Thomas J.I.V - One Minute Freestyle

Project Objectives

• Create a dream‑like rap video with a narrative arc. The story was built around Thomas nodding off during a virtual work meeting and drifting into a fantasy where he’s the life of a rooftop party overlooking Atlanta. The goal was to juxtapose mundane office life with a vibrant dream sequence set to Thomas’s freestyle.

• Highlight Thomas and his community. We planned performance shots of Thomas rapping on a parking‑deck rooftop with friends dancing, drinking and “getting lit to the song”. The video would showcase his charisma while giving his crew screen time through group dances and Soul Train‑style sequences.

• Deliver a polished, energetic release. The final product needed to feel fun and professional, supporting Thomas’s single and increasing his exposure as an emerging artist.

Project Scope

Pre‑Production

• Concept & treatment. Tyree Edwards drafted a premise where Thomas dozes off at work as a colleague presents a new business model. In his dream he appears “dapper on a parking deck rooftop overlooking the Atlanta skyline” with friends dancing and partying. The storyboard included an intro skit with the receptionist Seshah and a transition title card reading “Henry County’s Finest” before the dream sequence.

• Shot planning. A detailed shot diagram mapped the flow:

  1. Intro skit: Thomas enters the office and jokes with Seshah about being on time; he then falls asleep in a team meeting while talking becomes the intro to the song.

  2. Dream sequence: Tracking shots of Thomas stepping out of a car while friends hold him back, scenes of him rapping on the rooftop, dropping the mic, dancing with friends, sitting in a chair, tossing papers labeled “WIN,” and leading a dance circle.

  3. Comedic interludes: Actors pull someone’s jacket, exchange playful dialogue (“You that nigga in yo neighborhood that don’t nobody know”; “I thought he came with you”), then return to the beat.

  4. B‑roll: Close‑ups of outfits, props like cups and lollipops, and people getting drinks poured.

  5. Ending: Shots of Thomas sitting in the dark elevator and waking up to reality as his manager taps him on the shoulder.
     Lenses were chosen to match the energy: fish‑eye for wide crowd shots, 50 mm and 16‑35 mm for portraits, and a 70‑200 mm lens for B‑roll.

• Scheduling. The shoot was scheduled for October 12 2024, with the first location at 10 AM, the second location at 6 PM and a call time of 5 PM. This timetable allowed us to capture daytime office scenes and golden‑hour rooftop footage.

Production

• On‑location shoot. We filmed in an office setting for the intro and on a parking‑deck rooftop with a panoramic view of the Atlanta skyline for the dream sequence. The rooftop scenes included choreographed dancing, crowd interaction, and comedic moments.

• Creative touches. Wide‑angle shots captured the lively group energy, while close‑ups highlighted Thomas’s performance and props like New‑New‑from‑ATL‑style lollipops. We staged a mock Soul Train line and tracked the heads of certain dancers for a dynamic ending.

• Crew & equipment. Tyree Edwards directed; La Familia Entertainment produced. Camera operators used multiple lenses to achieve fisheye, mid‑range and telephoto perspectives.

Post‑Production

• Editing & pacing. The edit intercut the office skit with the rooftop dream, using the team‑meeting dialogue as a voice‑over for the song’s intro. Comedic dialogue was matched to beat drops and lyrical references, and B‑roll was woven in to sustain energy.

• Color grading & effects. We applied a warm, party‑like color palette to the dream sequence while keeping the office scenes neutral to heighten contrast. Slow‑motion shots emphasized key moments like the “drop mic” and dance circle.

• Release. The 4:47‑minute video premiered on YouTube on Nov 10 2024, garnering views and comments praising the energy and cinematography.

Results

• High‑energy visual narrative. The video successfully translates Thomas’s freestyle into a cinematic party dream where he’s celebrated by friends. Viewers enjoyed the playful storyline and dynamic camera work.

• Artist exposure. By juxtaposing office monotony with rooftop revelry, the video presented Thomas as both relatable and charismatic. The “Henry County’s Finest” title card and Atlanta skyline linked him to his roots.

• Positive feedback. Comments on the release call it “Straight heat!” and praise its fun vibe. Although the video only has 86 views as of Oct 2025, it contributes to Thomas’s growing portfolio.

Lessons Learned

1. Storyboarding shapes cohesion. Mapping out each shot and including comedic beats helped the team execute a complex narrative without confusion.

2. Location variety adds depth. Shooting in an office and on a rooftop provided strong visual contrast and kept viewers engaged.

3. Balancing humor and professionalism. The lighthearted script, dance sequences and “lemon‑pepper stepper” joke kept the energy high while still showcasing Thomas’s skill as a rapper.

4. Efficiency in scheduling. Tight call times and careful planning allowed us to capture multiple locations in one day, staying on budget.

This case study demonstrates how La Familia Entertainment turns early ideas into a coherent, energetic music video. It shows prospective clients your ability to develop concepts, coordinate shoots, and deliver polished results.