Marin Filmmakers Nominated for Grammy in Urgent Music Video Update

UPDATE: Marin natives Sophia Sabella and Pablo Feldman have been nominated for a prestigious Grammy Award for their work on the music video for Doechii’s hit song “Anxiety.” The announcement comes just weeks before the Grammy ceremony on February 1, 2024, where they will compete against notable entries from Sabrina Carpenter and OK Go.

The duo, who produced the video released on April 18, have witnessed their creation soar to an impressive 58 million views on YouTube. They navigated a complex production that involved building a house on a sound stage and coordinating a stunning dance sequence with 85 dancers. “We had such specific timing; it’s amazing how much each detail needed to flow successfully,” said Sabella, emphasizing the meticulous planning required.

The nomination has left them both astonished. “That day, we got a text from our partners and Doechii’s team at Top Dawg Entertainment, who were amazing partners. They were like, ‘Congrats, Grammy nominees.’ We were like, ‘What do you mean?’” Sabella recalled with excitement.

Growing up during the MTV era, Sabella and Feldman have always had a passion for music videos. Their journey into the industry began when they collaborated with producer Jolene Mendes on their first feature film, “Edge of Everything,” in 2024. “We had such a good experience with her that we decided to start a company,” Feldman explained.

Around a year ago, they launched their production company, More Avenue, focusing on music videos, feature films, and commercials. The opportunity to work on “Anxiety” came through Mendes, who has extensive experience in the music industry. The project not only tested their skills as filmmakers but also allowed them to create something that resonated deeply with audiences.

“Music videos come together really fast, and with our indie filmmaking background, we are prepared for that pace,” Feldman stated. They worked tirelessly for two weeks leading up to the shoot, often with only one or two takes needed for scenes. “It was so cool to be able to work on something that has really blown up and been so well-received,” Sabella added.

The Grammy nomination is a significant milestone for Sabella and Feldman, highlighting the hard work of all involved in the production. “To see all of our names up there was one of the most mind-blowing, amazing experiences,” Feldman remarked, acknowledging the recognition of behind-the-scenes contributions in the industry.

As they prepare for the Grammy Awards, the couple expresses gratitude for the support of their team and the opportunity to be part of such a transformative project. “We did not expect all of this. It’s been a year of a lot of hard work on videos, and it feels really special to be included on this stage with so many other incredible nominees,” Feldman concluded.

Stay tuned for more updates as the Grammy Awards approach, and don’t miss the chance to witness the celebration of creativity and artistry in music video production.