Filming the music video for WayLand’s “Get A Little” was an unforgettable experience that combined creative challenges and unique opportunities. Reflecting on this project, which has now reached its 10-year anniversary, brings back a lot of great memories from my early days in filmmaking.
A Hometown Celebration We shot the video in Wayland, Michigan, the band’s hometown. The city’s mayor went above and beyond, shutting down the main intersection to set up a remarkable filming scenario. I had the thrilling opportunity to film from atop a fire truck ladder, giving me a fantastic perspective of the band performing right in the middle of downtown. It was a super fun and dynamic setting that added an energetic vibe to the video.
Creative Stunts and Unforgettable Moments One of the standout moments was driving a tractor down the middle of Main Street with dancer Kelsy performing on top. Getting her photograph with the Mayor was a treat. Her professionalism and incredible dancing truly brought the video to life. I credit her captivating performance for a lot of the video’s success and numerous plays.
We also had access to a local restaurant and kitchen, where we staged more exciting scenes, including servers dancing on the bar. The enthusiastic participation of a local farming family, who brought their cows into the shoot, added an authentic touch that I loved. We bounced around these locations in the little town of Wayland Michigan in a day. The second half of the music video is from the live show.
Filming Live Shows In addition to the staged scenes, we captured live footage from the band’s sold-out shows at The Intersection. WayLand’s energetic performances were electric, and filming these moments was a highlight. The live audio was later mixed in the studio to create a seamless and vibrant final cut for the video.
The Impact on My Career Working with WayLand was a pivotal point in my career. The band consistently provided me with incredible opportunities, from hometown shows to promo appearances on the “Free Beer and Hot Wings” radio show in Grand Rapids. Their support and the exposure I gained from this project were invaluable.
A Milestone to Remember As I look back on the past decade since the release of “Get A Little,” I am filled with gratitude for the experiences and the people who made it all possible. Filming with WayLand was not just about creating a music video; it was about capturing the essence of a band and a community coming together to create something special. Here’s to many more years of great music and unforgettable projects!
