The Unknown Finn has filmed videos for Jennifer Lopez, Cardi B and 50 cents – this is what he is
Finnish Mikko Timonen has, in all silence, become a credit photographer of many Latin and Raparters.
1.7 billion.
Timonen’s workprint is reflected in the music videos of numerous well-known rap artists and Latinos. More videos have over a billion views.
In addition, Timonen has described, for example, the original text of Marvel’s * Black Widow * Serial Heroic (2021).
Still, few Finns have heard about him.
Timonen is responsible for video call from his home in New York, Brooklyn.
– I have always been inspired by the work, and not to bring myself to the public. Maybe it’s modest Finnishness, he says.
By chance to the world
Timonen ended up in New York by chance. In 2003, he applied for his life. Guidance was of interest, but it was difficult to proceed in Finland without contacts.
He decided to go to his sister in the United States as an exchange student and made a few days to New York.
One day, while touring the city, Timonen noticed the big flag of the Union of Manhattan Union, New York Film Academy. He walked in.
The teacher who was present noticed a Finn and invited him to follow his lecture.
– I was sitting there for half a day. After that, I ended up taking a two -month power course from the Academy and I was offered a job as an assistant teacher, says Timonen.
Timonen taught camera technology and lighting at the Academy for a total of one and a half years.
The city would suck with it.
“The goal was to raise the name”
On the other hand, photographers are not familiar to the general public. In professional circles, Timonen has a strong reputation.
Already while studying at the Academy, he realized that instead of guidance, he was interested in description and illumination. Course buddies also attracted a talented photographer to their own projects.
However, after graduation, Timonen was in front of the same puzzle as in Finland. Without contacts in the United States, you will not be able to move forward. We had to come up with creative means.
– I used to walk around the city and if I saw the shooting permits taped to the street, I went to spy and take notes.
The aim was to raise the name.
At that time, contacts were created face to face. There was time before somebody and digital cameras.
– If you wanted to be taken seriously, you had to shoot for the film.
The film was seen only days later. According to Timonen, it demanded a lot of trust in the photographer.
The couple realized that no one would hire them without a convincing portfolio.
They decided to finance a music video for Judd’s friend’s indie band, on the condition that they would have creative freedom to be implemented.
This work sample triggered their career in a new direction. The couple began to get orders from advertising photography and music videos.
– In the United States, what you do is what people think about you.
Sometimes, according to Timonen, you have to break out of the compartments.
“Fifty is always prepared”
Timonen was able to shoot his first long film * Kiss of Chaos * in 2008.
– Since then, we’ve probably made 40-50 music videos together.
– Sometimes the artist may expect several hours in the shooting, but Fifty is always on time and is fully prepared.
Once, Timonen was at the Las Vegas desert shooting a music video for another known rap artist, where 50 cents were also due. Everyone was there and ready – except the main artist itself.
– However, Fifty did not roll his thumbs.
The team and 50 Cent took the opportunity and filmed the video without the actual star that never came to the filming of their own video.
Ads and movies
In addition to music videos, Timonen has made ads for Hennessy and NFL, for example, and short films and TV productions.
Even before Korona, Timonen and Judd flew to Finland every month.
Although the schedule does not allow as closely working in Finland as before, the couple is still doing projects in Europe when needed.
Intensive working conditions
Descriptions in varying conditions and intensive production around the world are the downsides of the profession, especially now that Timonen has a child.
The expectations of commissioners are also high today and sometimes the budgets are low.
Timonen and his team leads the descriptions and at the same time follows the director’s view.
– Production is, after all, quite simple, but there are many things that happen at the same time, and there is a lot of time.
You have to plan in advance, but also be ready to react to the changes.
According to Timonen, there are often stories in the industry about how people flutter in the surface.
– For some, shouting makes things move forward, but negotiating and patience is more important in my opinion.
The role is not easy – after all, the cross pressure of great personalities.
The photographer himself is an artist himself.
Timonen always strives to find his own visual language for the project, which deepens the story, whether it is a music video or an ad.
– For example, I love dynamic light and strong contrast and movement. They provide energy and physical presence.
Cardi B was a dancer, then a star
The US music business generates stars at a fast pace. Some rise to the top in the blink of an eye.
-He was constantly jumping out there and the picture setting went wrong.
The dancer was moved to the background.
– In this field, it is worthwhile to be moderate and polite, because at some point the unknown background dancer can become the next main thing for you.
