UPDATE: Marin County natives Sophia Sabella and Pablo Feldman have just received a Grammy nomination for their work on the music video for Doechii’s hit song “Anxiety.” This exciting announcement comes ahead of the Grammy Awards, scheduled for February 1, 2024, making it a momentous occasion for the local filmmakers.
The music video, which debuted on April 18, 2023, has garnered a staggering 58 million views, showcasing Doechii’s powerful narrative about mental health struggles. Sabella and Feldman, who produced the video through their company More Avenue, faced numerous challenges during production, including building a house set and coordinating a flash mob of 85 dancers, all while supporting the creative vision of director James Mackel.
“Every detail had to flow perfectly,” stated Sabella. “When you watch the video, you might not realize the effort that went into making it happen.” The duo expressed their excitement, noting how the project turned out even better than they had envisioned.
In a surprising twist, the couple learned of their Grammy nomination through a text from Doechii’s team at Top Dawg Entertainment. “We were just like, ‘What do you mean?’” laughed Sabella, recalling the moment they found out about their historic nomination alongside top contenders like Sabrina Carpenter and OK Go.
Growing up during the golden era of MTV, Sabella and Feldman have always had a passion for music videos, which they believe are crucial for artists’ success. “We’ve always been intrigued by music videos and storytelling,” Feldman shared. Their journey into production began with the coming-of-age film “Edge of Everything,” which had sold-out showings in their hometown and solidified their partnership with producer Jolene Mendes.
The opportunity to work on “Anxiety” arose through Mendes, who has an extensive background producing for major labels. “James reached out to her for this project, and we were thrilled to be involved,” Feldman explained. Their ability to adapt quickly in the fast-paced world of music video production, along with their indie filmmaking background, has set them apart in the industry.
“We pushed ourselves hard for this project, often working two weeks non-stop before the shoot,” Feldman said. “Creating something that resonates so deeply with audiences is incredibly rewarding, especially when it’s received so well.”
The Grammy nomination is not only a personal achievement for Sabella and Feldman but also shines a light on the often-unseen work of producers in the music industry. “It’s amazing to be included on this stage with so many incredible nominees,” Feldman remarked.
As the big day approaches, the couple is celebrating their success while looking ahead to future projects. Their story emphasizes the importance of passion and collaboration in achieving dreams, making their Grammy nomination a testament to hard work and creativity in the fast-evolving landscape of music video production.
Stay tuned for updates as the Grammy Awards ceremony draws near, and join the conversation on social media to support these talented filmmakers from Marin County!
