U2place's exclusive interview with Ned O'Hanlon, famous U2 video producer!
Our collaborator Adele did an exclusive interview with Ned O'Hanlon, who first with Dreamchaser and then with Solo Too, has produced all the U2 videography since 1994 (IMDb link).
This is his amazing list of production for U2:
To what extent do the band and McGuiness enter into the artistic merit of the videos and lives you produce?
The band are completely involved in all aspects of their videos and live performances. They choose the video treatments submitted and usually have a lot of creative input into the finished product.
Talking about lives, when and how is a venue chosen over another and how much influence does the band have in this phase?
The decision about where to shoot a live show is complicated as there are a lot of considerations – the venue and it’s suitability for filming; the capacity of the venue – is it big enough? Will it be dark enough? Is it dramatic?
Then there are possible live TV/Web broadcast considerations, which might have time zone differences.
In 2005, while filming the Vertigo Tour in Milan, there were some technical issues. How close were you to giving up the production of that live?
We did have some technical issues but we never thought to give up on it. The second night in Milan was an outstanding concert in a truly great venue with an amazing Italian audience. What could be better?
U2place choreography "Hi Bob" from dvd Vertigo 05: Live from Milan:
Can you tell us how you met the band and how your relationship has developed over the years?
I first met them in 1983. My wife was working for Paul then and I met them socially with her. I first worked with them when I produced "All I Want Is You", which of course, we filmed in Rome in I think 1987. I have worked with them a lot since then. The most recent concert film I produced for them was "360° at the Rose Bowl". Another stunning venue. Over the years I have had the pleasure of being involved in so many great U2 productions. I’ve really enjoy working with the band. It’s a trip!
360° at the Rose Bowl trailer:
Of your entire production, which video or live are you most fond of and why?
I think "U2 Go Home: Live from Slane Castle" is my favourite because it nearly didn’t happen as the band weren’t that keen on filming those shows. As it turned out, they were probably the most emotionally powerful U2 shows I’ve ever experienced so it was great we were there to capture that on film.
U2 Go Home: Live from Slane Castle trailer:
What happens with all the material which is recorded and not used? Are there any plans in the pipeline for new video releases (remastering or other projects)?
Nothing is ever discarded. We have re-visited some of that material as part of the various re-releases so far. No idea what plans they may have in the future.
Thanks Ned, see you soon!
This is his amazing list of production for U2:
- Zoo TV live from Sydney
- Popmart live from Mexico City
- The Best Of 1980-1990
- Elevation 2001 live from Boston
- The Best of 1990-2000
- U2 Go Home: Live from Slane Castle
- Vertigo live from Chicago
- Vertigo 2005: Live from Milan
- U218 Videos
- Live from Paris
- 360° at the Rose Bowl
To what extent do the band and McGuiness enter into the artistic merit of the videos and lives you produce?
The band are completely involved in all aspects of their videos and live performances. They choose the video treatments submitted and usually have a lot of creative input into the finished product.
Talking about lives, when and how is a venue chosen over another and how much influence does the band have in this phase?
The decision about where to shoot a live show is complicated as there are a lot of considerations – the venue and it’s suitability for filming; the capacity of the venue – is it big enough? Will it be dark enough? Is it dramatic?
Then there are possible live TV/Web broadcast considerations, which might have time zone differences.
In 2005, while filming the Vertigo Tour in Milan, there were some technical issues. How close were you to giving up the production of that live?
We did have some technical issues but we never thought to give up on it. The second night in Milan was an outstanding concert in a truly great venue with an amazing Italian audience. What could be better?
U2place choreography "Hi Bob" from dvd Vertigo 05: Live from Milan:
Can you tell us how you met the band and how your relationship has developed over the years?
I first met them in 1983. My wife was working for Paul then and I met them socially with her. I first worked with them when I produced "All I Want Is You", which of course, we filmed in Rome in I think 1987. I have worked with them a lot since then. The most recent concert film I produced for them was "360° at the Rose Bowl". Another stunning venue. Over the years I have had the pleasure of being involved in so many great U2 productions. I’ve really enjoy working with the band. It’s a trip!
360° at the Rose Bowl trailer:
Of your entire production, which video or live are you most fond of and why?
I think "U2 Go Home: Live from Slane Castle" is my favourite because it nearly didn’t happen as the band weren’t that keen on filming those shows. As it turned out, they were probably the most emotionally powerful U2 shows I’ve ever experienced so it was great we were there to capture that on film.
U2 Go Home: Live from Slane Castle trailer:
What happens with all the material which is recorded and not used? Are there any plans in the pipeline for new video releases (remastering or other projects)?
Nothing is ever discarded. We have re-visited some of that material as part of the various re-releases so far. No idea what plans they may have in the future.
Thanks Ned, see you soon!