The Artist Explains: Peter Saputo - 'Why Can't I Say No?'
Peter Saputo speaks to us about his cinematic visuals for heartbreaking single, ‘Why Can’t I Say No?’, which aims to empower people to take action within their own struggles and ultimately find happiness.
Where was the video for ‘Why Can’t I Say No?’ filmed?
I drove down from SF to LA to film the video! The first day, we shot at a photo studio in DTLA. The second day, we were all over the place — We firstly shot around North Hollywood, then headed to Temescal Canyon Park, Pacific Palisades, and then finished in Malibu! It was a lot of driving around, filming quick bits, then moving on to the next spot, but it was super fun and really made the video what it is.
How does the video connect with the song?
The song itself is based on the connection that YOU make with it, so the video really just gives a visual idea/representation of what the song could mean to someone. The video story though, is based on being pulled in/pushed out by someone you’re into. You want them all the time, but they only want you when they’re bored or lonely... The video really strongly conveys that idea. I believe that almost everyone has had something or someone that consistently pulls them in and then pushes them out... yet every time, they can’t say "no" to being pulled in and actually do what's best for them.
Do you have any behind the scenes stories you can share with us?
Yeah!! SO here’s something — I don’t exactly um… act. I never have in my life… And going into this shoot, I was worried about that... but what made it worse was that I had also never met the lead actress (Ashley Puzemis) And so I definitely had an awkward start...
Basically, she got to the location when I was just finishing up some of my own solo shots… So we stopped for a second, said hi, and then I went back to finishing… But as soon as she finished her make-up, I was finished with my small bits.. so they called her on set and had her sit down next to me, then said: “Okay now, Ashley and Peter, act like you’re super into each other, having a great time, etc…” and then "ACTION!" Oh my gosh, I was like “wait WHAT?! We have not said anything more than a hi and i don’t even...—like ok…”… my heart was freaking pounding and my head was totally spinning hahah… What made it worse was that she actually freaking acts!!! so she knew what to do...And then I did not… It was pretttyyyyy bad. But little did I know, she ended up being such an amazing person and we got along super well throughout all of the shooting!! 😊 The second day, consisted of the crew filming a bunch of stuff without even telling us... We would just be hanging out literally waiting for them to tell us what to do, and then I'd look over and they'd be like "nono. keep going! this is great" It totally made the video so much more real and natural (especially since I DO NOT KNOW HOW TO ACT… yet? LOL) It honestly was like one of the best two days of my life and I’ll never forget how fun it was. Everyone that was a part of creating this video were just such fun people to be around and I am thankful to call them my friends today — now that I’ve moved to LA!
Could you tell us about the ideas/ themes/ imagery used?
We definitely went with natural, earthy tones with the video aesthetic and even the wardrobe choices. We portrayed a lot of pulling in & pushing out, flashbacks, to really portray the raw damage that can come from things in our lives that really aren’t healthy for us, and so I think that this aesthetic overall fit the video & song perfectly because it was all so real and natural. And with the subject of this song, it can only be understood in a raw & vulnerable mindset.
It came together beautifully, I think!
What do you hope people take away from watching the video?
I hope that people are able to watch the video, relate to it/connect with it, then reflect and want to take action within their own struggles—to stop adapting to something or someone that isn’t bringing any good in your life…and to really just do whatever it’ll take to bring happiness in the long run. So much of my music right now really strives to have these kinds of effects.
Interview by Karla Harris