Q&A: Robert Simmons of Illusive Media

AltDaily did a Q&A session with Robert Simmons of Illusive Media and besides some other things he talked about working on the "I'm Beamin" video with Lupe, check it after the jump!

AltDaily: "The Lupe video, for his brand new single “I’m Beamin’”, dropped 2 days ago. The NY Post called it “a breath of fresh air” (Sean's note: Is anyone else tired of that phrase?)

We spoke to Illusive’s co-director and video effects genius, Robert Simmons, about the project and how he got to be working on such great gigs."

Alt: The video is extremely slick and professional. Congratulations.

Robert: Thank you. I think I speak for the team in saying that im pretty proud of the video.

Alt: What was your title on set? What exactly were you responsible for on this video?

Robert: For this, I have a co-direction credit, mainly due to the fact that part of the treatment was dependent on whatever I came up with post. The role was visual effects. The effects served as some sorta complementary treatment to the play. Can I just go ahead and segue into the treatment?

Alt: Please do.

Robert: So we knew early on that we didn’t want it to be all just effects in post. We wanted something organic, something captured in the camera that would make it stand out. ShomI came across someone using a cardboard castle for inspiration for the play. We would do a good part of the performance as a school play.

We weren’t quite sure what we would do for post, the song is “im Beamin’” so you can not help but think of some play on light. Even if it would come off somewhat indulgent.

So the treatment was sent off and approved. But of course theres a catch: He wants to shoot in six days. So all the props had to put together within a week. In honesty, I did not have a detailed outline of what were shooting until the night before.

Alt: What was Lupe like to work with?

Robert: Lupe was really cool. He was a little more distant than Banner and 9th. When you talk to him, you’ll be surprised how humble he is. He seems real appreciative of his fans.

It was surreal, I mean I was fan of his since Fahrenheit 1/15. But he was a bit reserved.

Click HERE to read the full Q&A and watch the "I'm Beamin'" video HERE