SEE BRIAN MAY’S COMMENTS ON SOAPBOX
Making of Bohemian Rhapsody: Editor, Barry Stevens
– www.moviemachine.tv/video/making-of-bohemian-rhapsody-editor,-barry-stevens/146580268/
This is an account of what went on during the making of the music video for Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody. The filming took place in just under 4 hours at Elstree Studios in Herefordshire, Nov. 10, 1975. Editor Barry Stevens then spent 5 hours working at Trilion Studios in Soho, alongside director, Bruce Gowers, to create what is undoubtedly the most influential music video of the 20th century. Running 2 inch Quad tape machines in sync, through a vision mixer, Barry produced magnificent results in a very short amount of time.
In the words of Barry Stevens: “we had to get a move on ‘cause they were waiting to send it to Top of the Pops.”
This piece documents what went on in the editing room and provides insight into that moment in video history, when one music video promo changed filmmaking forever.
A huge thanks to Queen Management Limited, QPL, for making it possible for this film to be shown and thanks to Barry Stevens for telling his story. May this serve as a document of inspiration for independent filmmakers and Queen fans everywhere.
Barry Stevens Editing Credits
* Original Monty Python Pilot, 1969
* 200 Motels (edited in 12 days with Frank Zapp)
* Several Dr Who episodes, including: “Dinosaurs in London” circa 1973
* Music video for Queens’ “Bohemian Rhapsody”, also promos for Cliff Richard, Leo Sayer,10CC,Yes,Mike Oldfield, David Essex, Boomtown Rats, Don Mclean, Sheena Easton, Susie Quattro, Siouxsie &the Banshees, the Clash’s first punk offering, Paul Mcartney,and the UK’s first VCR available in shops – “Electric Light Orchestra” at Wembley (now available on DVD).
* 1981 Prince Charles & Princess Diana’s wedding album for ITN.
* From 1982-85 Barry edited 22 hrs of Brent Walker “Gilbert & Sullivan “
* Barry continues to work as a freelance editor.