Content Bae – The Director Every Artist Wants on Their Rider
It’s not hard to see why everyone wants to work with Oliver Marshall a.k.a. Content Bae. His showreel demonstrates an adept ability to entice and enthral audiences with fast-paced, high-energy films. As a self-taught videographer, he first became obsessed with documenting the artists and entertainers around him when asked to shoot local parties for his friends. Armed with nothing but his first Canon camera, and a desire to impress his teenage peers, this initial foray into directing unlocked a fervent curiosity and creativity that would go on to shape his career. From hometown events in Brisbane and the Gold Coast to accompanying musicians on their world tours, Oliver’s directorial prowess has accelerated with great velocity.
His big break was being invited on tour with US rapper, Goldlink, as his official videographer. This life changing moment led to more invitations to join more musicians on their international tours, such as Duke Dumont, Masego and Denzel Curry. Cutting his teeth in the tour show scene, Oliver quickly learnt how to set pace and upskill, finessing his directing, editing and photography skills for a multitude of projects. Having had his work published in print magazines, as well as releasing his very own photo book and debut short film, the director is focusing on growing his commercial portfolio and has joined the ranks of production company, HAPPY, earlier this year.
Speaking to LBB’s April Summers from his home in Melbourne, the thoughtful filmmaker lifts the curtain on the details of his global career so far.
LBB> Oliver, tell us a bit about yourself - what were you like growing up? Were you always creative?
Oliver> Growing up, filmmaking always played a role in my life. It started with my brother and I making home movies on my dad’s camcorder and I continued to evolve with it. I was always being creative, I just didn’t realise it. It just felt like I was messing around and having fun - to this day it still feels like I’m just messing around and having fun.LBB> What did you do before directing? Was a creative career always the plan?
Oliver> There definitely was no plan, it wasn’t until I was in my early 20s when I took a look around and realised what I was doing is considered my career. Looking back, I can see the journey and creative path I have been on.LBB> What’s the first thing you remember making or what was the moment for you when you knew that directing was the right path for you?
Oliver> The moment I really began to understand the role of a director was when I finished putting together this little two minute edit for a rapper. It was jam packed with special effects and cool transitions. It was fun to watch but very quickly forgotten and I thought to myself “I wish this did more for the viewer.” This thought kind of spiralled, turning into a rabbit hole, and me eventually realising what a powerful tool storytelling can be.
Goldlink performing in Berlin - photo by Oliver Marshall
LBB> Whose work or style do you find inspiring?
Oliver> There’s no one person that comes to mind. I always binge certain director's catalogues: my latest crush is Harmony Korine whose breakout film was Gummo. Spike Jonze has an inspiring story as well, I look up to him a lot. In addition to them, I also look up to basically anyone who’s working in the pop culture space across film, music and fashion and doing something fresh and bold. It's amazing the random storytellers you can find on the internet.
LBB> Of all the great work you’ve done so far, which project best showcases your skills? And why?
Oliver> My favourite piece so far is my short film, Private Rituals, which is currently in post production. It was the most raw and organic filmmaking experience I’ve had - there was none of the comforts that come with commercial jobs. It’s fun to be deep in the trenches, alongside all the crew, fighting for the common pursuit of a great story.
In terms of commercial work, the three day shoot on North Stradbroke Island for XGS with the agency, Next Thursday, stands out as a special project. It involved multiple 4WDs and towing a caravan which was a logistical and creative challenge, but we pulled it off and everyone was very happy with the result. HAPPY’s producers are so experienced with cars and tricky shoots, so it made for an epic experience. I have to credit our producer, Clint Gough, for his work on that one too.
LBB> How do you approach a brief? And do you prefer concrete or more open-ended briefs?
Oliver> I approach a brief with an unhealthy amount of research. I recently pitched on a spot centred around 90’s aerobics and, as a result, I could probably just about run my own aerobics class. I guess that might be a good backup career if I ever leave filmmaking.
I like open-ended briefs, I appreciate being allowed to put my own creative spin on an idea because that’s when I really start to get emotionally invested into what I’m doing.
LBB> We really liked your video for Tessa Fleur; there was a touch of Sofia Coppola in the way you depicted the cult. Tell us about the concept behind it, any influences, and what the shoot was like?
Oliver> The concept for Tess’s video was centred around Swedish folklore, the story is essentially a welcoming cult invites some lost travellers in to take care of them, but what the travellers don’t know is that they’re being groomed for a traditional sacrifice. The opening shot with the flower is actually Tess’s grave. The video is meant to evoke a sense of unease, everything is pretty and happy but there’s just a feeling that something sinister is at work.
The process of shooting this was a lot, we had $2,000 to work with as a budget. I think that covered the hire of our lenses, everything else was a favour, including the 20+ extras and the dancers who are part of the Queensland Ballet. Those are the most rewarding projects and everyone had fun getting to be a part of it. It won a few Australian awards as well and got played on Rage TV which was exciting.
LBB> Your showreel is packed full of amazing behind the scenes action from your work with various musicians. What is it about music artists that inspires you?
Oliver> I have a deep appreciation for working with rappers, a lot of them have come from some very sketchy backgrounds and their whole grand vision for life is really empowering. My last music tour was with a rapper named Denzel Curry, he's a young 28 year old kid who has so much ambition for his career. Being around that energy was very fulfilling and infectious. Filmmaking needs more of that kind of energy.
Tyler, The Creator performing on the Igor Tour at Madison Square Garden - photo by Oliver Marshall
LBB> Finally, what’s next on the horizon for you? Are you working on anything at the moment?
Oliver> My current focus is finishing off my short film and getting it into the festival circuit. Apart from that I’m hopping between Melbourne and Brisbane, checking in with HAPPY HQ, and exploring new ideas, scripts and projects. I’m also looking forward to SXSW in Sydney later this year.
