A cinematographer who devised and filmed a music video shot on the island for award-winning singer Ashanti has talked about the project — and how the star was “a dream” to work with.

Andrew Kirkpatrick and his company, Burnt House Productions, were in the right place at the right time when the Grammy-winning singer visited Bermuda in 2023.

What followed was the germ of an idea about future projects featuring the island as a visual backdrop to Ashanti’s musical talents. A seed was planted.

Mr Kirkpatrick and his business partner, Nhuri Bashir, were contacted by the Bermuda Tourism Authority and asked to pitch a storyline to accompany one of Ashanti’s songs.

Mr Kirkpatrick said: “We jumped at the chance to work with such a legend.

“We had four days to put together the creative and pitch to Ashanti. Lucky for us she loved it.

“A couple of days later she was on island and we were knee-deep in filming.”

The result is a video showcasing the island at its best to accompany Ashanti’s next single — Called You Up — to worldwide audiences.

Mr Kirkpatrick said: “We wanted this project to not only align with Ashanti’s elegance and style but highlight Bermuda’s natural beauty.”

He said that the theme of the single could be interpreted as reaching out to either a person or a place.

“This duality allowed us to craft visuals that were both intimate and expansive, emphasising the emotional pull of the island, which is a destination that feels like it’s calling you back to its shores,“ Mr Kirkpatrick said.

“Ashanti’s performance captured this beautifully and she was a dream to work with.”

The shoot took place at four locations across Bermuda.

Mr Kirkpatrick said: “Honestly, working with someone like Ashanti was a highlight in itself.

“She’s such a superstar but what really stood out was how down-to-earth and easygoing she was — zero diva energy.

“One of the coolest moments was when we suggested, totally on the fly, ‘Hey Ashanti, what if you jumped off The Zara and just floated in the middle of the harbour by yourself?’

“Most people would have hesitated, especially if they’re not super comfortable in the water but she was all in.

“That kind of openness and trust really made the shoot something special.”

The finished film is polished and glossy — the result of a team effort and significant behind-the-scenes work.

Mr Kirkpatrick said: “The shoot was a one day shoot … one very long day.

“It began in the early hours, with hair and make-up starting at 3am at the Azura Bermuda resort.

“This was our first time meeting Ashanti in person outside of a video call and her warmth and professionalism immediately set the tone for the day.

“She was incredibly trusting of our direction and aesthetic, which made the collaboration seamless.

“Ashanti brought along items based on the moodboard we had shared and together we systematically dialled everything in to ensure the look and feel perfectly aligned with the vision.

“Every production comes with its own set of moving parts — from camera and lighting to hair and make-up, logistics, props, wardrobe, and even craft services.

“So much depends on having the right team in place and we were fortunate to have a solid crew that made the process smooth.

“Everyone brought their A-game and helped make this shoot something truly memorable

“I think it turned out to be a beautiful ode to Bermuda, something I’m genuinely proud of.

“To be able to create this alongside friends, in a place that means so much to us, and then see it shared on a global stage is incredibly fulfilling.”