist: Lil Wayne f/ 2 Chainz
• song: "Rick As F*ck"
• label: Cash Money/Universal Republic
• director(s): Parris
• production co: Riveting Entertainment
• rep: Tommy Labuda
• producer: Michelle Larkin
• exec. producer: Andrew Listermann
• exec. producer/commissioner: Jeffrey Panzer

IN PRODUCTION: Mack Maine f/ Talib Kweli + Lil Wayne - Parris, dir,

• artist: Mack Maine f/ Tail Kweli + Lil Wayne
• song: "Celebrate"
• label: Cash Money/Universal Republic
• director(s): Parris
• production co: Riveting Entertainment
• rep: Tommy Labuda
• exec. producer: Andrew Listermann
• exec. producer/commissioner: Jeffrey Panzer

IN PRODUCTION: LL Cool J f/ Joe - Paris Barclay, dir.

Directed by Paris Barclay, who has helmed episodes for TV shows Sons Of Anarchy, Glee and NCIS: Los Angeles, which stars LL Cool J, in addition the Wayans flick Don't Be A Menace...

• artist: LL Cool J f/ Joe
• song: "Take It"
• director(s): Paris Barclay
• production co: Riveting Ent.
• producer: Andrew Listermann
• DP: Joseph Labisi
• editor: Whitney Weir @ Riveting Post
• production designer: Brandon Mendez

IN PRODUCTION: Rome - Paul Coy Allen, dir.

• artist: Rome
• song: "Seasons"
• label: Fueled By Ramen
• director(s): Paul Coy Allen
• production co: Riveting Entertainment
• rep: Tommy Labuda
• producer: Rebekah Sindoris
• exec. producer: Andrew Listermann
• commissioner: Alex Bittan

IN PRODUCTION: U.G.L.Y. - Parris, dir.

• artist: U.G.L.Y.
• song: "Red"
• label: CBE
• director(s): Parris
• production co: Riveting Entertainment
• rep: Labuda Management
• producer: Andrew Listermann

WATCH IT: Nicki Minaj f/ Cassie "The Boys" (Colin Tilley, dir.)

This video is billed as explicit and it features Nicki Minaj and Cassie in a pink box, sitting on lips and being involved in blow jobs — which is all true, but only if you're a literalist. Director Colin Tilley clearly has a ball on this one, letting the two girls gallivant through a colorful cityscape while mericilessly teasing the boy viewers. --> watch "The Boys"

Nicki Minaj f/ Cassie "The Boys"
(Cash Money/Universal)
Colin Tilley, director | Andrew Listerman, producer/exec. producer | Riveting Ent, production co | Labuda Managent, rep | Rob Witt, DP | Jeffrey Panzer, exec. producer/commissioner