Creative direction for Kendrick Lamar, Vince Staples, yugen blakrok by sbrette

Conceptual music video storyboard, treatment, and creative direction proposed for Kendrick Lamar's Black Panther inspired soundtrack "Opps".

“Opps” is a film noir-inspired music video that employs classic noir plot devices, elements, and cinematography. The film uses high contrast black and white, chiaroscuro lighting, intense spotlighting, crisp shadowing, and looming, dancing silhouettes. The suspense lies in wait at every turn. The film’s tone is playful and satirical. Like a silent film, the dialogue and sound effects are implied through exaggeration. The dark gags come at the expense of the Detective, the film’s naive antagonist. The storyline emulates the cat and mouse play. The film challenges the pre-conceived notion that oppressed parties can’t determine their own destiny.

While the MV draws inspiration from Black Panther, it’s storyline is heavily influenced by crime and detective genres. The story’s foundation is built on the Black Panther Party’s activism. Other inspirations include the archaic and dystopian futurism in Wong Kar Wai’s “2046” and Marco Brambilla’s “Demolition Man.” Despite influences from the Gotham City of the noir genre, the storyline unfolds in European cities. The film borrows from the futuristic architecture of Sweden and the Netherlands to construct the unique world where the action of “Opps” transpires."