We’re all about creative constraints. In fact, we’ve explored the topic several times in blog posts and conversations with filmmakers, the idea that limitations can spark something in our creative brains to step up and take a challenge. But, even further than that, our constraints aren’t just a good exercise in creativity — sometimes they’re the entire reason to create. That’s why we’re excited to announce our first-ever Musicbed Challenge.
Director Phil Wall works across the commercial and narrative space, with films like The Book Keepers, The Passing Game, and more. One of his commercial clients, GORUCK, is behind one of the most rigorous and challenging athletic competitions on the planet, called GORUCK Selection, which puts athletes through more than 48 hours of physical, mental, and even spiritual torment. So, when they brought up the idea of capturing the competition, Phil knew there was an opportunity. He just didn’t know what kind.
At Musicbed, we preach the importance of music every day, but sometimes we don’t have to preach at all. There are filmmakers who just get it. The creatives at Blue Ox Films know the weight and importance of music as much as we do, and we had the chance to talk with them about their work on The CW’s All American Stories.
Sometimes a project is bigger than music or film, and we’re proud that Musicbed was able to contribute to the message in Nike’s “You Can’t Stop Us” spot. The piece is an inspirational examination of the struggles and triumphs we face, and how those struggles and triumphs can also bring us together.
It’s been 24 years since the last Bronco came off the line at Ford, so the iconic brand knew it needed to make a bold statement for the 2020 rerelease of its off-road workhorse. As their creative agency, Wieden+Kennedy’s internal team collaborated with Musicbed composer Ryan Taubert and Director Salomon Ligthelm to create a sound as epic as the campaign.
When we started Musicbed, our goal was to empower creatives to make their best work. We believe you should have access to great music to bring your vision to life—and it shouldn’t come with miles and miles of red tape.
Our intention with the Reopen Challenge was to bring some light back into the world. But, even we didn’t know how far-reaching this effect would be, or how many impactful films would be made. There’s no greater example of this than Kyndra Kennedy’s Black.Matters, our judges’ winning selection for this year.