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HALF FORMED THINGS: LIVE FROM LEITH THEATRE Reuniting with their production team for the first time since the COVID-19 outbreak, experimental pop four-piece, Half Formed Things undertake a unique live music video shoot in Edinburgh’s Leith Theatre. Lighting Designer, Sam Jones reflects on the experience…
Having recorded their debut album, To Live in the Flicker, just around the corner from Leith Theatre, the Edinburgh-based community and arts space seemed like a fitting backdrop for local experimental pop fourpiece, Half Formed Things to join forces with touring personnel for the first time since March last year to embark on a unique live music video shoot for the track, February. Helping drench the band in the ‘natural reverb’ of the venue was Lighting Designer, Sam Jones; Sound Engineer, Jane Datony; Videographer, Sandy Butler and Photographer, Lewis Milne. Having spent the best part of the COVID-19 pandemic designing music videos and livestreams in the Leith Theatre, Jones picked up the story. “The venue is magnificent,” he began. “I have worked in Leith Theatre a fair amount over the past few years and have been lucky enough to be a part of its ‘rebirth journey’ that is still ongoing. It has so much character and
putting on live shows in there has a special sort of atmosphere. I tried to translate that energy into the design.” Technical suppliers for the shoot included Edinburgh ShowTec, DM Audio and JMP Productions. “My working relationship with Half Formed Things is relatively new, having only collaborated on a few live shows before the pandemic struck,” Jones commented. “Since then, we have done a few livestreams and music videos. For me, complimenting the music with the design is always important; Half Formed Things’ music is so dynamic, it’s a job keeping up with them most of the time!” Despite being a relatively new member in the camp, Jones instantly acclimatised to the task at hand, referencing the “epic” and “dynamic” nature of the band’s music as the driving force of his lighting design. “I’ve discovered that sweeping looks, plenty of fanning beams and strobing 16