I was commissioned to create a visualiser for Lila Ike’s “Wanted”. A song lamenting the loss of young men to crime in Jamaica.

When I first heard this song, the production reminded me of something I would have heard on my parents radios in the early 90s.

In my youth my parents would carry me to the Pantomime; A form of local theatre with exaggerated and comedic tongue in cheek styles. This was my reference for the visual.

I wanted the whole video to feel like the viewer was watching a Pantomime. It’s exaggerated, there’s a lot of pretending, but it’s all deliberate for that vintage effect. For me it is also like pulling out the deep culture or Jamaican-ness of the song, without adding too much of a heavy layer to an already serious theme.

Most of this film used practical effects, to make it feel like true theatre. It was also plenty fun seeing how these turned out. The spotlight gives you that feel like you’re in a late night small cosy theatre, and the lights come on to reveal Lila, who I have as the ethereal narrator of the film.

When I conceptualised this film, I had our lead talent Karlon, in my mind. I don’t think he acted before, but the character I envisioned was him. Thankfully when we reached out, he was interested and I think he did a great job.

This is my favourite moment from the film. A key element where Lila as the Narrator, crosses unfortunate paths, and they both break the fourth wall, by looking right at the viewer. being able to incorporate narrative elements like these is personally so rewarding.

Which each phase of the films story I chose to play with the lighting. The almost inverted colour here in the beginning =, helps to communicate -the transition of the character, the almost other world state. At this point the character flirts with riches he has from his robbery. The colour is also a foreshadowing matching police colours, and again, Lila breaks the 4th wall talking to the viewer but the character (wanted youth) is not aware of her presence.

I don’t want to give away the whole video in this post, and leave some open to your own interpretation. This project wouldn’t be possible without the teamwork from my crew.

Yannick Reid - Director, Cinematographer, Edit & Colour
Habibi Bailey - Producer
Karlon Edmonson - Wanted Youth
Hasani Cole - Gaffer
Ayana Riviere - Stylist (Lila Ike)
Shaquiel Brooks - Photographer & BTS
Aaliyah Hinds - Stylist (Karlon) & PA
Osunya Rose - Style assistant (Karlon)
Tonisha Kong - Make-Up
Latoya Reid - Hair
WOF Tiny Space - Studio Location
Far Eye Films - Production rentals