Five Questions: Rogen ‘Ruption’ Walker

A great music video always breathes new life into a song. That's what local video director and owner of RD Studios, Rogen Walker aims to do with each new project. "That means getting the entertainer to step outside the box, but still keep it within their image which requires some knowledge of their persona," says Walker who goes by the moniker Ruption.

What's entertaining for him? Creating concepts like shooting the subject in the middle of nowhere showing all their eccentricities such as Shenseea's Solo; the music video for Funeral Party by Italian pop singer Rose Villain as well as projects that take him on an adventure or have high energy scenes like Sean Paul's House Party and Rolling.

Ruption has worked with uncountable characters within the entertainment industry, which presents him with the opportunity to travel and meet new people on a daily basis. But it wasn't always that way. In the words of Chronixx, he says the best advice he can give upcoming video directors or videographers, is, 'Dweet fi di love we nuh dweet fi di likes)

Mek dem know, success don't come overnight.'

RD Studios was launched in the summer of 2011, but before, Ruption worked at an advertising agency, doing commercial shoots for corporate entities. Now he specialises in videography, motion and graphic design and 2D/3D animation and production. He names international directors like Collin Tiller, Mike Ho and Eif Rivera among his inspirations. His ultimate dream is not only to have a catalogue of work that stands the test of time, but to also pass on his knowledge to youth across the globe. In the near future he plans to explore projects with longer formats such as documentaries, and full-length films. Today we find out a little more about Ruption in our Five Questions with ...

1. Do you think international artistes coming to the island to shoot their music videos contributes to the lasting promotion of brand Jamaica or is it just for the moment?

It's a bit of both honestly. It mainly contributes to the personal growth of the artiste and persons working with them more than anything. However, with an international audience, the finished product sometimes does help to show off our beautiful island. As a result, more artistes and their fans can take an interest in our island.

2. You have worked with local entertainers like Aidonia, Tifa, Konshens, Shenseea and Popcaan, among others. Do you find that recording artistes are immediately open to your ideas or trust your direction more after the first collaboration?

There are some clients that will be open to the ideas immediately. Others develop that level of trust after a few productions. Overtime, both the team and myself will develop a level of comfort with the artistes - each knowing how their minds work, and what they are content with. Time and communication help to build a level of trust creatively.

3. Share a difficulty you experienced on a shoot and how you dealt with it.

We were booked for a shoot, and the day before the production, our camera equipment failed. The team was forced to get a last-minute rental, and as luck would have it, the only rental that was available was a camera I have never used before. To add insult to injury, we received the camera five minutes before the shoot. I had to compromise with the camera in one hand and a cell phone in the other on YouTube teaching me how to navigate the camera menu while pretending that everything was under control.

4. If you could take on another role on set, besides videographer, which would you choose and why?

I think I would make a good production assistant. It is a job that requires you to organise, troubleshoot, and think on your feet whether creatively or generally.

5. What do you do when not working?

I feel like I am always working, even when I am not physically working. That may be the answer a lot of persons in my field will give. Nonetheless, I enjoy playing football or I may immerse myself in playing video games and sometimes I am able to sneak in a little personal travel.