I will Work Hard For You - "500 Homes" - a Music Video Parody

Today marks the day of the launch of my second music video parody, “500 Homes.”  This song is originally “500 Miles” sung by the Proclaimers.  When deciding what song I wanted to sing and recreate to fit my Real Estate themed video, I wanted a fun, upbeat song that was easily recognizable and gets stuck in people’s heads.  This song had some fun elements in the original music video that I wanted to incorporate such as the “nerd” glasses they wear, instruments they play (a tambourine and guitar) and some of the tricks shown by Johnny Depp in the movie featured in the video, Benny and June.  I did sing not only the melody, but also the harmony part and then had my “twin sister” Jessica lip sync along during the filming.  Because the Proclaimers are twin brothers, I chose Jessica to sing with me because she looks like my twin!  And she is fabulous on camera.  Thank you Jessica!

"500 Homes" Music Video Parody by Julie Swanty from Julie Swanty on Vimeo.

As far as the story line goes in the video, I used past clients of mine who have had high expectations when house hunting as inspiration and implemented phrases actually spoken to me while out looking at homes as lyrics in my song.  It is not uncommon for Buyers to have items on their Wish list such as gourmet kitchens, open floor plans, and mountain views.  They use the word “dated” when they disapprove or they say they want a home that is “turn key,” meaning move-in ready.  The couple I planned to use in the video actually changed a couple of times due to conflicts in scheduling so last minute you will see my husband is actually “married” to my friend Lindsay, who both got thrown into their parts a day before filming.  I got a bit stressed, but it all worked out and they played their “choosy Buyers” roles so perfectly!  I love their disapproving faces in the beginning, but also their pure looks of bliss when they fall into the couch of their dream home in the end.  A special thanks to Jru and Lindsay for being such awesome actors and so giving of their time.
 
Of course none of the filming of this video would have been possible without the incredible talent and vision that comes from the video director, Ben Hess with Hess Cinematography.  Ben was instrumental in bringing in elements from the original video and adding “cool factor” and humor, all while telling a story people can relate to when buying a home.  He did everything from the audio recording of my singing, filming each scene multiple times until it was just right, and editing and piecing together the video.  His attention to detail and overall creativity blow me away. I’m so lucky to have him in my corner.  Thanks Ben! 
 
The last thought I hoped to convey in creating this video is that I love my clients and all of their unique needs, regardless of the work it can sometimes involve and how many doors I open to show.  If I can jump through hoops to get them to the end of a transaction with the keys to their dream home, I am GOING TO DO IT!  It’s that simple.  I love looking at homes and being a guide in a complex process.  It is so rewarding to me and I just feel completely blessed to be in a career I love.  My last line in the video is “It was all worth it!”  I can’t say it any better than that. I hope you enjoy my video!