Modest Mouse has announced today the release of the
highly anticipated Heath Ledger directed video for ‘King Rat.’ The animated
video will make its debut exclusively on MySpace Music starting August 4th, the
same day the new Modest Mouse EP which includes the ‘King Rat' track, No One’s First, And You’re Next is
released.
In
January of 2007, while visiting his homeland of Australia, Heath Ledger presented
Isaac Brock of Modest Mouse with an idea to direct a video for their
yet-to-be-released song ‘King Rat’. Heath’s vision, brave and unapologetic in
its nature, would marry his love of bold and original music with his impassioned
stance against the illegal commercial whale hunts taking place of the coast of Australia each year. Always one to
operate from his heart and take a stand for what he cared deeply about, Heath's
intention was to raise awareness on modern whaling practices through a potent
visual piece without having to say a word. It was his way to let the story, in
its candid reversal, speak for itself.
The
video was fully conceived down to the last detail but unfinished when Heath
passed away in January of 2008. In the interest of fully realizing Heath’s final
work as a visual artist, THE MASSES (a film and music company which Heath was a
partner in) finished the video in his honor, with the support and advocacy of
Isaac Brock.
Proceeds from iTunes video downloads in the first month
of release will go toward Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, an international
non-profit, marine wildlife conservation organization organization committed to
ending the destruction of habitat and slaughter of wildlife in the world's
oceans in order to conserve and protect ecosystems and species. Sea Shepherd
uses direct-action tactics to investigate, document, and take action when
necessary to expose and confront illegal activities on the high seas. We
encourage you to visit their site in you are compelled to make a larger donation
or volunteer your time. http://www.seashepherd.org/
The
King Rat video was directed by Heath Ledger, co-directed and illustrated by
Daniel Auber with lead animation by Norris Houk, animation by Jade Taglioli and
produced by Sara Cline of THE MASSES.
www.modestmouse.com
myspace.com/modestmouse
www.wearethemasses.com
www.seashepherd.org