Division of Labor created a pair of fun, short videos for Live Nation, which are shown as pre-show entertainment at venues such as Shoreline, The Palladium and Roseland Ballroom to show off the capabilities of their digital screen network.
The above “Rodents on Turntables” is…well, exactly what it sounds like. Professionally trained rodents run on turntables playing several different types of music. The rodents, and their names, are tailored for the different genres: “Chunk” for hip-hop, “Sergio” for mariachi, “Herzog” for metal. “Rodents on Turntables” ends with the warning, “…Animals were trained and handled by professional animal trainers. Please do not try this at home.” So, while it may seem like a good idea, don’t put your hamster on your turntable — it will end badly.
“No critters were harmed in the making of either film, which is more than can be said for musical instruments,” says DOL partner/creative director, Josh Denberg, who co-directed the films with fellow Division of Labor Partner and Creative Director Paul Hirsch.
“Ode to Pete,” as you may have gathered, is a tribute to Pete Townsend and his habit of destroying his guitar at the end of shows. In the video, musicians of all stripes destroy their respective instruments in slow motion while surprisingly soothing music by Tonefarmer plays in the background. It’s a lot of fun, and if you’ve ever wanted to see a mariachi smash his guitarron, or a viola get the Townshend treatment, now’s your chance. Stick around for “Ode to Pete,” along with credits, after the jump.
Credits:
Client: Live Nation
Agency: Division of Labor
Directors: Paul Hirsch and Josh Denberg
Producer: Julie Costanzo
Director of Photography: Lou Weinert
Music: Tonefarmer, New York City
Editors: Brian Zalewski and Tony Gannon
Post and Editorial: Teak Editorial, San Francisco