BETWEEN REALITY & ILLUSION
This interview with the director reveals the behind-the-scenes story of Cupid Went Wild. You’ll discover what inspired the narrative, how the visual concept came together, and what challenges arose while filming in a single historic house in Mexico City. The director openly admits that when creating a music video, one inevitably faces limitations, whether time, budget, or technical, but those very constraints can become a powerful driver of creativity.
What inspired the story of Cupid Went Wild?
It all started unexpectedly. Felipe was at the gym, going through another breakup, when he suddenly thought, “Why is Cupid so angry with me?” He shared the first draft of the lyrics with me, and as he told the story, a spark went off in my mind: “What if we could actually ask Cupid?” In that instant, it became clear to both of us, the video had to be a fantastical journey in search of that answer.
How did you develop the concept for this fantastical world?
After the very first location scouting, everything began falling into place. Walking through
the rooms with Felipe and the Black Lion Studio Mx team, I started describing ideas for
different scenes and atmospheres. Right there, during that tour, those sparks of imagination
began taking shape, and together we transformed them into the foundation of the video.
The video blurs reality and illusion. Was this a deliberate choice from the
beginning?
Even before writing the script, we knew the video had to feel like stepping into another
dimension. Our goal was to create a space where reality and fantasy coexist, where the
audience is constantly left wondering which parts are real and which are illusion.
What challenges did you face while shooting the video?
The first major challenge was shooting everything in less than 24 hours. The second was
working with a very limited budget, we had to use whatever resources were available.
We hunted props in garage sales, second-hand shops, and even from crew members’
storage rooms, transforming them into the visuals you see in the final cut. Even the stained
glass was handmade with wood, glue, and paper.
Ironically, those constraints fueled our creativity and helped shape the final concept.
How did you approach casting and working with Felipe for this project?
Working with Felipe feels effortless, we see each other as family. From the first brainstorm
to the final edit, there’s deep trust and constant communication. His openness and
commitment made everything possible.
The dancers and actors were cast to reflect and amplify Felipe’s energy, making everyone
feel like part of the same universe. They turned out to be the perfect fit.
Your visual style is very distinct. How would you describe your directing approach?
My approach is handmade and collaborative. I usually start alone, sketching, listening to
music, and shaping the vision in my notebook. But once I have that initial spark, I open the
process to the team so the project can grow with everyone’s creativity. Listening to my team
is essential, together, we push the ideas further and bring out the strongest version
possible.
What role did the setting and locations play in shaping the atmosphere of the video?
Everything was filmed in a single location, Casa Lucerna in Mexico City, which became the
backbone of the project. Shooting in a 100-year old manor gave us a one-of-a-kind visual
atmosphere. Once we discovered it, the story came alive. Each room became a portal, the
TVs, stained glass, the bed, all shaped the narrative visually and emotionally with every
scene.
As an independent filmmaker with no formal training, what motivates you to keep creating?
Every project is a chance to explore something new. Not having formal training actually
pushes me to experiment, even in the face of fear. I can’t imagine my life without creating,
it’s the act of creation itself that makes me feel alive, and that’s my strongest motivation.
What message or emotion do you hope the audience takes away from Cupid Went Wild?
I hope viewers take with them the message Felipe conveys in his music: It’s okay not to be
okay. Through the video, I want them to feel that introspection isn’t something to fear, but rather a way of choosing themselves. If we can show that love, anger, fantasy, and chaos can
coexist as part of the human experience, then the video has truly fulfilled its purpose.
How do you see the relationship between music and visual storytelling in your work?
For me, music and visuals are inseparable, they feed and amplify each other. Music guides
the emotions, shaping how we perceive what we see, while visuals expand the depth of a
song. In music videos, I’ve always believed the music and lyrics are the script. My role as director is to translate those ethereal ideas into images that reflect the artist’s inner world. The visuals could not exist without the emotions in the music.
What are your future plans or projects after Cupid Went Wild?
The immediate plan is to work on Felipe’s upcoming music video and visualizers. Beyond
that, I want to keep creating with the Black Lion Studio Mx team, continuing to explore
where music and film can take us. I’m eager to collaborate with independent artists, meet
inspiring people along the way, and keep growing as a professional in this industry.
Comments