question for rdunn: atlanta music video scene...

[roaryw]

rdunn

from your experiences -- are atlanta based bands, hip hop artists, r&b, record lables, etc. going with out-of-town music video directors and production firms? if so why?

also, does this adversely affect your business being here in atlanta?

it seems the music scene here has always been hot with many established and up-and-comer artists but what about the behind the scenes service providers for talent and other services like yourself

peace
roary www.blackweb.net (http://www.blackweb.net)

[R DUNN]

I think that's partially true, but you have to look at the bigger picture. Yes many artists have come out of ATL, but the music industry (where the decisions are made) is based out of LA and NY (Nashville for country). Atlanta is a music mecca in a sense because we have a lot of high profile producers and artists here, but there aren't any major labels here. LaFace was the closest thing to one, now it's gone. What we have here are people that have joint venture deals or production deals or just hype for no reason. Also a few regional rep offices for the major labels. But all the money is coming from somewhere else.

So when a whole industry is based in a New York or LA that means most of the stylists, video directors, etc. are based in these areas too. There's a few exceptions to the rule but for the most part true. Now we ARE getting better at some things. There are some up and coming video producers here, some really good studios (Patchwerk records and mixes for almost all the majors), and I work with some of the casting directors here for videos since many are shot here now.

When we can start calling more shots as far as where the money is spent and develop more of an industry here then maybe things will change some.