New video "ROOM 405" - May 8th

“I wanted to make a slightly insane, violent video to contrast the sweet and playful melody of the track. We suppress so much raw emotion in our lives, this video just lets that all loose.”  - LIVIA BLANC

The Tarantino-esque video for Livia Blanc’s latest work “ROOM 405” (and part of a planned visual trilogy) explores female furies in a bloody and glittery visual introduction to the French singer’s world.

The story originated from my fascination with beauty contests and the lies hidden behind those perfect smiles. I was inspired to create a slasher-film type of music video featuring three pageant queens (Miss America, Miss France, Miss Brazil) who share a room on the night before the Miss Universe competition. What starts off as an innocent pillow fight between these seemingly demure women, quickly escalates into a fight to the death.

I went to film school in Paris and needless to say, there were very few of us female filmmakers. I learned by studying great directors like Fellini, Truffaut, Almodovar, Scorsese, Paul Thomas Anderson— all men. 

In 2012, I moved to New York and directed my first short film “On The Other Side” about a man having to become a woman in order to succeed in his career as an actor. Isn’t this what’s happening to women every single day? We dress up to better fit the mold that has been shaped for us by men in society. My film was accepted to the Cannes Film Festival. And there I was: completely alone. Feeling naked and raw. Fearing the judgement of others. I wondered what was waiting for me on the other side? The short answer is — NOTHING. I was, 22 years young, with my first short at Cannes and nobody cared. 

But I did not quit. I went back to New York and did my best to make more art, more film. But along the way and with bills to pay, I found myself becoming more of an overachiever and less of a dreamer. 

What are my strengths? I thought. How was I going to be heard?

I decided to take a year off and felt like I was headed someplace spiritual, longing for someplace deeper. I started singing and exploring new passions, new avenues in my life, and new dreams. But still, I wondered, would my voice be heard before my films were seen? At least I could always direct my own music videos, I thought. And I so I did.

I wrote and I sang and I wrote some more. “ROOM 405” evolved out of one of the darkest times in my life. I conceptualized the narrative and produced, directed and edited my own music video. I even taught myself special effects to finish this video within my means. 

I’ll do whatever it takes and I’ll do it all. That’s female strength and that’s what this short video is about.

I’m unkillable.