Social Commentary
Director Gerrad Wilson and Choreographer Tessandra Chavez combine contemporary dance, moving visuals, and Andra Day’s anthem, “Rise Up” to create a singular and moving work of art. In times of turmoil, we look to art to help express our deepest seeded emotions amidst uncertainty. In this two part special edition of Artist Request, our artists combine the righteous indignation of Royce Mann’s moving spoken word poem, “All Lives Matter, But…” and Andra Day’s empowering anthem “Rise Up” with the language of dance to share the greater message that we must all “rise up together” rather than stand apart. It is a message of unity. A message of shared strength. A statement that #BlackLivesMatter and that the struggle does not belong to one group alone, but the burden rests on all our shoulders.
Music: “Rise Up” by Andra Day
CREATIVE TEAM
Created by: Gerrad Wilson and Tessandra Chavez
Directed by: Gerrad Wilson
Executive Producer: Carly Casey
Choreography: Tessandra Chavez
Director of Photography: Andrew Fairbank
Production Designer: Brandon Arii
Wardrobe Stylist: Ambrose Respicio
CAST
Arch Angel: DuJuan Smart Jr.
Mother: Ava Bernstine-Mitchell
Son: Richard "Lil Swagg"
Curtis Angry Man: Robert Green
Angel: Kaelynn "KK" Harris
Angel: Anthony Westlake
Angel: Marie Spieldenner
Angel: Kevin Frey
Angel: Elisa Soto
Angel: Zachary Venegas
CREW:
Sound Designer/1st Assistant Camera: Eric Davis
2nd Assistant Camera: Sean Berger
Set Photographers: Jon Sams & Ashley Jackson
Gaffer: Jacob Abrams
Key Grip: Carlton Hudson
Best Boy Electric/Driver: Charles Cartwright
Best Boy Grip: Jedi Gomez
Production Manager: Shaena Nalani
Production Assistant: Rene Trevino
Production Assistant: Gia Maulbeck
Production Assistant: Ashley Jackson
X Ambassador's emotional track 'UNSTEADY’ perfectly underscores a couple at their breaking point. “UNSTEADY” speaks to everyone who's contemplated walking away from a love that may or may not be worth fighting for. Pre production for this video took place prior to the horrific events in Orlando on June 12, 2016. Love brings joy and love brings pain. To love is to be brave, for to lose love is the greatest loss a human will ever know. To those lost in Orlando and to the loved ones who were left behind, we stand with you in strength and most importantly, in LOVE.
Director/Editor - David Javier @davidgjavier
Choreographer - Tyce Diorio - @tycediorio
Dancer - Kent Boyd - @Kent_Boyd
Dancer - Will Johnston - @willearnston
Music - X Ambassadors - @XAmbassadors
Directed and Edited by: David Javier
Executive Producer: Carly Casey
Choreographer: Tyce Diorio
Asst. Choreographer: Melanie Benz
Dancers: Kent Boyd & Will Johnston
VP, Production: Shannon Owen
Producer: Beba Rodriguez
DP: Dave Ortkiese
Gaffer: Matt Hindman
Key Grip: Brody Culbertson
Cam PA: Cheffy Thomas
Production Manager: Shaena Nalani
PA: Ashley Gelo
Music: Unsteady by X Ambassadors
Music Partnerships: Erica Forster, Daryl Berg
IMPERFECTIONS – A Short Dance Film