Marin Filmmakers Nominated for Grammy for Doechii’s “Anxiety” Video

Marin natives Sophia Sabella and Pablo Feldman have received a nomination for the prestigious Grammy Awards for their work on the music video for Doechii’s song “Anxiety.” Released on April 18, 2023, the video marks the rapper’s first top-10 hit, highlighting her struggles with mental health. The nomination showcases the couple’s burgeoning production company, More Avenue, which they founded approximately a year ago.

The music video required intricate planning and execution. Sabella and Feldman orchestrated the construction of a house on a sound stage, navigating multiple chaotic scenes and managing a street closure for a choreographed dance with Doechii and 85 dancers. Pyrotechnics were also incorporated to enhance the visual appeal, all while supporting director James Mackel’s creative vision.

“We had such specific timing; it’s amazing how much each detail needed to flow successfully,” said Sabella. “When you’re watching the video, you might not know how much was needed to make sure everything was done perfectly and timed perfectly.” Their dedication paid off, as the video has garnered 58 million views to date.

The couple’s excitement was palpable when they received the Grammy nomination. “That day, we got a text from our partners and Doechii’s team at Top Dawg Entertainment, who were amazing partners. They were like, ‘Congrats, Grammy nominees.’ We were like, ‘What do you mean?’” Sabella recalled with a laugh.

Both Sabella and Feldman grew up during the height of MTV, when music videos played a critical role in determining a song’s success. “Sophia and I have always loved music videos since we were kids,” Feldman stated. “We’ve always been super intrigued by music videos and that type of storytelling as well.”

Their journey into the world of film began with the production of their first feature film, the coming-of-age drama “Edge of Everything.” The film had sold-out showings at the Sequoia Cinema in Mill Valley, where they also had their first date in 2024. After collaborating with producer Jolene Mendes, they decided to formalize their partnership by establishing More Avenue.

“For the three of us, our mentality is, ‘Let’s have fun with it,’” Feldman explained. “The environment on set infuses into the work, and the tone that you set really matters.” More Avenue focuses on feature films, music videos, commercials, and various other projects.

The opportunity to work on “Anxiety” arose through Mendes, who has a solid reputation in the industry for producing videos for major labels like Atlantic Records and Warner Music Group. “James reached out to her when he started putting together the music video for ‘Anxiety,’ and we were all brought on as the production company,” Feldman said, praising Mackel’s talent.

The couple’s passion for music videos has grown, as they recognize the unique storytelling potential they offer. “You get to create some pretty amazing magic, which is a big reason we’re drawn to it,” Sabella noted.

The fast-paced nature of music video production resonates with their indie filmmaking background. “Once you get the green light, you just have to push it and go,” Feldman explained. They worked tirelessly for two weeks before the shoot, with some scenes captured in just one or two takes. The experience of working on such a well-received project has been rewarding for both Sabella and Feldman.

“It’s been a year of a lot of hard work on videos, and, as producers, you don’t get your name in the light that much,” Feldman remarked. “To see all of our names up there was one of the most mind-blowing, amazing experiences.” The Grammy nomination not only recognizes their contributions but also shines a light on the collaborative efforts of all the producers and creatives involved in the project.

As they prepare for the Grammy Awards ceremony on February 1, the couple remains grateful for the opportunity to showcase their work alongside other talented nominees. Their journey from local filmmakers to Grammy nominees illustrates the power of passion, creativity, and collaboration in the competitive world of music and film.