Behnam Mokri

[Rasputin]

Music video director and documentary producer Behnam Mokri has worked on some amazing projects. Having started the DNA Music company, Behnam is has had experience in different aspects of film making and is a great role model for aspiring filmmakers. Often times controversial, he views his work as cutting edge. We recently had a chance to talk to him in Los Angeles.

PM: Tell us about the Iranian music video market in particular.

BM: There are many videos out in the market, but only a few good ones. Unfortunately there is not much originality. Many of our directors are having a hard time understanding the lyrics and of course that causes contradiction between the song and the concept of the video. Some of the directors are still stuck in the Stonehenge where FILMFARSI style is their internal inspiration. The scene might have a Laleh Zaar feel to it while their concept are black and white. I am serious in what I do. A lot of the artists would make fools out of themselves with the art direction of their director to get attention from the audience.

PM: Who are some of the artists you have worked with?





BM: I have worked with many Iranian and non-Iranian artists: Nooshafarin & Shahryar, Shahrzad Sepanlou, Shahab, Susan Roshan, Mekabiz, Arjang, Saeed Mohamadi, Ramon, Juniors 5, Bijan Arya, Gilian Hart (American), Reza Manzoori, Beto (Spanish), Touraj, Mahvash Azhir, Bita, Arman, Shieda, Parviz, Arshia, Dihimis and also producing a young Iranian R&B artist Milad, whose work will hit the market soon. I also recently shot a unique video for Farshid Amin, which should soon hit the market. Directing is my vision but the product is a result of my beautiful team: my assistant director Sara Tousi, who is a great photographer, model and journalist, my light man and gaffer Tim who works with major studios working on series like 24, CSI and HBO shows and my Cast director Arthur, who works with major American productions, casting for MTV music videos. Finally, I am working on two films, one is a shot, and the other a feature film.

PM: What else would you like to share with our readers?

BM: My work is only good if people react to it and that is why I am in this business. My work is my portfolio and my portfolio is my image and I care about my image.

For more information on Behnam Morki and his latest work, please visit www.dnamusicvideo.com.