Behind the Vision: Preparing the Music Video for “Starless Nights”

This is a director’s diary—an inside look at how we crafted the aesthetic, storyline, and shot structure for this project.

Building the Mood Board: Shades of Emotion

The process began with defining the emotional palette. Purple and violet hues quickly became the foundation—tones that evoke mystery, longing, and quiet strength.

The mood board blended imagery of neon-lit city streets, starless skies, soft silhouettes, and reflective textures that would play with light in cinematic ways. Each visual element hinted at the dual themes of melancholy and hope, setting the tone for wardrobe, lighting, and overall atmosphere.

Dual Characters: Singer & Alter-Ego

The video centers on two versions of the artist:

• The Singer – Elegant, confident, and slightly sensual. Her wardrobe features sleek, form-fitting lines and subtle shimmer, symbolizing self-assurance.

• The Alter-Ego – Hidden beneath baggy, hooded streetwear, embodying self-doubt and the desire to retreat into shadow.

The contrast is deliberate—every glance, gesture, and outfit choice tells the story of inner conflict and transformation.

Storyline: Finding Light in the Dark

At the heart of “Starless Nights” lies a simple but profound narrative: the singer gently urging her alter-ego toward self-belief.

The pivotal line—“The nights are starless when you’re not around”—anchors the video emotionally. It’s a reminder that we carry our own light and that the absence of confidence leaves our inner world dim.

Setting the Scene: A Rooftop in New York City

To frame this emotional journey, we chose the rooftop of a New York City skyscraper. The setting carries cinematic weight—steel and glass under a violet sky, city lights flickering like distant stars.

This location represents isolation yet hints at possibility. High above the city, the characters confront themselves and their fears, framed by a skyline that suggests both vulnerability and ascendance.

Storyboards, Lighting & Shot List Planning

Once the concept was clear, the creative planning moved into structured execution:

• Storyboards: Illustrated each emotional beat—from wide drone shots of the cityscape to intimate close-ups of the alter-ego emerging from the shadows.

• Lighting Design: Violet uplighting and deep shadows created a dreamlike aesthetic, while reflections on wet pavement and glass added depth and texture.

• Shot List: Served as both creative guide and logistical blueprint—ensuring the narrative would flow seamlessly with the rhythm and tone of the track.

Storyboards, Lighting & Shot List Planning

Once the concept was clear, the creative planning moved into structured execution:

• Storyboards: Each frame was drawn by hand to capture not only the composition but also the energy of the scene. Camera movements were marked with arrows—sweeping pans, slow push-ins, and dramatic aerial reveals—ensuring the emotional pacing matched the song’s rhythm. These sketches became the blueprint for the shoot, guiding both the crew and the performers through each visual beat.

• Lighting Design: Violet uplighting and deep shadows created a dreamlike aesthetic, while reflections on wet pavement and glass added depth and texture.

• Shot List: Served as both creative guide and logistical blueprint—mapping camera angles, timing, and transitions to ensure a seamless visual narrative.

A work in progress

Creating “Starless Nights” was a study in balancing visual style with emotional resonance. Every choice—from wardrobe to lighting to framing—was made to express duality, vulnerability, and the journey toward self-empowerment.

For me, that’s the true magic of music video direction—not just capturing a performance, but building a world where emotion and imagery move together.