Jani Nikander: The Maestro Behind the Lens
Unveiling the Journey of a Visionary Music Video Producer and Entrepreneur
In the vibrant world of music videos, where creativity meets melody, Jani Nikander stands as a luminary figure. Hailing from Helsinki, Finland, Nikander has made significant strides in the industry over the past five years. As a music video producer and the founder of BongoBongo, a Nordic-based production service company, he has not only produced ambitious music videos but has also delved into challenging technical solutions.
Nikander’s journey in the film industry began 17 years ago, starting as a hobby that eventually evolved into a profession. Initially working as a sound designer at the renowned FINNVOX music studio in Helsinki, he found his way into the world of music videos through a friend who started directing in the Finnish capital.
The first music video Nikander produced, for the band Sunrise Avenue’s ‘I Help You Hate Me,’ marked a significant project for his debut. Despite the nerves accompanying the project’s large budget, the outcome was a success, setting the stage for a career defined by collaboration and creativity.
The path to success is not without its challenges. Nikander reflects on a pivotal moment during the production of a music video for a leading Finnish artist. A corrupted memory card threatened the entire project, leading to a significant setback. However, through strategic decision-making and a bit of secrecy, Nikander managed to salvage the footage, showcasing resilience in the face of adversity.
Collaboration is key in Nikander’s creative process. The decision to undertake a music video project is a collective one, aligning the creative vision with the artist’s goals. The synergy between the artist, director, and producer is crucial to bringing forth a visual masterpiece that captures the essence of the song and the artist’s brand.
In the era of digital content consumption, music videos play a vital role in providing a holistic experience of an artist. Nikander emphasizes their significance as a branding tool and a means to connect with fans on a deeper level. While algorithms may shape content visibility, he believes that music videos contribute significantly to an artist’s brand and credibility.
Creativity, according to Nikander, is invaluable when used properly. Regardless of budget constraints, he strives to exceed expectations, emphasizing that creativity should always take precedence. Strategic planning, efficient use of time, and finding suitable locations are part of the process to ensure the best possible outcome for every project.
In the collaborative dance of bringing a music video to life, Nikander describes the pre-production phase where ideas are generated, mood boards are shared, and the right creative team is assembled. The director plays a crucial role in working closely with the artist, translating their brand and song into a visual masterpiece. Nikander’s role is to contribute inspiration from his surroundings, offering a wealth of ideas for each project.
The submitted music video for Käärijä’s ‘It’s Crazy, It’s Party’ ft. Tommy Cash was a thrilling venture for Nikander. The collaboration with outstanding director kaverikarim and cinematographer Petteri Lappalainen brought a dream team together. Working with iconic artists like Tommy Cash and Käärijä added pressure but resulted in an exceptionally rewarding experience.
The video’s writing took about a week, followed by a week of pre-production. The actual filming occurred over two days, and post-production spanned a week before final delivery. The project’s unique aspect was the collaboration with two iconic artists, aiming to conclude Käärijä’s Eurovision journey within the narrative.
In the dynamic realm of music video production, staying updated on trends and technologies is essential. Nikander’s approach involves avoiding routine, actively following professionals in the industry, and integrating new technical approaches to keep the creative process smooth.
Nikander’s advice to aspiring music video producers is to:
stay curious, embrace the crisis-filled journey, and persevere. Building a reliable team and establishing valuable connections are crucial for success in this ever-evolving field.
Jani Nikander’s journey is a testament to the power of collaboration, resilience, and creative vision in the realm of music video production. As he continues to push boundaries and inspire through his work, the future holds exciting possibilities for this visionary producer from Helsinki, Finland.
Amidst the dynamic world of music videos, Jani Nikander’s standout work, particularly his music video for Käärijä’s ‘It’s Crazy, It’s Party’ ft. Tommy Cash, earned recognition on the global stage through the Berlin Music Video Awards (BMVA). Renowned for celebrating creativity and innovation, the BMVA’s Music Video of the Week selection elevated Nikander’s profile, showcasing the international appeal of his productions. As the call for submissions to the BMVA remains open, the weekly spotlight continues to be a coveted accolade, offering a platform for artists and producers worldwide to showcase their latest projects. Nikander’s journey exemplifies the collaborative, resilient, and visionary spirit celebrated by the BMVA, paving the way for exciting possibilities in the ever-evolving realm of music video production.
