Still Beautiful

Still Beautiful’s lyrics emerged after the 'Sandy Hook Elementary School Tragedy', as song writer and co-founder of the band, Stacey Fergusson, reached to explain the tragic event to her 10 year old child. Director Min Reid felt the only way to personify such deep emotion, evolving from despair to healing was through the stunning form of ballet. The Sandy Hook Promise have embraced and endorsed this song. Still Beautiful is performed by J.R. Richards as featured lead vocalist for the Indie band 'Vanaka'.!

  • Min Reid
    Director
  • JR Richards
    Writer
  • Stacey Fergusson
    Writer
  • Min Reid
    Producer
  • JR Richards
    Producer
  • JR Richards
    Key Cast
    Original Lead Singer / Songwriter of Dishwalla
  • Don Fergusson
    Key Cast
  • Stacey Fergusson
    Key Cast
  • Jon Payne
    Key Cast
  • Spud The Piper
    Key Cast
  • Kate Kadow
    Key Cast
  • Ryan Camou
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Music Video
  • Runtime:
    6 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    March 26, 2014
  • Production Budget:
    25,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Asbury Film Festival
    New York
    April 10, 2015
    East Coast of America
Director Biography - Min Reid

Born in the JUNGLE of Malaysia. Moved to JAMAICA. Then HONG KONG. Shipped off to Boarding School in NEW ZEALAND at 10 armed with a CAMERA. Graduated High School just shy of 16. Modelled. Offered a contract with VOGUE PARIS. Declined it. Decided love to OBSERVE, not to be observed. University in AUCKLAND. Worked in ASIA. Head Hunted to LONDON. Worked in Branding, EU Government Liaison, Qualified High Court Expert Witness & Specialist in Licencing Law for the Gaming Industry. Successful in Changing the BELGIUM 1908 Gaming Law. Wrote TWO PUBLISHED WHITE PAPERS for the European Union Government on ‘MONEY LAUNDERING’ & ‘PROBLEM GAMING’. WON the Casino Licence for ‘The RITZ Club, The Ritz Hotel, London’ on APPEAL. Lifestyle change to CALIFORNIA. Co-Founded ‘Reid Richards Productions’ with Award winning, Platinum Selling Artist and Husband, JR Richards. Branding, Modelling, Solid Business & Government Experience, a PASSION for LIFE & OBSERVING... All led to a LOVE AFFAIR with the Camera. Which led to DIRECTING. PASSIONATE ABOUT THE LENS. LOVE TO LAUGH.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

When I was asked to direct ‘Still Beautiful’ it was both an honour and a huge responsibility. It immediately occurred to me that I simply had to create a video that showed beauty, even in tragic times. I certainly didn’t want anything literal or representative of such an unimaginable loss, as the Sandy Hook tragedy.

The main question was what could visually do this song and lyrics justice? To me it was very clear: the beautiful art form of ballet. I felt that a lone ballerina in a stunning old theatre would be the perfect way to start the song... and evolve from there.

We teamed up with Santa Barbara’s acclaimed ballet company, State Street Ballet. Choreographer Rodney Gustafson and the beautiful Kate Kadow along with Ryan Camou performed a stunning dance fitting the lyrical evolution.

JR Richards brings a stunning haunting beauty to Still Beautiful with his God given gift of a voice. Beyond beautiful!

Still Beautiful is one of my favorite films that I hold close to my heart. With the extra magic of having to film Spud the Piper, whom flew in from the Highlands of Scotland especially for the production.

I am also very honoured that Sandy Hook Promise have embraced and endorsed the video and song, which means the world to me. I feel I have somewhat succeeded in contributing a respectful piece of art towards the loving memory of those innocent lives lost.