By Honorary Reporter Preeti Rawat from India
Photos = Olivia McManus

BTS celebrated its ninth anniversary in the music industry with the anthology album "Proof," which was released on June 10 and included the title track "Yet To Come." 

The magic on the set of the song's music video was from American production designer Olivia McManus. Because I was impressed with the set design when seeing the music video, I conducted an email interview with her on June 28.

Based in Los Angeles, McManus hails from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She began her journey in film in 2016 and has since worked with artists like the Chainsmokers, Iggy Azalea and Poppy. 

"Yet To Come" was her first time working with Korean musicians and filmmakers. "I always jump at any chance to work in productions from other countries because it's so enriching to see how they work and what they're interested in making," she said.

McManus said she studied all of BTS' music videos that she could find, saying, "I didn't know nearly as much about the artist as I do now, but I was aware of how passionate the fans were and how important it was to get every detail just right."

Though her style is punchy colors and bold looks, McManus said she used a minimalistic concept for "Yet To Come." 

"We went out to the location once to scout and rode dune buggies all over to find the perfect landscape for each setup," she said. "Once the design was complete, the job became about sorting out the logistics of installing our concepts in the desert. We had heard that it might be windy, but I don't think any of us anticipated how crazy it could get out there. It was a testament to what filmmakers will do to get the shot."

McManus' efforts paid off as the music video was well received. Happy with the final product, she said she also enjoyed using a minimalistic concept, breaking from her regular style, and seeing the elements reflecting her look in a different context.

She called her interactions with BTS fans the best part of this project. "I received so many kind messages that were so thoughtful and filled with excitement and gratitude. It made me happy to read them all and to have been able to design something that meant so much to so many," she said.

McManus also answered questions from Honorary Reporters who are fans of the group.

Lalien Guillen from the Philippines: As a production designer, you've worked on many music videos, short films and commercials. How does "Yet to Come" differ from your other work?

McManus: The most unique part of this job was designing sets for an already established world. Normally, I'm more or less inventing every detail from thin air. However, this video was for the fans, and each set needed to be a homage to BTS and their history, which dictated every element of the design.

Jasmine Khan from India: What was your favorite scene from the music video?    

McManus: The piano scene was my favorite because it’s where we were able to do the most world building. I think the fans would be surprised to know how much thought went into even the simplest elements of the video like the chairs, the bus and the truck. However, the piano set gave me a chance to deviate from the cleaner and more minimalist style of the video.

Kiara Claire Arellano from the Philippines: How did you put all the symbols from the group's music videos in one location or production?

McManus: I relied on the director to advise me on making sure that all the symbolism was in step with the past videos of BTS that we were referencing. There were times when I would offer ideas that were maybe more outside the box, and he would always reign me in because he knew how attentive the fans are and how important it was that we hit every note exactly right.

enny0611@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.