MGMT 'Kids' Video

Just to set the story straight: the facepainted kids in the video are a boy and girl from Los Angeles, two friends of mine, names Raf and Abby. MGMT was not involved in the making of this video, however, they became involved down the line.
The story goes like this:
December 2007: Rushing to make a due date for a USC Music Video class, I ask my friends Raf and Abby to appear in my video. I like the way they bounce off of each other despite completely different personality types, and think they both have interesting faces. Raf didn't want to shave so I didn't push him. We shot in one night, I cut overnight, turn it in and call it the worst thing I've done so far.
January 2008: On a whim one night while visiting home in Austin, Texas, I throw the video on KZbin just for kicks.
April 2008: Ray Tintori, who has directed 3 official videos for MGMT, finds my fan video online and invites myself and my two actors to come to New York to appear in MGMTs next official video for Electric Feel.
May 2008: We go to New York and have a great time on the set with the band and all their friends.

[@davidtop6242]

This is the original video in everybody’s heart!!!

[@Nick-cp8wf]

Yep! First saw 11 years ago.

[@dithperlay3292]

And it is not?

[@grubbybum3614]

I cringed in 2008, and I still cringe now

[@Nick-cp8wf]

@@grubbybum3614 why are you here watching this then? Anyone crazy enough to like mgmt would atleast somewhat enjoy this video

[@grubbybum3614]

@@Nick-cp8wf because I wanted to relive the cringe

[@Tomycipote18]

And here I am, still in love with the girl after 13 years...

[@ericvigil9573]

Right?,??

[@Dr_Strangelove702]

Bro right? She's stuck in my brain

[@ItsBubs]

Lol still there too bud

[@flatearthandbeyondtheignor5885]

Who is she

[@markwaterson6045]

So true

[@jimthewebguy2000]

Please, never take this video down...it is so cool.

[@OneWeirdDude]

I recommend copying it just in case.

[@AnahiVania]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKe3nGqdrMmCraM

[@jasminetea2696]

I actually think this should be the official video

[@nickjc9584]

+Nikki Scott I always thought it was. It was much more fun and chill than the official one, which was just a crappy typical video you'd expect. This one has retro appeal.

[@anonymeister123]

+Nikki Scott it's better than the original, but I think the issue is that it's featuring two people who aren't MGMT. This was one of the mainstream break-thru songs, and lots of people would have assumed these were the artists.

[@dnfking1144]

+anonymeister123 yeah and there's like 4 guys and a dog.

[@RobertSmith-bh1yg]

+richard walker jr are you serious it has to be a total inside thing, these two are in the electric feel video at 15 seconds

[@Da323Guy]

same here

[@Xylus.]

A decade later, and I just watched the "original" for the first time. Didn't even know it existed lmao. This video will always take the special place in my heart

[@amandafey]

I actually like and prefer this video over the official band video.

[@lindsayhines5416]

I prefer it too. My kids & I love music. The official video for this song would scare them. I'm glad there's this video this is a great song.

[@potato-whiz]

It's a million times better. And cleverer.

[@Paminlp]

+Amanda Fae So do I. When I first saw this I thought it was the official one. When I finally saw it I thought it was boring.

[@Aihtlfig]

The first time I heard this song it was to this video. Now this is the only one I ever pull up when I want to hear the song!!

[@milkman44107]

+Amanda Fae This was made before any official MGMT music video.. Abby Fuller and Rafael Pulido lip synced the song in 07 for a collage in South California. I don't remember much detail, but MGMT liked it so much that they invited the unofficial video crew to watch the making of the official video. I just remember something about Rafael not that enthused about making the video and Abby climaxing with excitement in making the video.

[@MarioXMan100]

When the fan made music video is better than the actual music video...

[@ilenedover3569]

MarioXMan100 everyday shit

[@diegoroca3077]

MarioXMan100 where r the best brother❤

[@dantonsteele8128]

MarioXMan100 hollow moon by awolnation

[@rodrigodominguesdesouza5625]

How is this better?

[@accountlockedforidentityth2725]

nah the monster shit is amazing

[@josephabdilla7716]

It's been like 7 years, and I still keep coming back to see the girl with the make up. Something about seeing her smile and emotion shine through it is so hauntingly pretty. Great song and video too.

[@kyleallen1858]

1:13-1:17 is the best part of the video who agrees????

[@dave93x]

@@kyleallen1858 1:05 for me

[@mrboy9658]

She is so creepy

[@kyleallen1858]

@@mrboy9658 that’s cuz your trans

[@Norback1492]

1:05 nothing more to say... That face! 😍

[@argga2]

That face is ingrained in my memory

[@angsta22]

Abby is great.. even in crazy makeup lol

[@RowanMayfai23]

Yup fell in love many years ago

[@lesgoodrich1446]

I always heard and read that the guys in the band loved this original video. So much so, that the girl and guy that made this can be seen in the official MGMT "Electric Feel" video. They are in the same makeup, stirring the cauldron in the beginning.

[@av6971]

omg ur right they were in the electric feel vid that makes me so happy 🥰

[@joeXmaspunk]

ues. and the third person is the diretor of this video.

[@AnahiVania]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKe3nGqdrMmCraM

[@jasonduffey81]

Oh sht that is them. Cool

[@kamielkeeris5181]

Thanks! 😊

[@ninjaswordtothehead]

This video is as nostalgic as the song. And Painted Dancing Girl; you haunt my dreams, even still....

[@crazyaboutnature]

That chick is like super hot even with the makeup.

[@dnfking1144]

kinda agree

[@Bingbong1226]

Don't let the aderall get you too carried away

[@Tzara86]

+Keenan Wendels Adderall.

[@claytondavidson1938]

+Tzara86 thanks for correcting that...until you added that extra d I had no idea what I was reading.

[@jedaaa47]

What's her name :(

[@aronboettcher235]

I favorited this video years ago and had no idea it wasn't the official version. Just now realized there is an "official" video. For me, there will never be an official video but this one.

[@resireg]

The image here is blurred. The quality of the official is way superior

[@kkoof3020]

No it's not official

[@seanfenton1938]

I agree. I'm surprised this has so little views. I saw this years ago. Unless of course, it was taken down.

[@screllin]

Same!!

[@Liamnerfdude1]

aron boettcher sorry but the original one is the original one..

[@shannonmitchell2692]

i am absolutely in love with that girl. the way she bounces around, acts so happy. i have never been so captivated just from a face! a painted face! her beauty puts me into a trance whenever i watch this video. bravo, pretty girl, whoever you are.

[@kd7066]

I have always admired people with straight honest feelings... This girl is having a wonderful time or she is selling it extremely good. I put my money on the first

[@Liamnerfdude1]

Ok mate..

[@DJDoener]

@John Smith we need her insta :D

[@kyleallen1858]

@@DJDoener 1:13-1:17 is the best part of the video who agrees????

[@rob9589]

Abby Fuller, she is a director now

[@tennisguybri]

Every time I hear this song takes me back to some fun days of 2008, 2009, and I truly thought this was the band mgmt as I never heard of MGMT. This video with the faces painted is amazing, so fun, and just so free spirited to watch. Even tonight Dec 2023 I heard it on the radio here in Arizona, and immediately turned on youtube to just watch this awesome video of this song. I love MGMT as well, but this video really stays in your head and brings great memories watching it over and over. Just such a cool video project on a whim, yet so powerful to stick into people's heads. I am sure MGMT appreciated you just wanting to make a video with their song, and to have it turn out as good and simple as it did. Great Job!!!

[@miunya]

Even if unintentional, I love the contrast between her happy bouncing and his static stare face haha

[@BreeBree135]

This makes me both happy and sad and I don't know why.. but I love this.

[@Summersovergrowup]

it's a very nostalgic song..

[@Bingbong1226]

BreeBree135 it's the amphetamines.

[@WR3ND]

Slow down and let yourself down easy. It'll be alright. :)

[@kkoof3020]

I think that is like the feeling is nostalgia

[@Godspeed1844]

I discovered this 13 years ago and I'm still jammin' and sharing it ❤🙌

[@bootsmcguinnea3229]

The girl you cast looks like she's having loads of fun. Always nice to have someone enjoying themself on the set.

[@charlesarmstrong1888]

this has been my favourite vid since it came out. the band's vid is super creepy and not kid friendly. also, the couple work so well together - he's serious and she looks like such a fun person to know. superb. still watching after all these years.

[@CarLitozWayzz]

It’s an effin crime that the original video was deleted.

[@mikeshoe74]

had a gazillion views, but MGMT was pretty cool in letting it stay up as long as it did, and invited the actors here to appear in Electric Feel video. I'm not sure how and when the original video was finally taken down, or who's to blame.

[@goodputin4324]

@@mikeshoe74 fucking Zionists

[@otterbot5997]

That girl has a really infectious smile.

[@darkstarlegacy3837]

No matter what i still consider this the music video!! They have so much passion to sync into the lyrics and make a music video!!! They trully deserve it!

[@irvingjuarez8172]

I absolutely prefer this video. The new one looks really traumatic to the child in it.

[@jdawglengman3556]

Without even knowing you've created a masterpiece... This vid is way better than the official

[@TieDef]

I'll never get over how well this video captures the emotion of the song.

[@XxsharpdressedmanxX]

God... I remember when I first found this music video from the original posters channel before it was taken down. Such nostalgia. Such simpler times. Wish I could go back. We never know how good we have it till it's gone. Hold your loved tight

[@cynthia6631]

I am 56 and still digging this Video after all these years of its first Launch!! This version is EPIC!!

[@guessmyname6210]

I'm 65 with a hip replacement and LOVE this video!

[@indiecomicsjones]

@@guessmyname6210 You've got me beat, I'm only 63, but the hips can still do a white guy's twerk!

[@Littlefish-212]

The girl with the face paint has kept me coming back over the years and will continue for many more

[@flaminreds505]

I remember watching when I was eleven and I thought that girl was so pretty and she stuck with me and I’m just watching it for the first time in six years and that smile is still incredible

[@jamesmichaeljordan9872]

Abby's smile at 4:22... best ever! Thank you for that image of pure joy.

[@estetty]

and thank you for great basketball moments!

[@kasuteyonkurisuchan8203]

Just wanted to express how much I enjoy your interpretation of the song......I think it taps into a personaly strong sense of nostalgia for me, especially with the low-fi recordings of the painted faces, and the passion the girl expresses during her performance. I remember watching this way before the official video came out. I now it's been a while since you made this, but I felt compelled to tell you I think you did a great job

[@happygrass5]

Still love this video so much. The making "momma so proud" cut is so damn perfect!

[@TheMillerMilitia]

I oddly recall thinking this Abby girl looked like Michael Jackson way back in the day but then soon after and subsequently years later I'm still stunned by her pretty smile in this vid. It's weird, the stuff that stays with you.

[@jedaaa47]

FR BRO

[@BeAsTDr1v3]

Even with that makeup on her face.... I want to see what she really looks like without any on. She is such a freakin doll in this video! Such a very beautiful smile and beautiful facial expressions. Her smirks have me quirky.

[@HermannTheGreat]

You sound like a stalker

[@BeAsTDr1v3]

Ummm, sure???

[@resireg]

It is more like Gene Simmons from Kiss the insspiration

[@99grundy]

Without even knowing you've created a masterpiece...

[@Black_Jesus69]

Once again! THE best video of this song in 2023! cannot be beat!

[@user-zy1fq5uw9o]

子供の頃聞いてたわけじゃないのに、なぜか懐かしいような切ないような気持ちになる

[@redskins8025]

Yoooo this video is the way I know this song I always thought this was the official

[@Schneter]

This video was so good that they actually invited the guys who made it to play their part in the official music video.

[@COMAGIRL69]

I remember when jon salmon originally posted this.. it is his own work, and it's soo great!! This had over 40 Million views before it was taken down! Love this video! and this song makes me so freakin happyyy! Thank You Graziano, for putting this back on here!!

[@adamarguin9925]

I got introduced to MGMT and this video 2 days before I was being shipped off to Marine corp basic training on Paris island in 2008. This song was constantly on my mind in basic and was the first song I listened to when my parents were bringing me home for boot leave after basic. This song brings back so many good and bad memories.

[@Klipse11]

This will always hold an absolutely special place in my heart.

[@mr.b2086]

I'm glad the original video is still here

[@chrisedward7575]

Beautiful song for such terrible times when children are tossed aside.

[@user-if3sw2ed6k]

you right bro

[@mastershake42019]

You can see them in the background of electric feel. The are stirring a cauldron. Never noticed them before

[@no1wasgeorgiebest]

I watched this an awful lot at University in 2008! Great video!

[@Swiftrevoir]

Ah yes, the vastly superior music video for Kids. I come back to this version when I want the feel goods and memberberries.

[@isidroocampo1552]

I always thought this was the official video

[@metrotek5]

that weatherman, though - :D . . . I have a new hero

[@antimitsu]

I've watched this video so many times, it really brings me to a good place. Thank you

[@fernandopinzasramos3181]

Always loved that girl with her face painted

[@maximumcaffeine6003]

I don't care what anyone else thinks, this is the real "Kids" video

[@skatetrooper5285]

Still seeing this in 2019? I am.

[@MichaelEnglish88]

2020 baby!

[@10mmTimmy]

brings back memories. thank you ❤

[@teandraconley1405]

ITS BACK! YES!!! ♥♥♥♥ THANK YOU! ^_^ This vid is way better than the official I actually like and prefer this video over the official band video.

[@bhavikasicka7871]

The guy in the video is super hot, even with the makeup.

[@neighborhoodhighfiveguy2225]

HA. I see what you did there.

[@hwx3105]

What I said when this video came out a long time ago! 😆😏

[@SpaceAndroidz]

Bhavika Sicka your hot! You single?🤒

[@kaltrex9465]

...I haven’t seen this in years. When I was younger I thought this was the music video. Good job.

[@ApollstarV3]

I always come back to this video. Nostalgia, precious and pure.

[@darkdealproductions]

perfect time capsule of the time it comes from. i remember watching this when I first listened to this song, and i'm still enjoying todsay. great work graziano!

[@clubdesalud1488]

This fan video is the real one for me

[@Bearmund]

Oh, the young man with the painted face, so cute!

[@marceldee1163]

The 1st time I typed MGMT ‘Kids’ on KZbin in 2012…THIS video came up first…etc…etc 🙌🔥😁♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@alibee1978]

this video fills me full of nostalgia ❤

[@Greg-tj8rg]

I remember watching this video about 10 years ago to get inspiration for a middle school music video project

[@darlajones1326]

This was the first video share I ever posted on facebook when I was new to it. Just LOVE IT!

[@Marrie418]

2021 anyone? This video will Forever be the original video.

[@aj4pres308]

Damn bruh, you opened up a forgoten place in my memory. This will always be the official video to me. Life was so much easier and simple back then. Thanks for the memory flashbacks.

[@ShroomPapa]

Its weird how this music video althogh "unofficial" is truly one of the best music videos ever made.

[@mrmeyerhofer]

Five years later and the editing on that Chaplin bit is still so good, it gives me the shivers.

[@ZDanielPhoenix]

Just wanted to say this is still one of my favorite videos. I genuinely hope you are or will get into direction.

[@perseusjoppa426]

I love this song, greatly because of this video, which is epic and makes you feel a million things the original doesn't. This fits the song's sound much better!

[@SA3LIE]

Start the petition people!!! This needs to be the official video!!!! 🤘🕺🏻🤘🕺🏻

[@ryanhanna7633]

2012 this was one awesome year, excellent video one of my favs.

[@TasteLikeHappy380]

Wow i was 20 years old and I remember when this video came up before the actual video came up. I feel old. I still like this video way more still

[@andreajane8211]

For the longest time I thought this was the actual video and then I found out this was not the actual video and watched MGMT’s video.... yeah... this video is the original video.

[@COMAGIRL69]

Simplicity can be so beautiful. Thank you forever jon salmon!

[@thomasdonald3291]

This video was better than the one of them mentally scarring a toddler

[@Alfrnk99]

Love his face

[@buckeye7040]

This was made 2 years ago and I'm probably too late to tell you that his name is Raf

[@luzayala4614]

@@buckeye7040 Don't you know anything else about him? 😭 He was my first crush hehe

[@cmac8226]

why do I feel like this would go well with Lord of the Flies

[@tmlafrance]

Abby is so cute in this

[@nikkileigh4922]

Still an absolute banger and video is a solid 12/10 🙌🏻

[@noseworthyp]

This version can be hard to finds at times...lov it

[@noseworthyp]

O yea...and Beavis and Butthead brought me herez

[@Karmy.]

Peter Noseworthy how did Beavis and Butthead bring you here?

[@noseworthyp]

It was featured in season 8 episode 1 aired October 27, 2011.

[@BenignViewer]

The two leads give off a strange electric chemistry in the video despite never being shown together. This is the kind of indie video that made me love old school KZbin content and creators. With all the algorithm clickbaiting and procedurally generated trash on the site now it makes finding these gems all the harder, but all the more precious for it.

[@YogaArmy]

MUCH Better than the Band "official" video. MUCH more interesting! Thanks for sharing your story Graziano!

[@Ashmansworth]

When fan videos knock it out the park while official ones are still Trying to tie their boot up. 👏👍👍

[@karacool69]

One of my favorite music videos of all time!! 😘❤️

[@sloshed-rat]

Woah. Blows my mind that this was a tribute video. Amazing job. Gotta say, Raf really looks like Andrew. Thought this was their original video for the longest time.

[@CamMackay96]

Context for new viewers: this was fan made before there was an official video and MGMT actually invited these two to star in another music video for them! The power of early KZbin!!

[@dreddykrugernew]

Never let this video die, some things on the tinterwebs are just so unique and should be in a museum of great tinterweb things that never meant to do what they did...

[@buckeye7040]

Raf and Abby make a great addition to the video

[@Dark17B]

Almost a decade since you created the unintentional masterpiece that "is" the original kids video. Love it, nostalgic goosebumps have taken over

[@santioliva7942]

2:28 when you love the song and dont care who is watching

[@vadimmanevich3751]

Brilliant video and kids. I love this more than original video, honestly.

[@Klipse11]

Just the absolute best!

[@davidfrederick7713]

Oh my God! I love this video!! It is masterful by any artistic standard and makes me smile in a very deep part of my soul.

[@jcraigwilliams70]

The video that so many of us thought was the official one...

[@sarahosinovsky4025]

LOVE this video have been watching it since 2012!

[@midianflores-chan5473]

I will never forget when my son told me he loved this song...and my niece

[@justinjones4693]

In memory of Bob Saget

[@sladkydevotchka]

MGMT liked this video so much, they invited the people to be in their Electric Feel video.