Interview with creators of Gallaudet’s “We Belong” video
Two weeks ago Gallaudet University released a music / dance video called “We Belong.”
[Clip of a dance sequence from Gallaudet’s “We Belong” video]
The video was written and directed by Storm Smith, a deaf producer with BBDO LA, who worked in collaboration with Bus Door Films. The video features three Gallaudet student-dancers and multiple student-actors.
I reached out to the people behind the film for an interview.
STORM SMITH:
I want to tell a story that applies to real life experiences that’s relatable to the current generation especially those who come to Gallaudet for the first time.
Some of them will really hit it off, make friendships and connections on the Gallaudet campus whether it’s through involvement in programs and academics. Some people do take a while to adjust whatever their reasons are, whether it’s through challenges, adversity or unique experiences. They finally develop connections later!
BRANDI RARUS:
When I met with Storm to discuss producing the film, my only request for the film was to include rhythms, using music beats. Also, I asked for this because being a deaf person, I’ve been listening by feeling the beats just like other deaf people have. I enjoy it particularly at deaf weddings and deaf events with deaf DJs where people can dance to the music beats. I also thought that many mainstreamed students who come to Gallaudet, those who have cochlear implants or still have some level of hearing, they would have some sense of connection to what we provide. There are people here who do celebrate music, rhythm and dancing.
JOSEPH:
I can say that all of us come from hearing families where we’ve experienced lack of communication because of the language being used. Often the family members speak rather than sign leading to constant miscommunication. We all really came here to be able to use sign language and that leads us to understanding our identities, figuring out and sharing similar interests. We can get all of this from sign language which is incredible to us.
RARUS:
Storm is the one who picked the theme “We Belong,” and the theme is important because Gallaudet is a place where deaf people come to find themselves and their identities. It’s a welcome center of sorts and I want students to see Gallaudet as a great place to come to and that you belong.
SMITH:
I belong.
That’s an empowering sense to me. I belong!
So, that’s where I started in developing this story. The story comes from the student’s POV (point of view). I wanted to deliver this concept, so I pitched it to Brandi and she was all for it! And the rest of history.
TANISHA:
When we came up with this dance for the music film, well, the three of us had different dance styles. We all shared ideas, put it all together and went from there.
SMITH:
I picked out people plus the University’s Communications department was already very good at what they do. Bradley and Ruan from Bus Door Films were already really proficient with their filmmaking skills. They really know their stuff, they have the all the equipment and the lights!
BRADLEY GANTT:
What were the equipment and the lights that were used for this production?
I decided to use the RED camera, which is one of the top camera brands often used by Hollywood movies and TV shows. Also, it’s a professional grade equipment. The new technology that was used for this production is called the Gimbal-based system. It stabilizes the frame to make it smooth. It ended up being the right fit for what we wanted to with the music video.
RUAN DU PLESSIS:
My role in this project is as the Gaffer. That means I am responsible for adjusting lights, so the film gets the right look and feel. So, with this project, I decided to go with two things. The first is the Astera Titan lighting tubes. I actually rented 8 of them. Secondly, I also used the HMI Joker 800 which is used as the main lighting source. These are 2 of the things I used. And also another cool thing about this music video, did you know that you can break the rules when it comes to music videos? By this, I mean we can place different lights in front of the camera for special effects or the camera can be pointed at the HMI lighting source. That’s acceptable since this is a music video and you can be creative artistically by adding these effects.
SMITH:
If we have stories to tell, make it happen!
Bring the right people in and empower them.
We all have such a wealth of stories to share that hasn’t been told yet.
HARMONY:
It’s rare to see deaf people shine. We need more of that out there. This is where the 3 of us shone and it’s helped us grow up.
TANISHA:
Yeah, it’s because of this that I felt that this is a safe place for us to express ourselves. We can share our stories and experiences whether they’re good or bad.
DU PLESSIS:
We’ve been successful together. I’m always looking forward to filming the next frame or the next phase. That energy we put into this project can be felt through our production. Now that it’s been edited and released, you’re all enjoying the music video, right?! Do you feel a sense of connection with the video? It’s all about positive energy. That’s what’s important.
TANISHA:
We want to say thank you to the community and the production team. Thank you so much, Director Storm, for making this dream happen because if it wasn’t for Storm, we wouldn’t be able to share our visions, passions and talent. Thank you for that.
JOSEPH:
Or meet you!
TANISHA:
Or meet either of you!
GANTT:
I used to be a Gallaudet student myself so it’s nice to see deaf professionals and Gallaudet students working together to make this video happen. I think individuals have a lot to contribute. You know that phrase, “You can do it!”
I feel like this is… we are doing it!
I think this is really beautiful to behold.
STORM:
If we have stories to tell, make it happen! Bring the right people in and empower them. We all have so much to tell, so many stories to share that hasn’t been told yet. To be able to tell these stories, I’m really honored and humbled.
TANISHA:
Chase your dream!
JOSEPH:
Yeah!
HARMONY:
Dream big!
ALL:
We love you!
[Clips of dancing]
THE DAILY MOTH:
Thank you everybody for sharing your thoughts and perspectives. It is true that deaf people love music and dance just as much as anyone else. The “We Belong” film is an inspiration for all of us to chase our dreams and share our stories.
WATCH THE FILM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1S6x7ed2k9M