It’s a party. The guests are revelling. But our view of the party is different. Because underneath it, a new version of Fleetwood Mac’s Don’t Stop is playing. To us, the party is unsettling. We watch it get out of control – a metaphor for the world. The seven-minute short, devised by Mother London, with its song by Grammy-winning producer, Fraser T Smith (Stormzy, Adele, Dave, Drake), and lyrics by rapper, Avelino, for Greenpeace in collaboration with Tomorrow’s Warriors, is making us look the state of the world and all of our roles in it.
The film was directed by Samona Olanipekun of Steve McQueen’s Lammas Park; executive-produced by Oscar-winner, McQueen himself; and features Will Poulter (Midsommar, Guardians of the Galaxy 3) and Avelino, the scene is set in a vibrant but unsettling party which is spinning out of control.
We’re confronted with the reality of our situation – greedy corporations are partying like there’s no tomorrow, and if they keep acting like that, there won’t be one. But this is the darkness before the dawn. As the madness accelerates, people are shaken awake as they confront the immediacy of the problem and the urgent need for change. It is a gripping message of hope – that the fate of our planet is in our hands; that we can imagine a better tomorrow. But we have to start. Now.
The Greenpeace campaign aims to inspire a new generation of climate activists, part of a new campaign devised by Mother. The film will air on the big screens at Glastonbury Festival’s main stages throughout the weekend, with the project’s branding used on-site, including Glasto’s famous tote bags reading, “Don’t Stop Thinking About Tomorrow”.
Steve McQueen stated, “This short film is an arresting look at the state of a world hurtling out of control. I’m so proud to have been involved in this project with Greenpeace and Samona, who’s once again shown what a talented writer and director he is. It captures the unease at seeing corporations (especially those of oil and gas) and their enablers, do damage to the environment on our behalf, acting like there’s no tomorrow and driving the climate crisis solely for their profit. But we have collective power to realise a different future. It’s imperative that people don’t forget, tomorrow is promised to no-one.”
Will Poulter added, “It feels like a much-needed element of the conversation that is being had around climate change and something that I think will also, importantly, spark action… A better tomorrow, to me, looks like a world where we’ve actively pulled together and there’s a greater sense of unionship between everybody who cares about climate change and wants to create a better future for emerging generations.”
Fraser T Smith commented, “I’m immensely proud to be working with Greenpeace to help bring the iconic Don’t Stop back into the public awareness with such a vital message. Working with Tomorrow’s Warriors and Avelino felt like the perfect collaboration for Future Utopia, in providing exactly the right energy for the track. I’m excited for everyone to hear this.”
Janine Irons MBE, co-founder & chief executive officer, Tomorrow’s Warriors, stated, “We at Tomorrow’s Warriors are delighted to collaborate with Greenpeace, Steve McQueen and Fraser T Smith on the Don’t Stop project and support this important cause. As a charitable organisation that champions the next generation of talent to increase representation in UK jazz, it is fitting for Tomorrow’s Warriors’ illustrious Music Leader, Ben Burrell to bring together our current and alumni Warriors to perform on the single and video and inspire a whole new generation of climate activists.”
Areeba Hamid, executive director of Greenpeace UK, added, “When you look at the state of the world that older generations have wrought, oil companies partying like there’s no tomorrow, politicians watching as our house is on fire, it can feel overwhelming. But awareness and resolve to save our planet, to save lives and livelihoods, has never been stronger. People all over the world are incredibly worried about their future, but they hold enormous power. This film is a message of hope: that demanding a better tomorrow is not only possible, but critical.
“We’re so proud of this incredible collaboration, to get to work with such a talented and passionate group to reimagine Fleetwood Mac’s iconic Don’t Stop and bring the song to a new generation.”
Credits:
Client: Greenpeace
Creative: Mother
Strategy: Mother
Track by: Christine McVie / Universal Music Publishing Group
Produced by: Fraser T. Smith
Original rap verses: Avelino
Performed by: Future Utopia X Avelino X Tomorrrow’s Warriors
Mixed by: Scott Barnett
Mastered by: Stuart Hawkes at Metropolis
Engineered by: Scott Barnett and Isabel Gracefield
Drum programming by: Fraser T. Smith
Bass programming by: Fraser T. Smith
Assisted by: Gili Portal and Liam Hebb
Distributed by: 70Hz Recordings Ltd via. The Orchard.
With thanks to: Lucy Cunningham, Sarah Thorneycroft-Smith, Holly Sheppard, Jack Blurton and Jordan Lolomari.
Recorded at: RAK Studios and Utopia Studios
Music Supervision and Consultancy: Ed Bailie and Seb Whyte / Leland Music
Music Marketing: Olivia Hobbs, Breyner Baptista and Clare Sanders-Wright / Blackstar Agency
Lead Vocals: Avelino, Molly J & Fraser T. Smith , Bass Guitar – Ben Epstein, Drums: Anthony ‘Sweetstix’ Lewis , Keys: Emily Tran , Tenor Sax: Denys Baptiste, Trumpets: Becca Toft & Sheila Maurice-Grey, Trombones: Anoushka Nanguy & Chris-Stephane Boizi , Bass Trombone: Nathaniel Cross, Tuba: Hanna Mbuya
House Gospel Choir: Natalie Maddix (Choir Director), Lizzie Jennings, Monique Meade, Cartell Green Brown, CJ Idos, Harrsn Atlee, ZaZa Lewis-Wright, Roslyn Adonteng]
With thanks to: Benjamin Kwasi Burrell, Janine Irons, Fish Krish, Gabriel Starkey and Patricia Pascal
Film Production: Lammas Park
Director: Samona Olanipekun
Executive Producers: Steve McQueen, Bona Orakwue, Anna Smith Tenser
Producer: George Telfer
Production Manager: Chanel Parkinson
DOP: Annika Summerson
Production Designer: Jade Adeyemi
Costume Designer: Verity May Lane
Make-Up Designer: Maya Man
Hair Designer: Kreszend Sackey
Choreographer: Liara Barussi
Casting: Coralie Rose / Road Casting
Editor: Jack Williams / The Assembly Rooms, produced by Phoebe Armstrong-Beaver
Sound Designer: Jack Sedgwick / King Lear, produced by Suzy Macgregor
Colourist and VFX: George Kyraicou and Mark Stannard / Black Kite Studios, produced by Jade Denne
Tomorrow’s Warriors Music Video Cast: Cassius Cobbson – Drums, Emily Tran – Keyboard, Tami Adebanjo – Bass, Shanise Hall – Trumpet, David Kayode – Saxophone, Kyle Osborne – Vocals and Introductory speech
Epilogue: Written by Scroobius Pip in collaboration with Greenpeace, performed by Lilli Chin
Special Featured Performance: Will Poulter
