“Ab-Soul - Do Better” by Omar Jones

Inspired by true events; Ab-Soul faces loss, regret and depression in this visual reinterpretation of his real life events.

“I’ve cried enough about it, so I’m choosing to laugh now..” - Ab Soul

The video for Ab-Soul’s “Do Better” is an artistic visual reinterpretation of real-life events that have occurred in Soul’s life. It explores the trials and tribulations of a man who has reached his breaking point.

FROM THE DIRECTOR


”The video for Ab-Soul’s “Do Better” is an artistic visual reinterpretation of real-life events that have occurred in Soul’s life. It explores the trials and tribulations of a man who has reached his breaking point.

The video shows what one sees on their way down, the moments that lead up to it, his constant conflict with the burden of the past and alternate realities surrounding the decision to jump. What does one see in those final moments? How does the world appear from such a heavy perspective?

It’s hard to even begin to imagine what one sees knowing life is over but hasn’t quite ended yet. I think the brain frantically reaches for any memory it can (while it can) and the concept of time completely shifts. I feel like the non chronological edit and flow of the video shows that.

Moosa Tiffith from TDE initially came to me wanting the video for Do Better to be based on a real tragic event in Soul’s life. The fact that part of his story was being revealed in this video meant it had to be portrayed correctly and lensed using an auto-biographical approach. Moosa being close friends with Soul was instrumental in making sure there was an open line of communication between me and Soul. This is a delicate story to trust with a stranger at the time and his involvement made Soul comfortable.

I felt a deep sense of responsibility, not only to Soul, but to all who struggle with their mental health and deal with thoughts of suicide. In the end, the song’s message is a positive one, encouraging people to face themselves and focus on their self-improvement. Soul faces loss, regret, depression but emerges stronger on the other side.

Shooting it was tough. Because it's based on true events, the hardest part for me was to ask him to revisit the darkest moments of his past. I felt the weight of every shot and tried to share some of that emotional load as the director. During the ledge scene, I had Soul 13 stories up looking down at the drop. He was secured with wires, yet it still felt like the longest shot of my life. I couldn’t wait to yell “cut”. Throughout the shoot, he was extremely collaborative and willing to explore every option. I am Humbled and Grateful for Soul's trust.”

-Omar Jones

Credits

DIRECTOR // Omar Jones

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER // Anthony "Top Dawg" Tiffith

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER // Anthony "Moosa" Tiffith Jr.

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER // Austin Barbera

EXECUTIVE/CREATIVE PRODUCER // David Wept

PRODUCTION COMPANY // SixTwentySix Productions

HEAD OF PRODUCTION // Kai Yuricich

PRODUCTION COORDINATOR // Amber Bolden

POST PRODUCER // Dan Gillette

RECORD LABEL // Top Dawg Entertainment

PRODUCER // Farah Idress

PRODUCTION MANAGER // Dain August

1ST AD // George Solomon

2ND AD // Arielle Zollezi

DP // Kristian Zuniga

1ST AC // Spencer Wood

2ND AC / DIT // Emilio Fermin

GAFFER // Vatche Giragossian

BBE // Dimitry Kharmov

ELECTRIC // Serge Svetnoy

KEY GRIP (DAY 1) // Stu Brumbaugh

KEY GRIP (DAY 2) // Nick Lundstrom

BB GRIP // Corrie Anderson

GRIP // Coda Abatti / Cody Ingham

LOCATION MANAGER // Ron Dabach

PRODUCTION DESIGNER // Lucca Liberal

SET DRESSER // Nandalal "Mike" Ranglall

STUNT COORDINATOR // Tony Snegoff / “Vladimir Tevlovski"

STUNT DOUBLE // Tavon McVey

TRUCK PA // Wontel Washington

SET PA // Jibriel Rabinowitz

SET PA // Garo Kahwajian / Peace Kumeh

OFFICE PA // Trent Mear

CASTING // Mills Ticket Casting

SET MEDIC // Tori Parello

MAKEUP/HAIR ASST. // Kandi Rose

STYLIST (DAY 2) // Cynthia Irene

EDITHOUSE // Barbershop Post

EDITOR // Omar Jones

FINISHING EDITOR // Miles Trahan

TITLE/CREDIT DESIGN // Onda

SOUND DESIGN // Thomas Nielsen

COLOR PRODUCER // Nat Tereshchenko

COLORIST // Dante Pasquinelli

VFX // Digital Axis

VFX SUPERVISOR // Sherif Higazy

VFX ARTIST // Justin Johnson

AI VFX // Lyell Hintz

SPFX MU SUPERVISOR // Alan Gonzales

LAPD // David Ham / George Aguilar

SITE REP // Mito


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