As the countdown to 2014 began, MTV (DStv Channel 130) asked viewers to
cast their votes for the Best Video of 2013, which was announced in the
countdown on New Year’s Eve.
From a list that boasted the top videos from local and international artists, South
African director Ryan Kruger came out on top, with his video for ’Trickery’,
performed by the South African electronic band, GoodLuck.
Competing against the likes of Miley Cyrus and Jay-Z, Kruger had another two
videos nominated, Ross Jack’s music video for TVs in the Swimming Pool and
Prime Circle’s video for Time Kills Us All, which landed the number two and
number three spots respectively.
Says Kruger: “I am very lucky that I have people who follow and support my
work who voted. And also of course the bands have their big followers who
helped and voted.’
Kruger’s production company, Enigma Ace Films, shot the winning video over two
days in Cape Town with cinematographer Christian Denslow and producer
Anastasia Tsobanopulos. The video features a classic underdog story.
“It’s basically about a kid who’s lost his brother in a skating accident and he’s
become the invisible boy at home. He wants to skate just like his brother but
nobody believes in him. His brother’s skater gang won’t let him skate with them
until he skates in a disguise and beats them all,’ remarks Kruger.
Kruger says of working with three-time South African Music Award (SAMA)
nominated group GoodLuck: “They were great and really chilled. We did some
pick-up shots they wanted but they were very laid back and trusted me a
lot.’
Originally from the UK, Kruger moved to South Africa seven years ago after a
number of visits to Cape Town gave the young performer and director acting
opportunities in television and film for overseas productions. After starting off
with small, low-budget productions, Kruger is now shooting music videos for
most of the biggest artists in the country.
Kruger says he is excited about the win, especially with the 2014 SAMAs just
around the corner.
