Known for her powerhouse vocals, chart-topping hits, and enduring influence in country music, Universal Music Group Nashville’s Reba McEntire has been captivating audiences for decades.
Reba McEntire's music video for her hit song "Seven Minutes in Heaven," tells a story of love lost and a woman’s yearning to be reunited with her departed loved one in heaven. It’s a poignant and emotional track that has resonated with listeners on a deeply personal level since its launch in 2020, and one that Reba tributes to her late mom, Jacqueline.
Translating the raw emotion of a song like "Seven Minutes in Heaven" into a music video is no easy task. It requires a director who not only understands the essence of the song but also has the creative vision to bring it to life visually. That's where Taillight Director Justin Key comes in. Having worked with Reba in the past on multiple music videos from his time as the Creative Director at Big Machine Label Group, he recalls how easygoing she is “Reba is up to par with Dolly. What you see is what you get and what you get is ultra-talented.”
Justin Key's vision for the music video was to create a visual narrative that mirrors the song's message of loss, longing, and the hope of reuniting in the afterlife. Filmed on a soundstage in LA, the backdrop is hazy with light falling off into a darker space with performances throughout. In the middle of the floor sits a diner-like booth lit by a single source of light where an actor is placed in representation of Reba’s mother. “We wanted to do the song justice,” says Director Justin Key, “simplifying it with a stage and glowing light, letting Reba take the moment in.”
The collaboration between Reba McEntire and Taillight's Justin Key for the music video "Seven Minutes in Heaven" is a masterful example of how a talented director can translate the emotional power of a song into a captivating visual experience. The video beautifully complements the song's themes and takes viewers on an emotional journey reminding us that great art can touch the soul in profound ways.
Watch the full video here and see more work from Director Justin Key here.
Special thanks to the crew and cast for their hard work on this music video:
Artist: Reba McEntire
Label: Universal Music Group Nashville
Production Company: Taillight
Executive Producer: Matt Houser
Producer: Nick Lantz
Director: Justin Key
DP: Diego Casho
Production Assistant: Chris Clarke
Best Boy Grip: Nathan Trumball
Gaffer: Giovani Palacino
Best Boy Electric: Christopher Grajales
Art Director: Tyler Vogel
1st AC: Sofia Gonzalez
2nd AC: Seth Craven
Steadicam Op: Quaid Baca
Key Grip: Pablo Ruff-Berganza
H/MU: Lizzy Arroyo
Taillight and Porchlight are premier production and creative companies dedicated to producing captivating and visually stunning content. Taillight specializes in creating entertaining and engaging content and programming for brands and artists, while its sister company, Porchlight, produces traditional broadcast spots helping brands share their message in an authentic, powerful way.
For over 20 years, Taillight and Porchlight have offered a 360 approach to providing the highest quality creative and production services for brands, agencies, and artists.
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