Playlist: Charlie Reddie

Homespun editor Charlie Reddie discusses his inspirations, views on the industry, failed skateboard tricks and what's on his Playlist.

What’s the best promo you’ve seen recently and why?

I can't really decide between two videos so here they both are, Eoin Glastier's video for Aquilo You Don't Know Where You Stand, the aren't too many videos that cross the lines between almost a short film and a promo but I really liked the way the story really enhanced the track.

The second is Romain Gavras's video for Jamie XX Gosh, it's just epic, I couldn't take my eyes off of it. Both are amazing but for totally different reasons.

What’s the first promo you remember being impressed by?

Basement Jaxx Where's Your Head At. At the time, as a kid, I just wanted to know how made it. I'd never seen anything like it and the effects still look pretty decent today, it helped that the track was wicked.

And what’s your all-time favourite music video?

Blur Coffee & TV. I'm still amazed at how they managed to make a couple of milk cartons so engaging and the story comes through so well.

What other directors/artists do you look to for inspirational?

I always look out for Michel Gondry's & Spike Jonze (like everyone else), Romain Gavras', BRTHR, The Daniels, David Wilson and so many more I can't think of. I also love the video's that Ninja from Die Antwoord creates, they're always mental but brilliant. Outside the promo world I enjoy reading scripts/screenplays by Charlie Kaufman, Aaron Sorkin, Steven Zaillian and plays by Harold Pinter. I find they're ideas pretty inspiring.

What are you listening to at the moment?

Scott Quinn is a new find and I've had Childish Gambino's Awaken, My Love album on loop at lot since it came out.

What’s your favourite bit of tech, whether for professional or personal use?

I'm a little bit of a gadget geek so I'd say my noise cancelling headphones... They almost make the tube journey bearable every morning.

What artist(s) would you most like to work with and why?

I guess for me, as an editor, its more about the directors idea than the artist. Obviously a great track helps but when a great track and idea come together thats when its the most exciting to cut. If I got to work on a video for The Cure though I think I'd spend the whole edit pinching myself... 

Music videos have had a resurgence of late; where do you see the industry being in five years’ time?

I hope that they build on that resurgence. Whilst I think that the low budgets can often challenge and bring out some really creative ideas it would be great if the was a little more money in the industry.

Maybe the focus shifting slightly towards videos being the main way a lot of people hears the track might help this. It would be great if more epic, high production videos could made more regularly like in the 90s and early 2000s and not just for the bands/artists at the top of the charts.

Tell us one thing about yourself that most people won’t know…

I broke my wrists 5 times trying to learn to kick flip before I realised that skateboarding wasn't really for me... I was obviously smart as a kid...