In recent years, Lil Nas X has quickly risen the charts to become one of the most exciting entertainers in modern music. Along his journey he has proven himself a true visionary and master of innovation. Moreover, the multi-Grammy nominated superstar is not only known for his popular sound, but also for his compelling and controversial content.
Lil Nas X’s Vision
When drawing up his release strategy for his debut album Montero, the artist wanted to do something that truly stood out. Subsequently, he developed a talk-show inspired video, The Montero Show. As a whole, the show brilliantly showcases both his star persona and alter-ego, Montero.
About The Montero Show
The Montero Show was shot on-site at XiteLabs‘ XR Studio in Calabasas, CA. To maximize the impact of his release campaign strategy, the countdown style talk show led up to the official launch of his debut album. Montero officially dropped at midnight eastern time on September 17th, 2021. Further adding to the momentum, The Montero Show aired just days after Lil Nas X’s win for Video of the Year at the MTV Video Music Awards. Throughout the show, Lil Nas X and his Montero persona shared and discussed his favorite music videos off of the Montero album.
Opening at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart, Montero features collaborations from superstars Megan the Stallion and Elton John. At one point, the debut album held five of the top ten tracks on the Billboard singles chart. The multi-Grammy nominated album has since garnered billions of streams following its September release date.
Technology & Creative Overview
In order to achieve The Montero Show‘s production goals, Xite programmed and designed the virtual set according to reference provided Columbia Records, which included some 1990’s Oprah show footage. The campy talk show feel was deliberate, and played well into Lil Nas X’s choice of wardrobe, hair and makeup. Xite created everything in Unreal Engine and operated the live shoot using stYpe‘s GreenKiller plugin for Unreal. This was the one of the first shoots Xite did on its latest greenscreen xR stage setup, which allowed for multiple versions of the talent to be shot and composited easily in post-production.
Credits“The Montero Show” Written by Lil Nas X
Produced by Saul Levitz, Greg Russell, Vello Virkhaus
Directed by Lee Cherry
Edited by Wes Sanchez
1st AD: Jeff Cobb
Unreal Set Design & Shot on Location at Xite Labs
All Styling by Hodo Musa
All Production Design by Michelle Patterson
XR Studio: XiteLabs
Creative Directors: Greg Russell, Vello Virkhaus
Technical Director: Jeremy Vannix
Production Partners: stYpe, Lightswitch, Robe
Technical Director of Virtual Production & ICVFX: Diego Castro
Unreal CG Artists: Rodel Aragon
Lighting Director: Mike Robertson, Lightswitch
Technical Assistant / DIT: Bobbie Bunn
Studio Manager: Sylvie Barnett
Camera Operator: Pierce Cook
B Camera Operator: Karis West
Audio: Jeremy Vannix
Production Assistant: Frankie Hanlon