'Outside' | Henry Green
‘Outside’ is an exploration of personal growth, self-discovery, and the courage to break free from limitations. To create a visual concept for this video was an exciting challenge.
My long-standing collaboration and friendship with Henry Green has given me a lot of space to interpret his music and create a treatment for his videos. This freedom built on trust makes for a strong partnership.
With a limited budget, the goal was to create a narrative driven music video that was visually beautiful, captured the essence of the record and created a final result that exceeded the expectations of the budget and artist.
Contribution
Creative Director
Producer
Director
Editor
The Concept
The concept for ‘Outside’ revolves around a metaphorical construct symbolising the mental confines of the protagonist.
Shot at Prime Studios Leeds, and our outdoor location in the Yorkshire Moors, the video seamlessly transitions between these two spaces. For the narrative this underscored the simultaneous ‘inside’ and ‘outside’ nature of the mind’s limitations – a metaphorical battle between being free but not, all because of how you might feel.
The track’s lyrics express a dual longing for literal and metaphorical exploration, forming the central theme of the concept.
The main character, a young woman, played by Maria Webb, has built mental barriers that disconnect her from the external world.
Her absence robs her of life’s offerings, connections, opportunities, and the joy of the present. The concept captures the protagonist’s frustration, struggle and evolution from confinement to liberation.
The Structure + Set
The narrative design includes the ‘Structure’ as a significant secondary character, prominently featured in the video’s visuals and concept.
The 3D renders below showcase the Structure made from CLS timber and painted in black alongside the final result. The 3D render was designed and structure built by hand by myself.
With limited budget, it fell within my responsibilities to set dress and procure all props and furniture used in the video to mimic a space within someone’s mind.
Treatment Summary
The “Outside” music video starts in a pristine white studio, transitioning to a captivating outdoor scene. A troubled young woman battles her inner conflicts, represented by her interaction with an empty photo frame and a symbolic structure.
Her frustration mounts as she throws a photo frame against an illusory wall, leading to an immediate shift to a outdoor setting. She fights to escape the confines of the imaginary room but fails.
Day turns to night, and amid white rope lights, the structure gains new significance against the darkness.
Upon spotting the frame again, she boldly steps through the wall, accompanied by the song’s building momentum. With a triumphant smile, she comprehends her breakthrough.
The climax returns to a vibrant daytime backdrop, where she sprints with newfound energy, leaving the structure behind as a symbol of her liberation. The video concludes with her empowered expression and the fading structure, signifying her triumph.
