Get ready to uncover the magic that unfolds when music meets the lens of Zak Pinchin. With an impressive portfolio featuring collaborations with renowned artists such as Boston Manor, Loathe, Vukovi, Void of Vision, and more, Zak has carved a niche for himself in the dynamic world of music videography. Join us as we delve into his creative journey, his approach to visual storytelling, why gear isn't everything, and the captivating stories behind some of his most memorable projects.
Can you tell us about your journey into the world of videography and how you got started working with bands and artists in the music industry?
Hello! So the story goes; My band at the time we just beginning to play around the UK on small DIY tours etc. I shot a music video to pass a media exam at school and we put it out, and then friends' bands wanted to shoot something with me, and honestly, from there it grew - I quit my part-time job I had at the time and just began finding what I could do with this ‘thing’ people wanted. I actually grew to fall in love with film after the fact. I feel having your own project is something important and for me, starting Modern Error was a way to self-express but also, without thinking, was a way to show my identity as a filmmaker without the bounds of others. I feel it’s been quite an important piece for people seeing me as an artist with a vision.
In an era where streaming platforms dominate, how do you approach creating music videos that capture and maintain the viewer's attention in a crowded digital landscape?
I truly don’t look at that stuff, I think any listeners to music have a desire to find out who those artists are, my job is to collaborate with those artists so they are shown in the way they want to be seen.
Music videos often require a balance between storytelling and visual aesthetics. How do you strike this balance to ensure that the video not only complements the song but also adds an extra layer of meaning?
Find the voice of the artist with them and see what it needs for the song to be shown visually best. I do often feel artists should spotlight music videos and I like to build cohesion across an entire piece aesthetically.
The music industry is known for its tight schedules and creative pressures. Can you share a particularly challenging project you've worked on and how you overcame any obstacles to deliver an exceptional final product?
Every single project I have worked on has at least one thing to overcome. Whether that be a budget restriction, a chase of daylight, or a delivery time. I think it takes some getting used to these specific pressures, but experience in situations and perseverance is the only way to push past them.
A lot of people say filmmaking is problem solving and I definitely agree! In terms of creative pressure, to me, that’s just a way to thrive and part of a process.
In today’s day and age with mobile phones becoming more and more capable of delivering high-quality video; we tend to hear that gear does not make an artist. I agree with that statement to some degree when it comes to storytelling and creative vision, but not necessarily to the actual quality of the footage since certain cameras/lenses can certainly limit your creative output. I find it fascinating that tech some tech reviewers online directly compare footage of the latest iPhones to some of the best full-frame cameras and in some scenarios the results are staggering. What is your take on this?
I've said this a few times and I stand by it; ‘It's not about the gear until it is’. Let story/concept/ideas lead the way and find the tools that work best for it. The idea is everything. I've shot a lot of my best music videos on ‘out of date’ cameras purely because they worked for the piece.
What's next for you? Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations that you're particularly excited about that you can share with our readers?
There are a few projects I am in talks with/ in the middle of production that I can’t quite talk about. Excitedly I have recently been working with a few bands from U.S.A which is a bit mind-blowing to think things are seen over there that I’ve slaved away over. But simply, I just want to find artists I connect with in taste and collaborate to achieve the best possible.
Lastly, what drives your passion for videography, and what do you hope to achieve through your work in the music industry moving forward?
I think the addicting quality is being challenged to help other artist's journey and bring that world to life. It helped shape my perception of things and I am so very thankful I get the opportunity to see/help/add a flavour on all I get to. I have never really had a set goal for Music Video work independently, it’s all part of a desire to make films, music videos are a great place for experimentation.
I suppose I am searching for something in this medium that I don’t know yet specifically. I think if there's any takeaway from this is that; If you have a desire to do something, go out and try it, do it, and see what happens. You will grow no matter what from the experience.
Love to all who have worked with me over the past few years. Cast, crew, and artists. It's incredible the level and amount of talent out there x