Italian director Davide Vicari secured a Gold in the Music Video category for Massimo Pericolo’s Le Cose Cambiano album trailer. Here, he talks about connecting the artist with the audience, using FPV drones, and thriving in the commercial world.
How did you get into directing?
I began exploring directing during high school, initially approaching it spontaneously through the world of music videos.
I started by creating simple videos for artists I knew personally, gradually expanding my horizons as I embarked on my journey at the Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia in Milan.
Music has always been a fundamental element for me, and I find its influence in every project I undertake, whether in my approach to editing or in shaping a sense of visual harmony.
What was the inspiration behind the music video?
The concept for this project stems from the album’s title. We began by searching for an element that could serve as a lens through which to explore the artist’s world while embodying a sense of transformation. This led us to the idea of featuring a dragonfly as the central figure in the narrative.
Visual storytelling then evolved to reflect the artist’s life, capturing the essence of the places and social contexts that shaped him as an individual and an artist. We sought to authentically portray the environment they come from, with the dragonfly guiding us through this exploration.
A crucial aspect of the project was maintaining a raw and direct tone of voice. We wanted the narrative to feel genuine, almost like a documentary, with an unfiltered portrayal of reality. This approach influenced every decision, from the choice of locations and cast to the overall aesthetic. The goal was to create a piece that resonated with the artist’s identity and connected with the audience on a deeper, more authentic level.
How long was the shoot and what was the most challenging aspect of the project?
The shoot lasted only one day, with time being the most significant challenge, especially given the numerous company moves that marked the day. The overall approach was relatively light, as we filmed everything, except for the final underwater scene, using an FPV drone.
The real difficulties of this project mainly arose during the prep and post-production phases. In the prep phase, the primary challenge was pre-visualising every camera movement to ensure they were correct and functional for integrating CGI elements. Meanwhile, post-production was particularly complex due to the fine-tuning required for the dragonfly’s aesthetics and movements, compounded by the time constraints imposed by a tight deadline.
What have you learned during the process of making the music video?
The most important lesson I learned is the significance of pre-visualisation, both for myself and the client. As I mentioned earlier, the limited time available on set and during post production allowed us a tiny margin for error.
What does it mean to you to win a YDA and what can we expect to see from you in future?
This award is a significant milestone for me, not only because it is the first important recognition in my career but also because it has allowed me to connect with many talented filmmakers and showcase my work on a prominent platform.
This award is even more special for me because it was given for a unique type of project, a music video that also serves as a promo for the entire concept behind the artist’s new album, his world, and his career in general.
Do you plan to work in the advertising industry and if so, what most excites you about that prospect?
Over the past three years, I’ve ventured into the world of commercials and found it incredibly captivating. What excites me most is the creative synergy that can emerge when my vision intersects with an agency and a brand. The collaborative process in this field is unique, often leading to unexpected and powerful results.
I also thrive in a structured commercial work environment, where limitations become opportunities for innovation. The ongoing dialogue and exchange of ideas, combined with the challenge of balancing my artistic style with the client’s communication goals, create a dynamic that I find both stimulating and rewarding.
Interview by Daniel Huntley shots
