BY MARK McKELVEY
CALLING all extras ... if you want to be part of rock history, make sure to be in the Top of the Town in Omagh this Saturday, May 5, when up and coming Eskra film director Chris Baugh will be shooting Omagh rock band Freerider's debut music video.
This combination of local talent have collaborated to make a professional music video for their song, Wait a Second, with a theme of slowing down time.
However, to make it a success they require your help, as they need approximately 70 extras to fill the bar full of "drunk looking, sober people" from 10am to 5pm giving the pretence of a typical night out at a live gig.
Chris explained that they have secured significant funding for this unique project.
"We are now living in a visual age with so many outlets on the Internet such as Youtube, giving the potential for millions of people to see your work.
"We were originally going to make the video with no budget, but we tried our luck and pitched our idea to the Northern Ireland Film Commission and managed to secure £2,500 funding for this project, allowing us to use a full professional crew."
This includes Omagh native, Angus Mitchell who is a vastly experienced cinematographer. Those behind the project have even got on board professional actor Michael Laverty to play the main character. Michael starred in Chris's latest film, Messages For Maria, that is set to be screened at the Mid Ulster Film Festival next week.
It is hoped that this project will be beneficial for both parties, as Chris can add a music video to his growing list of film creations, while Freerider have the opportunity to break into new ground that will set them apart from the rest, by having their own video demo.
When asked if this is the modern approach to getting recognised, bass player Liam Donnelly stated, "Yes, yes it is." Lead guitarist Matt McGlinn elaborated on this sentiment, "This is a new medium of sending out a demo as it gives an impression of what the band are like, not just their music."
Freerider front-man Niall Donnelly and Chris actually spent a year studying foundation art in Limavady together where the idea of joining forces to make a music video originated.
Niall said, "We joked then about the idea of making a music video and five years later we are finally committed to making this happen. We promised ourselves that 2007 would open up new doors for Freerider and we aim to start of with something a bit different.
"Not every band has access to a guy like Chris Baugh and we are really excited about working with him. He will be a talent worth watching for the future."
If you are interested in being an extra for the shoot, have good stamina and patience and would like to see your face on the big screen contact Chris on 07881 873710 or e-mail baugh_chris@hotmail.com or simply come along to the Top Of the Town this Saturday dressed like you are on a typical night out.
