Marin Filmmakers Nominated for Grammy for Doechii’s “Anxiety” Video

A duo of Marin County filmmakers, Sophia Sabella and Pablo Feldman, has received a nomination for a prestigious Grammy Award for their work on the music video for Doechii’s hit song “Anxiety.” The nomination in the best music video category highlights the significance of their production efforts, as the video marks Doechii’s first top-10 hit and explores themes surrounding mental health. The Grammy Awards ceremony is scheduled for February 1, 2024.

The music video, released on April 18, 2023, features a meticulously crafted set that includes a house built on a sound stage. The production involved various complex scenes, including a choreographed dance segment featuring Doechii and 85 dancers, as well as the use of pyrotechnics. Sabella emphasized the importance of timing and detail in the production process, stating, “We had such specific timing; it’s amazing how much each detail needed to flow successfully.”

Feldman expressed their excitement upon viewing the final product, stating, “We were just like, ‘This is one of the most amazing music videos we’ve ever seen.’” The video has gone on to garner an impressive 58 million views since its release.

The nomination took the filmmakers by surprise when they were informed by Doechii’s team at Top Dawg Entertainment. Sabella recalled receiving a text congratulating them on their Grammy nomination, saying, “We were like, ‘What do you mean?’”

Growing up during the height of MTV’s influence, Sabella and Feldman developed a passion for music videos from a young age. Feldman noted, “Sophia and I have always loved music videos since we were kids.” Their mutual interest in the art form deepened when they collaborated with producer Jolene Mendes on their first feature film, the coming-of-age drama “Edge of Everything,” which was well-received in their hometown.

In early 2023, the couple founded their own production company, More Avenue, alongside Mendes, focusing on various projects including music videos, commercials, and feature films. Feldman explained their company’s ethos, stating, “For the three of us, our mentality is, ‘Let’s have fun with it, too.’”

The opportunity to work on “Anxiety” arose through Mendes, who had prior collaborations with director James Mackel. Feldman praised Mackel’s talent, stating, “He’s an amazingly talented director that we’ve all wanted to work with for a while.” Their experience in indie filmmaking proved beneficial, as they were able to adapt quickly to the fast-paced nature of music video production.

Sabella highlighted the creative magic that emerges in the music video format, saying, “You get to create some pretty amazing magic, which is a big reason we’re drawn to it.” The duo worked tirelessly in the weeks leading up to the shoot, ensuring everything was perfectly timed and executed.

Receiving recognition at the Grammy Awards is particularly meaningful for Sabella and Feldman, as they noted that producers often work behind the scenes without much acknowledgment. Feldman reflected on their nomination, saying, “It’s been a year of a lot of hard work on videos, and…it’s pretty amazing to be included on this stage with so many other incredible nominees.”

As the Grammy ceremony approaches, the couple’s nomination serves as a testament to their dedication and passion for the craft of filmmaking. Their journey from local filmmakers to Grammy nominees encapsulates both their talent and the potential for broader recognition in the competitive entertainment industry.