I worked on my first music video today while in Sacramento. Lots of bells and lots of whistles. Instead of being behind the scenes (where I usually find myself), yours truly was in front of the camera. Yes, my very first cameo. Baby’s first cameo. I’m so proud. And my cameo was the first one of the day. Diva that I am, I got to go before anyone else … mainly because I had a redeye flight to catch.
My friend Phil Putnam – singer-songwriter extraordinaire – unleashed his first video “More Than This” about six months ago. Thanks to shameless, blatant self-promotion, the vid slowly but surely crawled its way to the top of the video charts on LOGO (MTV’s sister site). Phil’s record company – which consists of Phil – decided to strike while the iron was hot and get the second video out ASAP. And even though the premise of the video has changed about a dozen times, it promised to be a good time.
The new premise? Phil sings a lot to the camera and plays a toy piano. Oh, and then proceeds to writhe around on a couch and bed with a bunch of dudes. Or something like that.
The name of the song? “I’m No Prize” – go figure. Clearly, Phil is a prize if he can cajole twenty male modes to roll around with him – for free. The song is a catchy little ditty with just a bit of a twang. Of course, Phil has been stressed out over the last few months trying to arrange everything for the shoot. He’s down 20lbs — lucky bitch.
I’m not really sure what my role in the video was. I shot all my scenes solo. Over green screen. And fully clothed. Hmmm … But the director seemed genuinely relieved when I listened to what he said. His exact words … “At least YOU know what you’re doing.” Believe me, if there’s one thing I can do on cue over and over (and over and over) is beam a mega-watt smile out to the universe.
He said, “Gimme 10 different shots with 10 different moods.” I said, “Cake. Let’s do this, bitches!” After approximately the 582nd shot, the director said, “I think we’re done.” I said, “I’m just warming up.” Then I was promptly thrown off the set before any of my best work saw the camera lens. So much for cutting room floor.
Right before I was banished from the set I hurled a pillow at the camera. The director laughed because it was so spontaneous. I’ll guarantee that’s the shot they use. Phil will be unveiling the video in late July. Look for me … I’ll be the clothed blonde guy using a mint blue pillow to fend off potential paparazzi — for approximately 2.2 seconds.