Bibi Zhou 'Lunar' by Jodeb
Bibi Zhou, a huge star in China in the Mandarin-language Mandopop genre, is transformed into an interdimensional puppetmaster, controlling the lives of characters in her orbit, in the gorgeous video directed by Jonathan Desbiens - aka Jodeb - for her new track Luna.
Shot in Montreal and Iceland, with a cast of dancers situated in a remarkable selection of locations - brooding glaciers, basalt column caves, black sand beaches and moonlit lagoons - Jodeb has created a delightful, otherworldly piece, where Bibi Zhou is the spiritual rock, literally tied to these characters.
The rope that connects Bibi Zhou and the dancers over time and space is a simple but highly effective device in also creating a connection between Zhou, the dancers and the viewer. It is delivered with characteristic skill and conviction by Jodeb - aided in no small part by the brilliant cinematography by Kristof Brandl - and also invites the viewer to ponder on the metaphorical aspect of a piece in which the moon is also a force, like a character in itself.
The artist may be only vaguely known to a Western audience, but this one stands up with Jodeb's finest work. A director at the top of his game.
JODEB (JONATHAN DESBIENS):
“The video is about inner struggle and desperate measures. I tried to make an epic painting in motion that creates a dualism between uncontrollable forces, such as the moon and gravity, and inner struggles that are universal to everyone.
“I went for a subconscious idea of a strong beautiful woman fighting some inner demons/personas, illustrating the walls between her feelings. I like to put unlikely elements against each other, often an adult v child concept. It was an experiment in expression and style. I was looking to create a simple, effective experience where you would rather feel than understand the concept.
"For me, it’s a very liberating process to just let myself go with a simple theme that shouldn’t require clutter, and let my amazing collaborators play with it as well. It’s been an incredible experience both in Montreal and Iceland, with unbelievable dancers and a crew of friends.”
PRO Credits
Credits
Director | Jodeb |
Director of Photography | Kristof Brandl |
Production Company | Colossale |
Executive Producer | Juliette Larthe |
Executive Producer | Vlad Cojocaru |
Head Of Production | Hannah May |
Production Manager | Stefan Petrisor |
Choreographer | Amy Gardner |
Stylist | AJ Helie |
Asst stylist | Bianka Roussel Marino |
Asst stylist | Daniel Dessureault Wright |
Editor | Jodeb |
VFX | Jodeb |
Colourist | Jodeb |
Sound design | Theo Porcet |
Commissioner | Michael Lewin |
Agency | NOWNESS |
Producer | Mathieu Leduc |
1st AD | Stephane Bourdeau |
1st AC | Mathieu Nadon |
2nd AC | Charles Durand-Morin |
Steadicam | Hugo Longtin |
Art Director | JF Clement |
Service Company | Hero Productions, Iceland |
Producer | Bui Baldvinsson |
Line Producer | Thora Margrétardóttir |
Location Manager | Alfred Gíslason |
Focus Puller | Michael Hannides |
2nd AC | Rútur Skaeringur |
Other credits | Sound Studio: Cult Nation @Cultnation Dancers: Stefanie Noll, Morgan Williams, Maeva Berthelot, Mehdi Baki, Kevin Bago Associate Producer @ Colossale: London Summers Production Manager: Smith @smithisfamous Video Assist: Ronald Casseus Key Grip: Stephane Leblanc BB Electric: Tony Pelletier, Loik Lessard BB Grip: Andre Caron, Samuel Dempsey Rosemberg, Jean Marc Plante Art Dept. Assist: Sofia Rojas, Paola Ridolfi Art Build: Mordicus Inc. Props Master: Julie Vigneault PAs (Montreal): Alexis Tremblay, Arnaud Provencal, Edouard Provencal Key PA: Finni Runners (Iceland): Ingimundur Viktor Helgason, Malwina Bieniawska, Sigrun Erlingsdottir, Tota Van Helzing |
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