| | We originally recorded this in 2009 which was before the Disturbed version. But have a read of the story of how we met and started making videos with Lol Cooper at Cavalier Studios. It is an important and integral part of my journey. Thank you. 'Lol's story': |
In 1979 aged 23 I wanted to change the world with my guitar and music, so I built a recording studio and opened it in 1980. One of my first clients was a band called Cairo with a youthful guitarist called John ‘Braddy’ Bradshaw
Fast Forward to Wednesday 6thDecember 2017 at precisely 1:30pm
After running the studio successfully for 38 years I was about to finally sell the old premises and was just waiting to exchange contracts when I met a remarkable person, Ian Toomey.
I was actually passing through reception on my way to the local sandwich shop when in walked Ian. I had never met him before and he enquired if we produced music videos; I replied ‘would you like a sandwich’ the relationship was born.
Upon my return armed with sandwiches for two I made my way up to our number one edit suite, to find our video director Ben Warrington showing Ian music videos we had produced for a certain Eric Bell, founder member of Thin Lizzy and friend of the late, great Philip Lynot. Ian then explained that he had been working with Chris Tsangarides, who in turn had worked with the brilliant Gary Moore, also ex Thin Lizzy. Synchronistic to say the very least!
Ian really got the vibe and felt the energy in our studio and immediately booked us to produce his first music video ‘The Priest’, a wonderful song from his Masters of Light album. Ian was particularly insistent that the film be shot in the old studio building prior to the move to tap into the power within those walls. All the production was done at Cavalier Studios including the greenscreen facilities. The film was produced by Ben Warrington.
Due to the success of Ian’s first venture into the world of music video, he then embarked on phase two, this a cover version of the wonderful ‘Sound of Silence’. We set up a meeting with Ian at a local mill and invited a lighting technician familiar with our production style. Ian loved the venue and after very little time we all decided it was perfect for the next shoot.
After numerous meetings and correspondence the great day finally arrived for the making of the film. Andy Kennet from dbnAudile, the lighting company, had the lighting rig delivered the day before. On the day, he arrived at 8:00am to build the rig and set everything up. The lights being programmed in the week leading up to the event.
The rest of the crew was the talented Ben Warrington who was again directing and the very experienced Tim A. Duncan controlling audio sync and then assisting with all camera support aspects. It had been discussed previously that the band were to wear dark outfits with no particular stipulations, so I wore a dark blue T shirt with black steampunk trousers and thought this was really cool. Wrong! Then the guys walked through the door, bloody hell the rock stars made their entrance looking like a million dollars! Honestly they looked like they were walking onto to a stadium gig. I immediately ditched my top and managed to find something more suitable that would blend in, from my extensive wardrobe!
On one of the hottest days of the year the shoot was a complete dream. Firstly the band performed out of their skin and not only looked the business, but the energy and power in the performance was simply breath-taking. Turn up the volume and just immerse yourself in this film. It is such a joy. Secondly the crew were magnificent, Andy delivered big style with the pre-programmed lighting rig and his usual attention to detail. However the key factor and most impressive of all was the production skills of Ben, along with the tireless enthusiasm of Tim. Take after take after take, 10 hours of almost non-stop filming – on legs, off legs, handheld, jib shots, tracking shots, all magnificently and seemingly effortlessly conjured up by Ben. I remember Ian’s words leading up to the shoot ‘edgy please’ and this is exactly what we achieved.
It has truly been an honour producing these wonderful music videos. ‘The Priest’ was the last music video ever made in the wonderful, vibrant building that housed Cavalier Studios!
I set out to change the world, of course I didn’t and never will. However I now share a passion with a remarkable person who will change the Universe, Mr Ian Toomey, Master of Light and indeed, The Priest
Lol Cooper
www.cavalierstudios.co.uk
Fast Forward to Wednesday 6thDecember 2017 at precisely 1:30pm
After running the studio successfully for 38 years I was about to finally sell the old premises and was just waiting to exchange contracts when I met a remarkable person, Ian Toomey.
I was actually passing through reception on my way to the local sandwich shop when in walked Ian. I had never met him before and he enquired if we produced music videos; I replied ‘would you like a sandwich’ the relationship was born.
Upon my return armed with sandwiches for two I made my way up to our number one edit suite, to find our video director Ben Warrington showing Ian music videos we had produced for a certain Eric Bell, founder member of Thin Lizzy and friend of the late, great Philip Lynot. Ian then explained that he had been working with Chris Tsangarides, who in turn had worked with the brilliant Gary Moore, also ex Thin Lizzy. Synchronistic to say the very least!
Ian really got the vibe and felt the energy in our studio and immediately booked us to produce his first music video ‘The Priest’, a wonderful song from his Masters of Light album. Ian was particularly insistent that the film be shot in the old studio building prior to the move to tap into the power within those walls. All the production was done at Cavalier Studios including the greenscreen facilities. The film was produced by Ben Warrington.
Due to the success of Ian’s first venture into the world of music video, he then embarked on phase two, this a cover version of the wonderful ‘Sound of Silence’. We set up a meeting with Ian at a local mill and invited a lighting technician familiar with our production style. Ian loved the venue and after very little time we all decided it was perfect for the next shoot.
After numerous meetings and correspondence the great day finally arrived for the making of the film. Andy Kennet from dbnAudile, the lighting company, had the lighting rig delivered the day before. On the day, he arrived at 8:00am to build the rig and set everything up. The lights being programmed in the week leading up to the event.
The rest of the crew was the talented Ben Warrington who was again directing and the very experienced Tim A. Duncan controlling audio sync and then assisting with all camera support aspects. It had been discussed previously that the band were to wear dark outfits with no particular stipulations, so I wore a dark blue T shirt with black steampunk trousers and thought this was really cool. Wrong! Then the guys walked through the door, bloody hell the rock stars made their entrance looking like a million dollars! Honestly they looked like they were walking onto to a stadium gig. I immediately ditched my top and managed to find something more suitable that would blend in, from my extensive wardrobe!
On one of the hottest days of the year the shoot was a complete dream. Firstly the band performed out of their skin and not only looked the business, but the energy and power in the performance was simply breath-taking. Turn up the volume and just immerse yourself in this film. It is such a joy. Secondly the crew were magnificent, Andy delivered big style with the pre-programmed lighting rig and his usual attention to detail. However the key factor and most impressive of all was the production skills of Ben, along with the tireless enthusiasm of Tim. Take after take after take, 10 hours of almost non-stop filming – on legs, off legs, handheld, jib shots, tracking shots, all magnificently and seemingly effortlessly conjured up by Ben. I remember Ian’s words leading up to the shoot ‘edgy please’ and this is exactly what we achieved.
It has truly been an honour producing these wonderful music videos. ‘The Priest’ was the last music video ever made in the wonderful, vibrant building that housed Cavalier Studios!
I set out to change the world, of course I didn’t and never will. However I now share a passion with a remarkable person who will change the Universe, Mr Ian Toomey, Master of Light and indeed, The Priest
Lol Cooper
www.cavalierstudios.co.uk
RSS Feed