Deutsche Grammophon recently teamed up with Rolando Villazon for a video contest. The challenge: to create a video based on Rolando’s interpretation of the “La Donna E Mobile” aria from Verdi’s RIGOLETTO.

Michael wanted to do something sinister in tone that would be, at once,  a counter-point to the upbeat aria, but also reflective of the dark themes and story of the opera. He was also excited to make some images featuring the Disney Concert Hall Garden and the Our Lady of Angels Cathedral– both of which were quite gracious in not shutting us down.

We shot with a Canon 60D on a DIY monopod steadicam with all available light.

Featuring Melanie Stein and Eric Stein

Directed, Shot and Cut by Michael Shlain