HOW IT ALL CAME TOGETHER
Bringing the music video for Machine Gun Kelly's 'My Ex's Best Friend' to life started with a bold and unconventional idea: surfing a car. From the moment the concept struck me, I knew this wasn’t going to be an ordinary project. The stunt had to be real—no CGI, no tricks—just raw, practical effects and fearless performance. Before moving forward, I dived into research to see if anyone had ever pulled a car upside-down and surfed it on camera. After scouring the web and finding no matches, I realized we had a chance to make something completely original. With the idea in place, I collaborated with Nick Rondeau to strategize how we would edit and piece the narrative together. The visual flow had to be as smooth and impactful as the stunt itself.
Storyboards and Pre-Visualization: The Blueprint of Madness
I’ve always believed that visual communication is essential, especially when dealing with dangerous, high-concept stunts. That’s why I personally draw all of my storyboards—translating ideas from mind to paper makes it easier for everyone on set to understand what we’re aiming for. But sketches weren’t enough. To ensure absolute clarity, I also put together a Pre-Visualization (Previs) cut. This digital mock-up served as a visual roadmap, showing exactly how we wanted the final shots to look. Previs allowed us to plan each beat meticulously—from MGK standing atop the car to the car flipping onto its roof and being dragged down the street upside-down. It made the impossible feel possible.
Collaboration is Key: Working with the Dream Team
No ambitious stunt comes together without the right team. I sat down with our phenomenal producers, Douglas Kerr and Jackie Calleiro, to break down the logistics. What were our possibilities? What were the risks? Their expertise brought the idea closer to reality. Enter Bryan McCoy, our stunt coordinator and safety mastermind. Bryan’s role was crucial. He and Douglas worked tirelessly to ensure that every safety protocol was in place. The challenge? Flipping a car onto its roof and dragging it down the street without any CGI assistance. Bryan and Craig calculated the physics, the angles, and the risks. MGK was going to surf that car for real\u2014and we needed everything to go perfectly.
No CGI, No Compromises: Keeping the Stunts Real
From day one, I was clear: no CGI. The intensity, the danger, the adrenaline—I wanted it all to be real and visceral. The team delivered. We had MGK himself standing on the roof as the car slid down the street, sparks flying, metal grinding against asphalt. It wasn’t just a performance; it was a statement. This wasn’t an easy decision. CGI could have made things safer, more controllable. But real stunts create real tension. When viewers watch the video, I want them to feel the danger, to know that what they’re seeing actually happened. For those curious about the process, here’s an exclusive behind-the-scenes (BTS) look, including some of my original storyboard sketches that detail how we pulled off one of the most daring music video stunts of the year.
THE CREW OF 'MY EX'S BEST FRIEND' MUSIC VIDEO
Written & Directed by: Van Alpert
Cinematography by: Daniel Williams
Camera Car Driver: Graham Hooper
Gimbal Operator: Neil Maciejewski
Boom Operator: Robert Streeper
Camera Car and Russian Arm by: Drivers Eye
STUNT CREW
Stunt Coordination: Bryan McCoy
Assistant Stunt Coordinators: Craig Jensen, David Rowden
Stunt Double: Mike Ferragamo
Utility Stunt Performers: Matt Miscione, Kurt Nelson, Chris Peterson, Trista Monroe, Harry Wowchuk
The Final Word: A Stunt Worth Surfing
Creating the music video for 'My Ex's Best Friend' wasn’t just about the visuals—it was about pushing boundaries. It was about taking an idea that seemed too risky, too complicated, and turning it into cinematic reality. Every member of the team brought passion, skill, and fearlessness to the table. This video is a testament to what can be achieved with practical effects, real stunts, and unwavering determination. No CGI, no safety nets—just pure, adrenaline-fueled creativity.
So here it is: the final product of months of planning, countless hours of preparation, and one unforgettable ride.
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