PEROLAS - Behind the Cinematography

Let me share the exciting story of a unique gig in my cinematography career—a music video shoot set in the captivating Melbourne Aquarium, featuring the band 'Perolas.' This unforgettable experience was the brainchild of Liana, the band's experimental harpist and vocalist, known for her unique talents.

The setting was nothing short of extraordinary: the Melbourne Aquarium, with massive fish tanks enveloping the band and creating a mesmerizing underwater backdrop. After meticulously waterproofing our equipment and the crew donning wetsuits, we were ready for this underwater adventure. 'Perolas' comprised Liana, her partner Fabian on bass guitar, Rob on double bass, and Louis on drums—a quartet primed for an underwater serenade.

The project was shot on two Blackmagic 6K cameras (one 6K Pro, the other the 6K). DZO Vespid Primes and a Sigma 18-35.

What made this story unique was the way I came to be part of it. Having previously worked with Rob on other projects, he recommended me to Liana, leading to this serendipitous reunion and my involvement in this audacious endeavor.

With only 90 minutes of shooting time due to aquarium hours and the challenge of managing reflections from glass tanks, we embarked on our creative journey. As 'Perolas' played, Liana's captivating voice, the resonant bass, and rhythmic drumming filled the Melbourne Aquarium, enchanting both the crew and aquatic residents alike.

A standout moment occurred when Liana's vocals seemed to sync up with a school of shimmering fish, creating a magical tableau that was simply unbelievable. What made it even more remarkable was that the tank lights and facility went dark just 5 seconds after we wrapped up shooting, signaling the end of our principal photography for the music video. We had managed to capture all our shots just in the nick of time.

This music video is a testament to the power of imagination and the dedication of a committed team. It serves as a reminder that surprising beauty can be found in unexpected places, and 'Perolas' captured the essence of Radiohead's "Weird Fishes" in a breathtaking aquatic setting, blending music, nature, and cinematography at the Melbourne Aquarium.

To see the full behind the scenes, please watch the video below.