Andrew Litten Reimagines the '70s Chicago Club Scene for Earth, Wind & Fire

International production company Stink Films is proud to announce the release of the official film for Earth, Wind & Fire’s new track You Want My Love, directed by Andrew Litten. Inspired by the Chicago club scene of the 1970s, the film reimagines history as the legendary band performs at an iconic 1970s club before transitioning to the present day where the band connects with their fans in an intimate club setting. 

“After talking with the band and their team, it became clear that they were yearning for a more personal experience with their fans, and that’s where the root of our concept began,” says director Andrew Litten. 

From 1970s speakeasy to present-day club, the groove created by the band transcends space and time to create an atmosphere that celebrates life, culture, and community. Opening in the 1970s, the rich, jewel-toned hues are slightly desaturated to suggest a retro glamour before transitioning to the blue-tinged tones and bright white lighting of a modern-day club. The scenery may have changed, but the jubilant vibe remains.

Andrew continues: “As we began to collectively shape the idea, I wanted to submerge the viewer into the two worlds of Earth, Wind & Fire, and chase tone over a linear story.”

The imagery throughout the film was heavily influenced by photographers who have captured the spirit of both eras, such as Michael Abramson, Birney Imes, and Gueorgui Pinkhassov. Evocative close-ups of couples dancing with love, sweat, and desire are intertwined with laidback scenes of a bartender preparing drinks, two friends sharing a laugh in a deserted hallway, and men playing dominoes at a corner table as the band creates a joyous vibe.   

“I have nothing but immense gratitude to Ralph, Verdine, Philip and the whole Earth, Wind & Fire team for collaborating with us on bringing this to life,” says Andrew. “It continuously became about finding a ‘less is more’ approach and getting out of the way of their incredible performances.”

Andrew Litten’s films are an invitation to follow him down the rabbit hole, never quite sure whether you’re watching truth or fiction. Since forging his aesthetic in Atlanta’s rich underground music and fashion scenes, Andrew has used his life experiences to shape a perspective that is equal parts documentarian and surrealist, aiming to challenge reality as we know it. His work has screened at the Atlanta & St. Louis International Film Festivals, and his film 'King’s Blvd' for Nana was shortlisted for Shots Music Video of the Year. Recently, his campaign for Northwestern was nominated for a Young Director Award. Andrew’s work has also been featured in The Atlantic, The Washington Post, and Vimeo’s Staff Picks. His brand collaborations include projects for 1800 Tequila, Google, Kellogg’s, and a film for P&G that profiles the lives of the company’s employees across six countries: Brazil, India, China, Japan, Germany, and the US.