January 6, 2021 - I was hired out of the blue, again, by the wonderful team of Little Cinema to shoot stills and BTS of Janelle Monáe. The location was this beautiful one-story house with different sections and rooms like a mini complex, surrounding a small pool in the center. I wasn’t sure what I was shooting exactly but when I stepped on set, they told me it’ll be a music video. I instantly became excited. Moments later, they told me that the set is so tight and that they’ll be using a steadicam, there’s no room for me to capture stills. Damn, okay.

Take after take, Janelle Monáe was killing it with her song, ‘Turntables.’ She moved with kinetic passion, swaying around the highly ornate set without hitting her knees, jumping on the couch with ease, and expressing her fearless lyrics with her hands and eyes. It was late at night, too. I kept thinking, “what would my mentor David James say to me right now?” and “what would my mom say to me?” So I just asked the lead producer if I could just dive in there to shoot stills in less than sixty seconds.

It worked. I knew Janelle Monáe was tired. That made me extra nervous. Hopped in the set, spoke to her manager, who is really sweet, and then Janelle Monáe entered the set. Introduced myself and said I only need a minute and then I’ll run — you know, just to make her feel at ease. Then to my surprise, Janelle was super lovely, normal, and amiable. She even asked social questions. Shot her sitting on the sofa, some mediums, and closeups. I waved thank you and fled. Treaded carefully around the pool, the lights, cables, and then sat down by the craft service table. I exhaled greatly through my stupid mask and was about to tilt my head back until…Someone shouted my name, “Billy! Billy!” I thought, “oh no, I’m fired. Or I’m in trouble. Or I dropped something. Or someone thinks I farted!”

In a big twist, I was summoned back on the set because Janelle wanted to shoot more photos. She’s really pretty by the way. Easy to shoot. The DP Idan Menin and his crew lit the set beautifully. Janelle made me feel at ease quickly. I did some adjustments, asked her to hold out her hand in the foreground because it looked powerful, and was out of there after a few minutes. If you’re still reading this, you’d be happy to know Janelle is very cool. It was a great experience. Even greater to tell my parents the next night.

Then Deadline published a sibling article! What!

Deadline x Rolling Stone February 2021 issue. Page 6 and 16. Can’t believe it. My thanks to Little Cinema for the job opportunity.

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Jewel brand, Jennifer Meyer, licenses one of the photos.

The Hollywood Reporter, Feb 2021 issue. Was stunned to see online at first. Then, am I going to buy the physical issue from a store? I did, and gave it to my parents. My thanks to Little Cinema for the still photography opportunity.

Billy's Blog:

19. Palonia Blue

Janelle Monáe Published

11. David James

9. Miles Crist