Toxic

Calvin Arsenia is one of the most magical musicians and creative forces I’ve ever met. Directing his cover of Toxic was the catalyst for our collaboration and friendship and my first opportunity to helm a crew of this scale. His interpretation of the song transported me into a trance, and my goal was to create a visual experience that did the same for the viewer.

From the outset, I wanted the video to flex the full range of my creative vision as a director and showcase the kind of immersive, detail-driven storytelling our creative lab is known for. Every choice, from lighting to composition to art direction, was guided by the desire to honor the hypnotic, ethereal quality of Calvin’s performance.

Making the Video

We shot at Greenwood Social Hall, a stunning old church turned music venue and artist studio. The space, complete with a grand piano, vintage chandelier, and one of a kind art pieces, felt tailor made for the dreamlike aesthetic we envisioned. Minimal adjustments were needed; the location itself became a collaborator.

John Beatty, our DP, leveraged his industry connections to provide top-tier camera gear, while one of Kansas City’s go-to gaffers generously supplied lighting equipment. Despite a two day shoot in the middle of a blizzard and the distraction of the Chiefs in the playoffs, the crew’s energy never waned, my mother’s home-cooked Middle Eastern food made sure of that.

Travis Young, one of my favorite photographers, joined the set after a cold DM. He was impressed by the production’s scale and caliber and continues to collaborate on my projects whenever I reach out. Together, this team transformed a shared vision into a tangible, mesmerizing piece of art.

Impact

The video currently has over 24K views on YouTube and has been recognized at multiple film festivals:

Hollywood Independent Filmmaker Awards & Festival – Official Selection
Los Angeles Cinefest – Semi-Finalist
Kansas City First Friday Film Festival
Portland Unknown Film Festival – Official Selection

The project remains a touchstone for our creative lab, a testament to the creativity, generosity, and collaborative spirit of the Kansas City film community. It also marked the beginning of an ongoing partnership with Calvin Arsenia, a reminder of how powerful music and visual storytelling can be when they converge.