Regina Spektor In Her Own Words

June 26th, 2006 by Rachelandthecity

“Better“- directed by Adria Petty, who did the “Us” video. This video was shot in 20 minutes in her office, and was totaly free to make… She is an amazing person and artist, and was able to fuck around with video feedback while shooting me in front of her TV in her office. All was done in real time and then a couple of takes were edited together. No hair or makeup person, and no one to stop me from being a full on dork… Just how i like it. Thank you Adria.

“Samson“- directed by Peter Sluszka, whom i met because he was the animator on the “Us” video. This was shot at Steinway Hall, an amazing historical building across the street from Carnegie Hall. I call it piano heaven. Peter and Ivan (the director of photography on both “Us” video, and now on “Samson”) are the most giving, talented duo you’ll ever meet. They were so great to work with again, and I had Alice again, she is so special and helped me many times before, but for this video found the 1910 dress i wore… Jordan did my makeup and hair in that early 1900’s style, and then Peter did all of that magical animation by hand, using stop motion… absolutely amazing!!! Thank you everyone!!!

“On the Radio” - directed by Adam Levite. This video was the latest one, and came together the quickest in a few miraculous days. I only met Adam the day of the shoot, on location at my mom’s school in Mt. Vernon. We had talked on the phone, and though he and all of the crew were new to me, after a few minutes I felt like I had known them all before. Everyone worked so hard and with such team spirit, and Adam really made the idea I had come to life… This was the most touching experience i ever had while shooting a video. The principal, all the teachers and the staff, and especially all of the kids gave me so much love I thought I was gonna cry half of the time from being so happy. There were 6 and 7 year olds in a classroom and I got to play with them. I got so many hugs that day! There was also the school band and they not only played in the video, after they were done shooting they played me a full on school band rendition of Sean Paul’s “Temperature”. I love it there, and i am very grateful to everyone for welcoming us into their amazing school. Thanks everyone, and especially MOM!!! I can’t wait to come back…