Dugan O’neal is a Los Angeles based filmmaker who’s creative ambition had me captured from the very beginning. He brings wonderment before your eyes creating videos for the likes of Eskmo and Ellie Goulding, drawing upon that sense of universal power. Beyond the surreal fantasy he creates, we see comedy and life in his other productions too. 
Working with your team you create such stunning visual imagery, where do you draw your ideas from?
A lot of inspiration comes from nature, indigenous cultures, dreams, music, and a fascination with the stars and the universe. Once the story is there, we then talk about what the story means, and the look and aesthetics are born out of that. We study a lot of different types of art and photos for inspiration. For me, I love surrealism, I try to incorporate a surreal feeling that is still grounded in reality in everything that I do. A lot of the visual imagery is born out of the way one image can make us feel.
Eskmo’s Cloudlight is really a beautiful piece of video that captures the feeling behind his music so well and it’s here you can really get a grasp for the visual effects that are common place in your videos. Talk to me a bit about this.
I feel the Eskmo video was the first time that a song presented an opportunity for me to tap into a certain place in my heart and my visions. It gave me a chance to explore some things I had been wanting to express. It was the same for Bemo as well. This video was an amazing and magical experience for all of us and it really opened up a lot. It was the first time Bemo, Myrick and I got to do something like that together. The experience and process changed things for us, it was really special. Eskmo, TV on the Radio and the Ellie Goulding videos are all similar in this way.
Do you believe in a higher power or a great external force that dictates our lives?
I don’t subscribe to any specific organized religion, but I consider myself a very spiritual person. I can only base my beliefs on direct experience, and I have had some experiences that definitely tell me there is a higher consciousness or spirit out there.
There’s such a sense of foreboding in Black sands, take us through the idea behind this?
Black Sands is about overcoming your own darkness and risking your life for love. The woman is lost, and the dark spheres in the sky represent her own darkness, one that almost kills her. She is saved and given one more chance.
What are your dreams like?
Most of the time pretty fantastical and weird. Sometimes really boring and normal.
Do you have a thing for triangles?
No, why would you say that? Just kidding, yes I love them. It’s fascinating to me that they show up in almost all ancient art and spiritual symbols. There are so many meanings to the triangle. The triangles I use are the alchemical symbols for Fire and Water, which to me represent balance in life.
What is your favorite book or film?
Ah, there are so many good ones, I love any film by Wes Anderson, paul thomas anderson and Spike Jonze. I think ‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’ by Michel Gondry, is one of my favorite films though. I currently like books by Paulo Coelho.
Besides making videos of visual wonder it seems you’re quite the comedian too…
Why, thank you…it’s fun, laughter is the best medicine. I love making people laugh and laughing at myself.
What was it like getting all dressed up in drag for your film ‘Love thy self’?
It was pretty weird especially because by the time we did that scene the restaurant was completely packed and everyone was staring at me, for obvious reasons. They were either laughing uncontrollably or totally pissed that I was ruining their lunch.
I was impressed you shaved your moustache off for that!
I almost didn’t but then realized that I had to in order to sell the joke. It’s strange how weird it is not to have facial hair. I immediately grew my mustache back. I hope I never have to shave again.
Who would you most like to make a music video for?
Hands down, Future Islands. I love their music and I would love to work with Sam Herring, the front man. I’ve never seen a performer like that, who feels so much, so open and really gives himself to the audience when he is on stage. A pure channel of energy on stage with no filter. It’s inspiring to watch. It has always been a dream of mine to make video with Bjork. I also really want to make video with Drake.
So the big 2012 is coming, some people like to speculate that it might be the end of the world, so it’s a better time than ever to live everyday like it’s your last. Can we expect big things from you in the year to come?
Good point, I think everyday should be lived like it’s your last. The ultimate goal for me has always been to make feature films. I have a couple of longer form narrative projects that I have been working on that I am really excited about. Hopefully they will be in in theaters before the world ends.
ESKMO “CLOUDLIGHT” from Dugan O’Neal on Vimeo.
BLACK SANDS from Dugan O’Neal on Vimeo.
LOVE THY SELF from Dugan O’Neal on Vimeo.
See more of Dugan O’neal’s video work on his website!
At so many points getting this done seemed to be against us. Ed hadn’t been in contact all day and wasn’t picking up the phone. I eventually got a message telling me he’d lost it, so everything was back on. I called the driver and had her pick us up. Halfway there the starter motor goes and we had to jump start the car whilst pushing it up a hill. 
What was the reception like the first time you played it in public?
What the most unusual gig you’ve ever played?
Interview: Andrea Barney