Director Cara Gaynor has made the video for Elaine Mai's new song 3AM. We asked Cara the BIG questions . . .
The 24-year-old filmmaker from Dublin is a 2021 graduate from the NFS at IADT and as a finalist in the Youth Music Video Competition, she was paired with Elaine Mai to direct the music video for 3AM, which features MayKay.
"Working on this project with Elaine was such a cool experience. The opportunity to create the vision for a track with so much life, diversity and movement made it even more invigorating," Cara says.
"Working with various performers from both Dublin and New York and showcasing the life and culture both cities hold made it a special one."
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
Being a dancer for 18 years and having to retire due to injuries, I've found that filmmaking has been a platform for me to continue to express my love for it, just in a different way. I’m currently the video creator for the Irish Women’s National football team, documenting them on their journey to the World Cup in Australia this summer. Growing up in a design heavy household, my sister being a menswear designer for Thom Browne and my dad being a set decorator in film and television, has heavily influenced me and my craft.
How would you describe your taste in music?
Eclectic and mood dependent.
Who are your artistic inspirations?
Martin Scorsese, Edward Hopper, Nina Simone, and Mac Miller.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
My first gig being Beyoncé, I mean, why not go all out? It was a surprise for my birthday, I went with my mom, aunt, and my sister - quite literally a family affair and I don’t think I stopped moving or shouting for the duration of it. Going to a concert like that definitely describes my personality back then. The second the music turned on, I was another person - confident, happy and a little bit mental.
What was the first record you ever bought?
The first record (if not CD per se) that I got was a Dean Martin one, I think The Best of Dean Martin, from what I can remember. I was pretty young, in and around four years old. I actually listened to his music every night until I burnt the CD out. It was the only thing that could put me to sleep.
What’s your favourite song right now?
Spit of You by Sam Fender.
Favourite lyric of all time?
"How it must feel to be a bird, roaming lonely over sea air," - For Island Fires and Family by Dermot Kennedy.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Blue is the Eye by Ye Vagabonds is one of the most beautiful tracks I have ever listened to. I was introduced to their music by a family friend and musician about five-ish years ago, and I’ve never looked back. Their music has so much life in it, each song tells an extraordinary story. And this song is one of them. It has painted quite a personal story for me, a calming and beautiful one that has just stuck with me.
Where can people find your work/more information?
My website and my Instagram handle is @_cazablanca_.
