Chaz Cardigan performs for cut-out theaters

Cut-out bandmates, audience members, and crowd surfers show up for a pastiche performance as Chaz Cardigan and his band jam out to air drums and virtual audiences in Not OK. 

Downtrodden but upbeat, this music video showcases pushes the boundaries of virtual band performances, creating a multi-layered and charming promo. Cardigan adjusts his camera and then launches into song, cute little notes above his head like “hasn’t showered in a week,” and “so alone,” becoming the relatable mantras of the quiet revolution we’re all weathering. 

The real fun of the film comes through when a slew of side-by side views show two different people, two different rooms, and they mimic each other’s actions. It’s not new, by any means, but it’s cute, and funny, and so low-budget that it’s pretty ridiculous. The best ones are the ‘prom photo’ mash-ups, a series of ridiculous pairings with millennials reenacting their worst poses.

The strength of the film, where a Cardigan and Co. croon for a cut-out theater, is helmed by the VFX lead, Editor, and Director Will Kindrick. His work is not subtle, but it shouldn’t be. There’s no green screen, no hi-fidelity simulated backgrounds, just people dancing in their living room, and then, like a dress-up paper doll, transported onto a beach, or a church, or a bar. Fun, clever, constantly-moving into different visions, Not OK is a poppy promo perfect for when you’re having a bit of a downer.