“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
Send Us Your Film
Hey filmmakers! Have a project of your own you’d like us to check out?