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 Umar Anwar's Interview In The News Instep Sunday
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atif_crack
New Member

Pakistan
3 Posts

Posted - 26 November 2004 :  12:27:31 AM  Show Profile  
Arty Entity


The music video medium has evolved slowly into something more than a marketing tool. Initially music videos were just another way to promote albums, but video makers quickly realized there was art to be made. There aren't many options available when it came to chalking out the best directors list; even now the scene is still being ruled by Jami, Saquib Malik and Asim Reza bagging all the biggies. But the arrival of numerous wanna�be bands also meant an advent of a few more video makers on to the centre stage. Some are fine (Alf), some repetitive (Sohail Javed and Jawwad Bashir), some are unconventional (Babar Shaikh and Nasir Tehrani) and some are downright flops (far too many to mention).

In an effort to keep my spirits up, I'm always on the look out for signs that set each music video apart from the other. Naturally, I spend a lot of time searching, but that doesn't seem to be the case with most new directors working on the same tried and tested formulas. Umar Anwar is different. A software engineer by profession and a film-maker by night, Umar is only two videos old which come as quite a surprise. His ability to create mood and an overall experience went hand�in�hand with the originality that I saw in his debutant video 'Aadat' by Jal. After watching his follow-up effort in the video of 'Waqt' by Entity Paradigm I must admit that Umar's video should send a few 'old farts' back to the proverbial woodshed.

Instep: You directed Jal's 'Aadat' video. Soon after the video was aired the band split up. How did you react?

Umar Anwar: Fame doesn't suit everyone and therefore not everyone has the strength to deal with it. And this is exactly what happened to Jal � both of them got negatively affected by the hype. They thought that just because one song became a smash hit they've made it but sadly it's not as easy as they think.

Instep: How did the 'Waqt' video happen?

UA: Entity Paradigm's manager Khurram J. Khan contacted me suggested that I do one of EP's video. I bought the album and heard it at home then we kept talking for a few months. They decided on getting the video of 'Waqt' directed by me. Ahmed Ali Butt came to Karachi and we had a meeting together in which I told him about how things would work and told them very bluntly that if I do the video then its going to be my way or else get it done by someone else.

They wrote a concept which would have been very difficult to execute. And plus, what is in there for me if someone else is conceiving the visuals. So I gave them a concept and they approved of it and that is how things progressed.

Instep: Many dub the video of 'Waqt' as 'Aadat Part 2'. Re they right?

UA: 'Aadat' was my debut and since it was my baby it will always be special to me. Visually it was a very strong video as I was trying to express a few feelings in it, which touch and trigger the emotions of those who are watching the video. I don't think that I can ever make the video of 'Aadat' ever again. 'Waqt' was my second video so wherever I was lacking in 'Aadat' I tried to overcome and improve in 'Waqt'. Technically speaking, it is one of the best videos to have ever come out of Pakistan.

It can not be called 'Aadat Part 2' because if I see any of Jami's video without the end credits I can tell it apart. I am very lucky that at least my signature style got defined in a span of only two videos and without even seeing the name viewers said that, "Umar has done the video."

As far as the concept is concerned - what's the use of being a director if I can't show the viewers what I want them to see? If I can't show them my feelings or my thoughts then I have failed.

Instep: What is your take on videos like 'Khamaj' which are supposed to be a 5 minute ad to sell the album and not a 5 minute long movie?

UA: It's all about the production. If I have this much money or the band then even we would love to invest it in a good video. 'Khamaj' is a mega�production and it's a brilliant video. But it's incomparable with the kind of work we are doing because obviously if your production cost is higher then the video would have to be good. If the budget is good you can have more props, you can make a set, you can hire better actor's etcetera.

As far as how these big budget videos help they give the band an image. For instance if you are going to another country for a record deal and you have an option of either giving them the video of 'Khamaj" or 'Sagar' � which one would you chose? And it's this image that helps a band in the long run.

Instep: Videos like 'Anarkali' are heavily sponsored. Would you do a sponsored video? And do you think you'd be able to execute it the way Shoaib Mansoor or Asad�ul�Haq do?

UA: Not the way Tulsi videos have been sponsored! I think it depends... if you wish to make money than go for a sponsored video. Shoaib Mansoor and Asad are gurus and these five or six directors ruling the industry are doing a great job. But the deal is that no agency would ever want to give a chance to a new director. They won't risk their money but they should. There is no rocket science and even I can make a good video if they give me a budget of eight million. But it's all about the credibility and therefore directors who do get sponsored videos are those who have established themselves really well.

Instep: In a recent interview Jami labeled you as the next best thing and rated your work very highly.

He said that? (smiles). His videos are very inspiring for everyone. And if there are two people in Pakistan who have done something extraordinary in music videos � it's Ahsan (Rahim) and Jami. On one hand there is Ahsan's style that no one can match and on the other hand there is Jami's class that is incomparable.

I really admire the way Jami thinks. Like for instance most people did not get the concept of 'Chaey Chaey' but I love that video because the way he has made a short film and complimented the song � it's brilliant. His videos are different because he has very well defined characters.

Instep: Both your videos have a tension between something childlike and innocent, and an expression of darker fears that are somehow very grown�up and evolved. Was this intentional?

UA: This is where I get to talk about my inspirations. I still remember that in 1985 called Nightmare on Elm Street came out. There was a little girl in it who recited a poem while rope skipping. That girl was very cute but at the same time she had a very diabolical nature. All little girls have this characteristic � one of their sides is very innocent and the other side is extremely dark. In 'Aadat' the girl signifies the human conscience and how it haunts us. Whereas there are certain times when we hope and wish for things that exist in a parallel universe.

The little girl in the video of 'Waqt' plays a character of someone who lives in that universe and for whom time doesn't exist. Ahmed Ali Butt is also playing the same character for which there is no concept of time.

Instep: What difficulties did you face in the industry and what did you learn in the process?

UA: I have done only two videos and I still need to achieve a lot since I am on the learning curve. The plus point with me was that I never compromised on anything. All the people that I have seen working, all the things I have heard and all the books I have read � they have all taught me one thing that production is the most important aspect of film making.

I look at all the established directors and see their working style and then I try to adapt all the good things � my homework for both the videos was very strong. The level of my difficulties came down by a fifty percent for this very reason. I still face a lot of difficulties being the new guy but I try and not make an issue out of it.

Instep: After the video of 'Waqt' was released there was tension like that around the 'Gana No.1' video of Noori by Babar Sheikh. The audience complained about not being able to understand the concept of the video.

UA: A video is a like a band's baby. One does not disrespect his or her baby and no matter what you always talk well of something that is so directly related with you. Everything was decided from the start and each and everything has been done according to the storyboard. If a band feels that it's this simple to make and edit the video then how many of these bands will re�edit a song if the director feels that the song could have been better? A director's job is to direct the visuals and a musician's job is to make a song. They must not mix together.

Instep: The audience the bands have started taking very seriously happens to be little kids browsing the forums...

UA: Do these young minds know how much effort and hard work of more than a dozen people results in something you watch on the screen? There isn't a magic wand that a director sweeps to make a video. There is tons of work prior and after the shoot but the pity is that these kids can only afford to comment. I hope they choose this line of work and make us all proud and at the same time teach us a few things. I remember a quote: "Its knowledge to know that tomato is a fruit but one needs wisdom to not put it in a fruit ****tail!" and sadly wisdom is not on sale on eBay. It's available in the non virtual world where one has to get in the ring and prove things and not just talk.

Instep: Did the entire band react to the visuals negatively because a few members did get a large share of shots in the video?

UA: The band decided to get a non�EP entity to direct their video and I can say with confidence that I didn't disappoint. A video is a medium that helps a band become commercial and the video did exactly that. Prior to 'Waqt' the band didn't have the image that they can boast of now.

As far as the disapproval is concerned � that comes as a surprise to me because in black and white they did approve. I would seriously suggest that the band should sit down together and sort things out. And a word of advice: there is a world outside Lahore and please grow up to see the practical aspects of situations. As I said before � it's hard to deal with fame.

Instep: How tough is it for a new director to make space available for himself?

UA: For me the situation is like diving into the Pacific without knowing how to swim. Like all other professions you must know the tricks of the trade. Numerous people discouraged me in the beginning. No one digested that a new guy in town did a video which critics rated as one of the best. We desperately need institutions and encouragement. It all revolves around the money but creativity and art can't go hand in hand with that. When money comes first then greed enters and greed is malice and it can never give birth to something positive.

Source:
http://www.jang.com.pk/thenews/nov2004-wee...2004/instep.htm

Aqida
Moderator



1288 Posts

Posted - 26 November 2004 :  12:56:24 PM  Show Profile  
No offence meant but... apparently fame went up to Jal's head... fame went up to E.P's head... what does Umar have to say about himself? Didn't the debut superhit go up to his head? Isn't that why he's started thinking of himself as one of the greatest directors around?

Visually it was a very strong video as I was trying to express a few feelings in it, which touch and trigger the emotions of those who are watching the video.
I seriously have not come across any person who'd say 'wow... the aadat video really speaks out to the person'... it was nothing out of the world... and actually, most ppl didn't like it at all.
I am very lucky that at least my signature style got defined in a span of only two videos and without even seeing the name viewers said that, "Umar has done the video."
Lol. Nice... You're not creative enough... just cover it up and say 'this is my signature style!'
As far as the concept is concerned - what's the use of being a director if I can't show the viewers what I want them to see? If I can't show them my feelings or my thoughts then I have failed.
And I'd say... Umar HAS failed. Not many people understood the concept behing Aadat... (even reading the explanation didn't help me :S maybe i'm too dull)... and not many people understood the concept behind Waqt either.
The little girl in the video of 'Waqt' plays a character of someone who lives in that universe and for whom time doesn't exist. Ahmed Ali Butt is also playing the same character for which there is no concept of time.
I'm sorry to sound so biased... but c'mon... how many ppl actually knew that THAT was what the character of Ahmed Ali Butt was in Waqt...
Do these young minds know how much effort and hard work of more than a dozen people results in something you watch on the screen?
Actually yes... these 'young minds' know how much effort and hard work results in a video... but what do you want... if it's not a good video, we still go about ranting it's great?

Send all the hate mails to [email protected]

atif_crack
New Member

Pakistan
3 Posts

Posted - 26 November 2004 :  1:51:48 PM  Show Profile  
No offence meant but... apparently fame went up to Jal's head... fame went up to E.P's head... what does Umar have to say about himself? Didn't the debut superhit go up to his head? Isn't that why he's started thinking of himself as one of the greatest directors around?

Didnt fame move up your head too, after you were made a mod? Besides, Umar Anwar has been complimented by Jami who is probably one of the greatest directors around! And now please dont give me the **** that jami is not the greatest but some guy who directed noori's video is the greatest.

Visually it was a very strong video as I was trying to express a few feelings in it, which touch and trigger the emotions of those who are watching the video.
I seriously have not come across any person who'd say 'wow... the aadat video really speaks out to the person'... it was nothing out of the world... and actually, most ppl didn't like it at all.


2 reasons really, 1) you do not have much friends 2) if you do have friends, they really arent intellectual. To understand this video, you need to have a good mind. People with me here in U.K love this video, because they understand the concept! Aadat's video isn't airing on B4U and Sony Entertainment for nothing but because it is a QUALITY video.

I am very lucky that at least my signature style got defined in a span of only two videos and without even seeing the name viewers said that, "Umar has done the video."
Lol. Nice... You're not creative enough... just cover it up and say 'this is my signature style!'


Ahem Ahem. ok lemme guess ... define creative ... creativity for you probably means a bunch of weirdos jumping around with a bunch of IM VJ's? or a video with four different screens? or a live concert video? It has an amazing feel to it. Something that you noori fans might be unable to comprehend as you people just hate eP, call and JaL.

As far as the concept is concerned - what's the use of being a director if I can't show the viewers what I want them to see? If I can't show them my feelings or my thoughts then I have failed.
And I'd say... Umar HAS failed. Not many people understood the concept behing Aadat... (even reading the explanation didn't help me :S maybe i'm too dull)... and not many people understood the concept behind Waqt either.


Firstly, it doesnt really matter what you say. Secondly, this video of star guitar by chemical brothers was an all-time hit. No one really understood the concept, but it was portrayed so well, that to-date, the video is an inspiration! the same goes for waqt. There may be 1 way you see it, 1000 ways. The video seems amazing
and yes you really are dull :)

The little girl in the video of 'Waqt' plays a character of someone who lives in that universe and for whom time doesn't exist. Ahmed Ali Butt is also playing the same character for which there is no concept of time.
I'm sorry to sound so biased... but c'mon... how many ppl actually knew that THAT was what the character of Ahmed Ali Butt was in Waqt...

Ok ... concentrate on Ahmed Butt's rapping and watch the video :)
My My! jus when i thought the world couldn't get any dumber :)

Do these young minds know how much effort and hard work of more than a dozen people results in something you watch on the screen?
Actually yes... these 'young minds' know how much effort and hard work results in a video... but what do you want... if it's not a good video, we still go about ranting it's great?


you dont understand the concepts really .. ok tell me .. did u get the concept of anjane - strings? aankhain - strings? i am sure you didnt and you would label them as dirt too ? try gettin a life :) concentrate on the rapping part my dear. Like i said.. you need to be smart and intellectual to understand the videos.

cheers,
AtIF

sidri
Average Member



Pakistan
271 Posts

Posted - 26 November 2004 :  2:58:36 PM  Show Profile  Visit sidri's Homepage  Click to see sidri's MSN Messenger address  
Actually, it's quite reviving to finally see someone speak their mind. For Once. People from the music scene have the tendency to ***** about writers/rockstars BEHIND there backs rather then coming right up to their face and saying it.

As for liking a video or not, that's a subjective thing. If one person doesn't like it - maybe 57 others do. All I know is that Umar's two videos have been in the countdown for a while now - so there MUCH be something about them that people like.

P.S. The jump-roping girl-story was nicce! :)

where is the love?

Aqida
Moderator



1288 Posts

Posted - 26 November 2004 :  6:03:10 PM  Show Profile  
quote:
Didnt fame move up your head too, after you were made a mod? Besides, Umar Anwar has been complimented by Jami who is probably one of the greatest directors around! And now please dont give me the **** that jami is not the greatest but some guy who directed noori's video is the greatest.

Lol... what 'fame' does a mod get... do tell me, coz i seriously still have to figure that out.

I really don't get what you're trying to say there...
... that Umar was complimented by Jami, thus the fame went up to his head and it's justified... or...
... since Umar was complimented by Jami, I cannot accuse him of not being able to take the fame?
All I said was... fame went up to his head too... so he should stop pointing at others.

quote:
1) you do not have much friends

I agree!!

quote:
it is a QUALITY video.

Hmm... yes, it is quality work when it comes to production.... the photography, the editing, blah blah... it's damn good for a debutant (even if we negate the fact that it was his debut vdo... it was pretty awesome). ... But, I still think that the song was weak when it came to the concept.

quote:
Ahem Ahem. ok lemme guess ... define creative ... creativity for you probably means a bunch of weirdos jumping around with a bunch of IM VJ's? or a video with four different screens? or a live concert video? It has an amazing feel to it. Something that you noori fans might be unable to comprehend as you people just hate eP, call and JaL.

Jeeeeezzz!! If I am the moderator at NOORI's forum... WHYYY does everyone think that I worship them... How long have you been reading my posts anyway??

If I was among those who hate ep, call and jal... Oh, I'd be soooooooo God damn happy with the fact that Umar Anwar dissed jal and ep and said that fame went up to their heads... oh wow! that would have been such a treat for me! *roll*

Please let's not just post here for the sake of an argument...
...because I don't like Umar's work and you're a big fan of his, it in no way means we are AT WAR with one another!!
quote:
Secondly, this video of star guitar by chemical brothers was an all-time hit. No one really understood the concept, but it was portrayed so well, that to-date, the video is an inspiration! the same goes for waqt. There may be 1 way you see it, 1000 ways. The video seems amazing

I myself liked the video of Waqt (other than Fawad's overacting) just coz 'it was portrayed so well'...
... but Umar said, As far as the concept is concerned - what's the use of being a director if I can't show the viewers what I want them to see? If I can't show them my feelings or my thoughts then I have failed.
So according to THAT statement... I said he failed there...
quote:
and yes you really are dull :)

Aah there! We agree on something again! :)
quote:
Ok ... concentrate on Ahmed Butt's rapping and watch the video :)
My My! jus when i thought the world couldn't get any dumber :)

Refer to the 'I am dull' part :p

Actually, what I meant was... how was the character defined in the video... a video is supposed to be a visual explanation of the song (as far as i think)... i didn't see how Umar displayed Ahmed Ali Butt as a character for which there is no concept of time (maybe the blurry images conveyed something I didn't get?) ...by listening to the lyrics anyone can figure it out... (but if one had to do that... why bother coming up with a concept for a vdo... let's just line up the band members and make them lipsync... and tada! people will figure out the concept from the lyrics themselves!).

In short, there wasn't much of a 'character' Ahmed Ali Butt was playing... it's the lyrics that held the meaning... not the visuals...
quote:
you dont understand the concepts really .. ok tell me .. did u get the concept of anjane - strings? aankhain - strings? i am sure you didnt and you would label them as dirt too ? try gettin a life :) concentrate on the rapping part my dear. Like i said.. you need to be smart and intellectual to understand the videos.

Nopes, I don't. Anjane nopes I didn't get, care to explain? :) ... and yup did get aankhain. and no i don't label both of em as dirt... Anjane's photography n camera work was par excellence.

P.S. I do NOT hate Umar Anwar... I do NOT say that he's a bad director... I agree he is good (actually yes... among the best ones)... but I do think he needs to work on stronger concepts.

Send all the hate mails to [email protected]

Edited by - Aqida on 27 November 2004 1:28:06 PM
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