Jivin’ Scientists Utilize Creative Cinematic Tools For Short Film "Thirsty"

Hailing from the unforgiving climate of the Southwest, Tucson-based Hip Hop group Jivin’ Scientists have unveiled a short film titled, “Thirsty,” a three-song montage featuring “Crazy,” “Million Man Army” and “20 on the Chiefs” from the trio’s 2015 album of the same name.

Produced by the Albuquerque, New Mexico-based creative company Concept Flux, the nearly 12-minute video serves as both a thought-provoking short film and also a music video aimed at taking the viewer on a journey through a broken relationship.

Director Phillip Torres tapped into emerging technologies like projection mapping and depth sensors to create the film, two tools that are virtually unheard of in the music industry.

The story starts with emcee James “Runt” Owens falling through white space, which can be interpreted as his memory, and then lands in a truck that takes him to an undisclosed drop off. Along the way, he raps in the back of the truck bed as he’s juxtaposed with the imagery of him lying in bed with his former love. Eventually, the viewer sees the lover disappear into particles and fade away, just as she did from his life.

“Technically, we wanted to capture the love scenes in a more subjective way so they would mesh well with the digital scenes,” Torres explains. “We projection mapped onto the subjects faces to get the cool effect and then we used VFX to make her disappear.”

The next scene in the film shows Owens getting picked up in the desolate desert by a ’59 Impala, which uses projection mapping and rear projections to make it more visually enticing.

Although Owens insists he “writes fiction,” he delivers his lyrics like it’s something he’s lived, leading the viewer to believe he’s experienced every heart-wrenching emotion the film depicts.

Check out www.jivinmusic.com for more detailed information.