Playlist: Daniella Manca

What’s the best promo you’ve seen recently and why?

Probably the Salvatore Ganacci - Horse video by Vedran Rupic, which is hilarious and original. Then when you thought it couldn’t get weirder they release Boycycle.

What’s the first promo you remember being impressed by?

Probably Nine Inch Nails - Closer by Mark Romenak. As a teenager I used to love staying up to watch MTV and Headbangers Ball which had all the alternative videos. 

Soundgarden - Black Hole Sun by Howard Greenhalgh use to freak me out when I was a little younger, ha.

And what’s your all-time favourite music video?

Probably Gesaffelstein - Pursuit by Fleur & Manu, to be honest it’s probably a tie between Pursuit and Talking Heads - Once in a Lifetime which was choreographed and co-directed by Toni Basil.

What other directors/artists do you look to for inspiration?

I’ve always looked to the female Surrealists for inspiration, the way they poetically explored surrealism as a means of gaining self-awareness, exploring their inner thoughts and feelings, dealing with their experiences, and allowing the subconscious or sometimes supressed to prevail in their work. Dorothea Tanning, Leonora Carrington and Dora Maar whose exhibition at the Tate earlier this year was really inspiring. 

What are you listening to at the moment?

A lot of different music in lockdown! From Plastikman - Closer to Caetano Veloso - Transa. Enjoying full albums, less skipping at the moment.   

What’s your favourite bit of tech, whether for professional or personal use?

Probably my Olympus OM1, I’ve had it for over 10 years and it’s been everywhere with me. 

What artist(s) would you most like to work with and why?

Right now, probably Jpegmafia, but any artist with that spark and presence. But right now he’s definitely got it.
 
How do you feel the promo industry has changed since you started in it?

When I started it felt like everyone spoke about the glory years (which I had seen on MTV and followed) and we were in a drought. But it meant we had to be super resourceful to make great work with very little. This meant for a rewarding challenge but also that a lot of great friendships were forged. We’ve kept that community spirit, but its great now to see more diversity in not only the creative, directors,  but the budgets too, ha.