Behind the Scenes of AziziMajor.com
I’m proud to announce that one of my latest clients, Azizi Major, has his new site up and running at AziziMajor.com. Azizi is an extremely talented hip-hop artist and producer and it’s been a privilege to work with him on this amazing Website.
Azizi asked me to create a “unique” site experience for his debut album, Vendin’ Machine Music. The final result is pretty revolutionary in the music industry. My team ended up developing a visual MP3 player that allows you to hear his entire album, as well as experience the music online. My business partner, Azizi and myself talked about various ideas with regard to putting his album online for people to listen to and be a part of. The fact that visitors can listen to the album for free online seemed to fit his business objectives and serves as powerful tribute to his listeners and fans. Given the quality of the experience and the availability of it to anyone, this approach allows the album to be felt and savored by so many people.
It was an adventure building the site. The overall development was fascinating, to say the least. From one meeting and conversation to the next, each scene began to take on a life of its own. Concepts that started out as sketches and ideas to chew on, evolved and morphed, becoming the strong arm of reality in this experience.
Numerous photo shoots were scheduled in order for me to photograph and direct all the scenes you see on the site, such as this final composite for the song, Beer Goggles:
Final Beer Goggles Composite for AziziMajor.com
I had to merge seven pictures into one since each model had a great pose in different shots. Add some post stop motion flying beer, a roaring fireplace, some disco lights, and voila, you get Azizi’s lively sorority house.
Image Courtesy of Joey Appie
Professional models Krista Riley, Summer Moss, Asha Ahelia, Tamara DeShazor, Christina Wallace, as well as long-time friend, Elizabeth Hiott, were all part of building this great experience. I was impressed with everyone’s performance and appreciate their patience, as this is not a job for the weak of heart.
Video Courtesy of Trent Chau
The Beer Goggles, Let’s Get It and Hot Dogg scenes were all (insanely) shot in the same day. We started at the studio early in the morning and ended up at a mansion shooting the other scenes until late at night. Over the course of three days, we captured seven of the ten shots you find on the site, including the homepage (which is also the album cover).
Final Let’s Get It! Composite for AziziMajor.com
Some have asked me how I achieved the Let’s Get It scene. The concept for this shot braved the scores of changes and evolutions. We decided that it would be far more effective to keep each person and item in separate “layers” to give us flexibility with the final result. All the models, Azizi Major and CEO (who is featured on the song) were shot on green screen at the studio and placed into a composite image, collaboratively, with various stock photos that fulfilled the vision.
Video Courtesy of Trent Chau
Image Courtesy of Trent Chau
I cannot take credit for any of the styling or makeup. Makeup artists Marissa Kaye and Tameca Johnson did an amazing job with each girl. As did Keysha Gauthier with the hair, especially in the Hot Dogg scene. Wow, what a creative and talented bunch.
Final Hot Dogg Composite for AziziMajor.com
Trent Chau, a good friend of mine and fellow professional photographer, graciously helped me with the lighting for many of the scenes, with the assistance of Joey Appie, another good friend and photographer. They were both invaluable. Joey, as a production assistant on the set, acted as the stand-in often time, as well as the comic relief:
Image Courtesy of Joey Appie
Misty Pinkston was an amazing production assistant throughout the entire process. This woman is hilarious as well! She has helped us on a number of projects and yet again has shown her amazing flying colors.
I certainly cannot forget to mention my business partner (and wife) Jamarie Milkovic. She rocks with the meticulously planning. From the beginning, she kept telling me that I would need to get suited up and be prepared because once the race began, there was little room to think, it is all about do, do, do. I suppose all of her wear in tear in the entertainment biz taught her that. I thank her for that knack. Without her keeping things on track from the get go, the site wouldn’t have been as successful. She puts up with a lot, smiling (most of the time) and I love her for it.
Image Courtesy of Joey Appie
Putting the actual Website together was an exhillerating achievement. In order to pull off creating a complex visual MP3 player online, I turned to animator and Flash programmer, Andre Krasich in LA. I knew his attention to detail would meet my idealist expectations. It’s rare to find someone else who actually “gets it” in the interactive industry.
After incorporating the photography into the final scenes, we moved on to implementing the design of the Website and discussing the animation ideas. Andre and I went through multiple iterations of each scene to land upon the ones you see today.
One of my favorite scenes is One More Time Again. Andre incorporated a subtle sunflare technique the infused vitality into the image and music. All-in-all, Andre helped bring the photography and UI design to another level with his talents and skills. I enjoyed working “virtually” side-by-side with him on this project.
Final One More Time Again Composite for AziziMajor.com
I am thoroughly impressed with the extraordinary group of people involved throughout each part of this project and thank them for their desire to make a great online experience.
( The team, sans me because I was behind the camera )
Image Courtesy of Trent Chau’s camera
CREDITS FOR AZIZIMAJOR.COM:
- Thom Milkovic: Creative Director, Brand Strategist, Art Director, Photographer, Retoucher, Interactive Designer
- Jamarie Milkovic: Account Executive, Brand Strategist, Project Manager, Production Coordinator
- Andre Krasich: Website Animation, Programming, 3D Design
- Trent Chau: Lighting Director
- Misty Pinkston: Production Assistant
- Joey Appie: Production Assistant
- Marissa Kaye: Makeup
- Tameca Johnson: Makeup
- Keysha Gauthier: Hair
- Krista Riley: Model
- Summer Moss: Model
- Asha Ahelia: Model
- Christina Wallace: Model
- Tamara DeShazor: Model
- Elizabeth Hiott: Model
- and of course, Azizi Major: As Himself
Many thanks to each and every one of you.
- Thom Milkovic
Tags: Azizi Major, Branding, Flash, Interactive, Jamarie Milkovic, models, MP3 Player, Photography, production, Thom Milkovic, Website
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