Bajan producer gives “authentic experience” in Rihanna Super Bowl promo

The Barbadian producer of a short film unveiled ahead of Rihanna’s Super Bowl performance is proud to have helped shape that “love letter” to the national hero and international star and shine the spotlight on Barbados.

And, according to Sanna Allsopp of Parachute Film Studios, the team pulled out all the stops to give viewers of the now-viral video an authentic experience.

On Thursday, Rihanna and Apple Music released the promotional video for Sunday’s Super Bowl LVII Halftime show that will feature the singer who has not been on stage in seven years.

The short film which was shot in the singer’s childhood neighbourhood, with the underlying story of an island girl who had big dreams, caused a stir on social media when it went public. Several residents expressed support for the project which utilised local talent.

Allsopp told Barbados TODAY that from the outset, the cast and crew knew the importance of the shoot, not only from the standpoint of the Super Bowl but also in creating a fitting love letter for the artist.

“What really appealed was the backstory of the project about how this promo was part of a campaign of films in the run-up to the Super Bowl. This was obviously the most important film, as this is where Rihanna comes from. It was designed to be a love letter to her. At heart, this is really a girl power story and this was definitely reflected in our crew and cast,” she said.

The producer explained that they spent a few months, from late November last year, preparing for the shoot with Apple Music and London-based production company Somesuch, “both amazing companies to work with”.

“The Bajan crew on the project all felt it [was] very personal and important to get it right as did the two wonderful directors Tajana Bunton Williams and Kim Gehrig. We wanted it to feel as authentic as possible. The residents of Rihanna Drive were so helpful and patient in the process and we couldn’t have done it without them,” Allsopp said.

One such resident who spoke to Barbados TODAY on condition of anonymity, due to a previously signed non-disclosure agreement (NDA) with the film crew said the neighbourhood was pleased with the finished product.

“Everyone was happy to see it….The response was good,” she said, pleased that the film featured kite flying and bicycle riding which Rihanna did as a child.

During the launch of the video at the official Apple Music Super Bowl LVII Halftime Show Press Conference, Rihanna said she was “really excited to have Barbados on the Super Bowl stage”.

“It’s a long way from home. It’s a beautiful journey that I’m on, and I could’ve never guessed that I would have made it here. So, it’s a celebration of that. I’m excited to do that,” she said.

shamarblunt@barbadostoday.bb