Rushes : MIKA: HAPPY ENDING

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MIKA'S 'HAPPY ENDING'

19th Sept 2007: Rushes have completed work on the stunning new promo for the prince of poperatics Mika, the soon to be released 'Happy Ending'.

The ambitious 'Happy Ending' is a great example of Mika's unique brand of flamboyant poperatics, combining the singer's education in classical music with his love for pop, opera and musical tunes. The song shows off Mika's flawless falsetto. He penned the ballad last year in his basement then recorded it in London and LA with a gospel choir backing.

Rushes Producer Josh King added, “Due to the complexity of the shoot with big camera moves and large moves with Mika on wires we needed to attend the shoot. There was also the addition of many green screen elements and some elements being shot on black to go back on a black background. There was a lot to accomplish on the day of the shoot so Rushes’s motion control was also used later on to gain some extra green screen elements not shot on the day.

Time was also spent in roto and keying of the many, many elements, including Mika himself. Both Smoke & Flame were used for the roto and comp work.

Time was spent on the look of the transition from the bedroom wall to above the city and then into space. Hands float in space giving Mika lift until he is free and floating in the weightless environment. Mouths of toys were animated and a 3D globe was built. Time was also spent finessing the video and adding extra elements such as comets and flares, giving it the glossy feel. It was a joy to work in such a creative environment with a well structured post route allowing us to deliver a video with plenty of effects work.”

Product: Mika

Production Title: 'Happy Ending'

Production Co: Colonel Blimp

Director: Alex & Liane @ Factory Films

Producer: Kat Armour-Brown

Film Editor: Julia Knight

Post Facility: Rushes

Rushes Producer: Josh King

Telecine: Simone Grattarola

Flame: Grant McKean with Adam Watson, Rufus Blackwell, Marcus Wood

Motion Control Facility: Rushes Studio

Rushes Postproduction Ltd.

66 Old Compton Street

London

W1D 4UH

Tel: +44 (0)20 7437 8676

Fax: +44 (0)20 7734 2519