Unauthorized Defying Gravity Wicked

An unauthorized take on the famous song "Defying Gravity" from the musical Wicked.
The VFX took 15 months and were done entirely by the director.
Director/Cinematographer/VFX: SP Batchelder ( / spbatchelder )
Producers: Nick Batchelder, Liz Izzo, Cassy Crandall, Summer Vaughan, Christine Bendorf, Cee Jaye Pecorak
Starring:
Katharine McDonough as Elphaba
Jennifer Sun Bell as Galinda
Tammy Taylor as Madame Morrible
Crew:
1st AC - Eva Ye
Sound Mixer - Blake Christian
Key Makeup Artist - Maryann Yee
Grip & Electric - Omar Rojas-Cruz
Production Assistant - Heather Andelsman
Crowd Choir: Alizee Falque, Britt Sarkisian, Elisa Perez, Hailey Wulff, Marnina Schon, Sarah Rudoy
Backing Track by Brian Bisetti
Article on how and why this short came to be:
/ how-i-taught-myself-un...

[@seanmcgcostumes]

The actresses really ACTED through the singing, and they made such great character moments and vocal choices! Also, really loved the Ozma posters.

[@emilylike-the-soup2502]

I didn't notice the Ozma posters! Where in the video are they?

[@Wishphoenix1]

I didn’t see the ozma posters either ☹️

[@gomesbandrey]

@@emilylike-the-soup2502 I believe it's the one standing behind Elphaba's back during the "I hope you're happy! I hope you're happy too!" part ( 0:33 )

[@SmallBatchFilms]

Thanks for catching the Ozma posters! I had them custom printed up. I thought an attic in one of the castle-esque towers of the Emerald City is exactly where the Wizard would hide references to the older ways, like mentions of Ozma. Love that you saw them, makes it worth the effort. 💚/ SPB

[@balesjo]

I noticed that. Of the videos I've seen of actual stage productions, acting out the parts seemed to take a back seat to the songs, even though it should have been easy enough to do with practice. I've felt Elphaba actresses have really missed out acting the part at the point she begins to fly as it seems she is angry and defiant at that point but most actresses in closeup are almost smiling. Ms. McDonough has been the closest to nailing Elphaba's state of mind at that point in the song.

[@bswift13]

Her realization in "But I don't want it. No, I CAN'T want it" was phenomenal. You could see that self awareness

[@jeffsanders3453]

Not going to lie, i love that Elphaba is wearing a pants suit! Really fits her character. I kind of want this now for the movie.

[@broadwaybrook2319]

Yeah, cause she's more on the tomboy side. I liked that she was wearing a pants suit too

[@LawrenceNealsGeekLifeRules]

RIGHT?!?!

[@j0br017]

Pantsuit with a cloak is a powerful combo tbh

[@broadwaybrook2319]

@@j0br017 Totally

[@ericcassell5343]

💯 agree!!!

[@jacobmccain8794]

The Elphaba’s voice is absolutely incredible! She could be on Broadway right now, and the emotion she portrayed. I was hooked!

[@ginahill503]

Stunned...at both of them! Wow! Just wow.

[@SmallBatchFilms]

Completely agree. 💚/ SPB

[@kell_checks_in]

Needs more control. A good vocal coach would make a world of difference.

[@jacobmccain8794]

@@kell_checks_in yes a bit shaky in moments so I definitely think working on her breath control would set her up incredibly. She is already in such a great place! She has the goods to be on Broadway I definitely think!

[@linesmakeshapes]

Um???? how have I never seen this perfection? The transitions from talking to singing were amazing, it felt seamless esp for a film/video version

[@alexjemphrey]

It only came out 4 days ago!

[@linesmakeshapes]

@@alexjemphrey tru

[@SmallBatchFilms]

Thank you! 💚/ SPB

[@KittenLynn]

See the musical this happens in the musical as well. This transition isn't new at all.

[@mollycblaeser]

Omg but she's actually an insanely amazing Elphaba! Cast her immediately, Broadway!

[@OpenBiolabsGuy]

If I was a cop beating on a door and I heard people in the other side singing this song, I’d be confused as hell.

[@sakesselring]

One of the biggest reasons I was hesitant about the movie coming out is how do you capture the emotion and power the flight portion on screen (versus listening to a woman rise in the air, belting her face off in a theater) - this squashed that worry. Kudos!!!

[@SmallBatchFilms]

Thank you! 💚/ SPB

[@Tastycomforts]

I know it’s a more flattering angle to be straight on or looking down on the subject but when she’s flying I think camera should be looking up at her on the close ups to give the feel and gravitas that she is above you like in the stage show

[@ghostsurfer23]

The combination of the acting and the direction is SPOT ON! This is exactly how I'd want to see these lines performed in a hypothetical big budget Wicked movie. I was immediately on board by 0:32, where we see Elphaba's expression slooooowly change and she looks up when she realizes what Glinda is saying to her. Just an A+ video, well done to everyone involved.

[@TheLatinMrsPeel]

couldn't agree more :)

[@SmallBatchFilms]

Thank you. Had such a great time bringing the story to life. 💚/ SPB

[@AnoraJohnson]

@@SmallBatchFilms Please will you closed caption this video? It's so beautiful, and I want to understand all of it.

[@SmallBatchFilms]

@@AnoraJohnson hi! We did closed captions from the beginning for this exact purpose! I spent hours on it. Let me know if you can toggle it on in the bottom corner with the CC button.

[@AnoraJohnson]

@@SmallBatchFilms I've tried. The button is greyed out. I get a "no captions available for this video" message when I click. Maybe there's a hidden setting you need to allow? Sad to think your efforts are hidden away unused. I know captioning is a lot of work - it's so cool you did!

[@balesjo]

At first, based on the quality of singing and acting, I thought this was an unauthorized segment from the actual "Wicked" movie to be released later this year. Only when I got a view of closeups of the actresses' faces did I realize it wasn't. Kudos to all involved in this video. You should all be either acting and directing/producing on Broadway or in Hollywood!

[@hipflipped]

Um, in many scenes it looks like lip sync and really bad lip sync at that.

[@NinjaMcNuggets]

Oh my gosh! “We WANT MORE!!! WE WANT MORE!!!” Beautiful effects, beautiful performances, well done!!!!!

[@TheNickbatch]

Beautiful makeup work as well!!!!!! :)

[@SmallBatchFilms]

💚/ SPB

[@stitchesandstaples]

Can someone just give them the money to just do the full thing please! I’m crying it was near perfect (CGI under big budget could improve that scene slightly with flying but that’s a tiny nit pick for almost perfection).

[@qtaromar1970]

That’s because she is just learning to fly

[@leenanorms]

This was so well done!!! Proves that Wicked is totally worthy of a feature length, can't wait. You did a really thorough job, xxx

[@antmagor]

Just don’t give it to Disney. Give it to an actual artist who knows how to adapt things properly. Like these guys.

[@SmallBatchFilms]

@@antmagor Thank you - so honored. Would love to at least adapt one or two more numbers. 💚/ SPB

[@alliekingsley7919]

@@SmallBatchFilms I would love to see an adaptation of 'As Long As You're Mine'. It was the soundtrack to my first and best real love, and I think you could capture that magic fantastically.

[@calebcurtis2005]

@@antmagor Wicked is a Universal owned property

[@lukepevensie]

@@calebcurtis2005 just do it like a live production with cameras on the stage like a Broadway show without any audience

[@eirikastokes9652]

The moment I keep coming back to is the reflection of Elphie in that baby's eyes. No words. Absolutely beautiful.

[@SmallBatchFilms]

Thank you! I'm so glad you caught that! /💚SPB

[@user-rl8ur2zc5z]

4:55 i LOVE all of glinda's choices. and this moment 5:20 when elphaba realizes glinda isn't coming..... it's so perfect and heartbreaking oh my god. both actresses are incredible and the visuals absolutely blew me away. if the actual wicked movie is like this I'd be so happy

[@SmallBatchFilms]

Hazel - I agree. I hope they do justice to the nuances and intricacies of Elphie and Galinda's relationship. We spent a lot of time in rehearsal just working on their bond. 💚/SPB

[@musicaldramaqueen]

I don't even have words for how satisfying this was to watch. As a die hard Wicked fan, beginning with the soundtrack, then to the book, and then the Broadway musical, I can't stress enough the importance on true storytelling that is necessary for this tale. And this knocked it out of the park. Another commentor was right, I wanted to see two fresh faces I'd never seen before and these two performers were IT. And they FLEW! Wish I could see a full movie of them.

[@alliekingsley7919]

I'm honestly holding back TEARS for how good this is. If this director and these actors had been given a blockbuster budget they could have produced a fantabulous beyond our wildest dreams full length film, but even with a small budget they did something AMAZING here. Thank you to the cast and crew for providing such an amazing experience. I got to see Wicked live back when I was able bodied and capable of hiking to the nosebleeds, and you've truly captured the magic of the live experience in an 8 minute short.

[@SmallBatchFilms]

Thank you - your words mean so much to me. All I really want to do is keep making musicals, and I'm working on the next one now... /💚SPB

[@sheismymom]

this might be better than the actual movie we get

[@calebcurtis2005]

Trust me with Cynthia we are in for a treat

[@sheismymom]

@@calebcurtis2005 i don't mean the talent i mean how they're going to film it and do it for a movie

[@calebcurtis2005]

@@sheismymom It’s being done by the same director of In The Heights and that was shot beautifully.

[@DandelionVVA]

It's probably going to be better than the actual movie we get

[@samjohnson8058]

Perhaps if universal has to do is avoid the mistakes they made with dear Evan hansen

[@catheriner7786]

The actress who plays Elphaba is perfection!

[@MoonlitWaterLillies]

Loved it! The actresses really did a great job showing Elphie and Glinda's friendship and how difficult it was for them to realize that they each needed to follow their own path. Hope to see y'all so For Good and As Long as Your Mine!

[@Elitynski]

That's Galinda with a "Ga"

[@Topcliffe01]

@@Elitynskiso truer however she did change it for their old teacher (i can’t remember how to spell the name)

[@faigler]

Um, can you guys just put out the whole feature film? Holy crap. This is amazing. The acting, the VFX, the transitions...I want the whole thing!

[@broadwaybrook2319]

I'm all on your side! I want the whole feature film too!

[@savannahprice9041]

ikr!?!?!? this is SO good!!!

[@apt221bbakerst]

I loved this version. I loved the original theater version, but these two girls did a fantastic job and I agree about the pants.

[@stacyp2186]

I love the idea of barricading a door that opens out. Lol. This was really well made and full of heart.

[@billydeanbaker]

The harmony on "I hope you're happy in the END". My god. Powerful.

[@emanuelosorio9610]

This is gold. The seamless translation from speaking to singing, the set, and the embellishments, really made this its own production. I love it!

[@SmallBatchFilms]

Thank you! I'm a HUGE musical nerd, and I think the transitions make or break it! 💚/SPB

[@KLK1618]

Katharine needs to be in Wicked immediately 💚🔥

[@singer34109]

The feature film producers need to hire you! This clip was breathtaking and whoever took part in it should be proud! Bravo! Brought me to tears!

[@broadwaybrook2319]

I just want to tell you, I'm all on your side! (About the film producers hiring the director of this)

[@fabiancaius]

@@broadwaybrook2319 💯💯

[@ComboMod]

This is incredible!! Gets me hyped up for how the official movie will turn out. These two should play Elphaba and Galinda in the musical, their vocals are outstanding.

[@Zikkar]

Musicals to movies generally don’t turn out well. The Cats monstrosity for example

[@Levi-ze3sr]

@@Zikkarit’ll be a good movie

[@aznSeddie]

THIS. IS. IMMACULATE. The vocals, the effects, the acting...😭😭😭🤌🏼🤌🏼🤌🏼

[@Sabrina-yl6bg]

This was incredible. The singing and acting was spot on. The two actresses sold me on Elphaba and Galinda's strong friendship and sorrow as they go their separate paths. Great job to everyone involved this deserves so many more views.

[@jadeowyanhui4284]

Ok everyone's talking about the cinematography and the direction but can we talk about how CRYSTAL CLEAR the "So if you care to find me" is? And that Lindsay Heather Pearce style "Look". And that little riff on "I'm flying high, deFYing gravity". And that Willemijn riff on "renown". AND THE EMOTION AND THE ACTING. And will someone talk about how beautiful that second BMD was?? Like that "down" gave me CHILLS. This short is in a class of its own but the Elphaba should be on Broadway.

[@SmallBatchFilms]

Jade - I couldn't agree more. Katharine is an incredible talent that should be taken immediately to the Great White Way. 💚/SPB

[@lukepevensie]

She's even better than Idina Menzel, the OG.

[@InkTheEdges]

OMG the way elphaba emotes and conveys so much with her face and pauses and head movements in addition to the singing is pure talent. WOW

[@SmallBatchFilms]

Katharine is such a great talent. 💚/SPB

[@hunterhovorka]

Alright Theatre kids, you know what to do…Make this video blow up

[@fazmuz86]

Played Rugby, but seen musicals since 10. And also sang in both choirs at school. Don’t need to be a theatre kid 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@fazmuz86]

Feeling like a dick now about also played cello

[@broadwaybrook2319]

I totally wasn't expecting Madame Morrible to show up as a hologram like Princess Leia. When the guards yell, "Open this door!" I think of Tangled. 1:41 The lighting makes Elphaba's hair look a little greenish to me. 6:31 Aww! Baby! It's cool how you can see the reflection of Elphaba in her eyes

[@jeffsanders3453]

Just watching this reinstated by wish that they had casted unknowns for the two main roles. Don't get me wrong, I'm excited to see Cynthia play Elphaba but I think it would make the movie even more special with this being film deputes of two unknown talents. I'm not too excited for Ariana because I'm not sure about her acting skills to play Galinda but we will see.

[@mollycblaeser]

I agree!

[@mollycblaeser]

@Kyle Larkins this is why I am so upset about her casting. I want G(a)linda, not Ari.

[@getinmyvan7682]

@Kyle Larkins i really dont think she’ll do that. Kristin has said in an interview that she’s been with ariana through her entire audition process and they’ve thoroughly talked about glindas vocal style. She has also been working with an acting coach a lot this past year. I actually have faith that she’ll do a nice job

[@Andrew-jv7tc]

Ariana started out on Broadway, and also acted on Nickelodeon. While it’s been a while, she’s proven that she can act.

[@musicaldramaqueen]

I could not agree with you more.

[@alyssalinze9455]

Honestly, not sure how this hasn’t blown up yet and is being slept on. It’s a perfect depiction of how it should be if it were a movie. The creativity behind getting this together is outstanding. Congratulations on such a brilliantly talented achievement to the entire cast and crew in this specific production! Much love 🖤💚

[@SmallBatchFilms]

Thanks Alyssa! Appreciate the kind words. I want to do more... Not sure if we should tackle something like "Wonderful" or "No Good Deed"... Or if we should maybe do something longer... 💚😈 / SPB

[@lukepevensie]

If you can do a reboot of the original wizard of oz, please cast idina and kristen as the wicked witch and good witch or Andrew lloyd webber's musical. Jemma rix is the only elphaba to be in both

[@paulw3414]

The delivery of Elphaba's "but I don't want it.." was so naturally well sung and acted at the same time! Glinda's reactions to Elphaba and Glinda's singing were also so onpoint! This is the standard that I'm hoping for, for the Wicked movie. Massive well done! Really loved the video!!

[@alexisericson241]

This is- I have no words. I can't say anything new or better or different than the other commenters - this is just wonderful

[@SmallBatchFilms]

Thank you /💚SPB

[@michaelcain9324]

Brilliant. The singing, acting, the sparse cgi and the enormous conviction on display. Loved it.

[@xavierwatson5438]

Not going to lie you really demonstrated the cinematic power of this musical. I can only imagine what the big screen team will do but i will always remember you did it first!!!! Bravo to everyone involved. You defied gravity!!!!

[@ElphabaOrionDoherty]

You seriously made me cry wow! So much emotion this is like a movie !

[@UnsolicitedThoughtsOfARose]

Katharine McDonough gave an absolutely stunning performance. Those vocals were amazing.

[@tealeavespictures2023]

Not gonna lie, that was pretty epic. I doubt the movie will be like this but I hope it takes notes from this. Bravo, Small Batch Films.

[@braunream7411]

I love the idea of the whole town seeing her in the climax of the song! That would make a big screen version of that moment match the musical intensity. Great job, guys!

[@jessiefoster1966]

This was absolutely amazing. If they make a Wicked movie its going to need to be just like this.

[@scaredbproject5315]

They are making one, starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphie and Ariana Grande as G(a)linda

[@peggyknecht5551]

Absolutely love the effects, and the incredible voices of both actresses. They convey the emotions perfectly! I got chills, and so emotional 😭! I'm actually singing along.

[@mikesevenone]

This is so good. I don't know if I've ever seen lines in musicals delivered so organically like it's real life.

[@newyorkgirl1245]

I appreciate the deep Sapphic energy here! Also this is just so AMAZING!!

[@neilfeigeles8944]

wow, what a great performance by Katharine McDonough as Elphaba, I felt every word. makes me now want to see the show on Broadway

[@melissagray8138]

I’m blown away! That was perfection! The singing, the acting, the originality, all of it! Bravo 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻!!!

[@SmallBatchFilms]

Thank you for your kind words Melissa. 💚

[@ashw00tz]

wow! the commitment to make this happen - albeit an unauthorised one, is astounding! great work. Can't wait for the official movie!

[@foxtatertot]

Made me cry!! This is EXACTLY what I hope the Wicked movie ends up being like! This is just so good!!

[@daidaigor]

I have always wondered how it will look like without all those stage effects and lightings, and you have made in a great way. Thank you for making it.

[@chantalbuana601]

7:11 , whew that was amazing

[@Jetrowdy]

This was so awesome! Elphie’s vocals were PHENOMENAL! I recently saw Wicked live for the first time and I hope the movie does this story justice ❤️ Great job!

[@chrisberryman5120]

This is amazing! The VFX...the performances...the singing! I imagine this is far better than the eventual movie.

[@caitlinbelforti870]

Hearing the shocked screams of everyone in Oz after the final note of defying gravity gave me chills

[@ValerianThePhoenix]

I love Katharine Mcdonough! How she portrayed the strong personality of Elphaba is truly stunning! Her performance defied all substance of high standard. Mesmerising! Superb! It's everything!!! Really hope they make this into the big screen.

[@davekisor1486]

Never underestimate the power of fandom! These girls are amazing.

[@a_karch]

VFX killed it all, ngl

[@BYGTraining]

Man, this is absolutely awesome. My one criticism would be the special effects as Elfaba flies out the window. But the actresses we're really great!

[@fnpoolguy]

This was clearly made on a shoe string budget. I think it's awesome that they tried to go so big and give the song the grand scale it deserves.

[@maayanlev4269]

i loved the effects. this is a fan project. i do fan projects myself, and this is some of the best effect work i've seen for any project like this not done by a movie studio

[@KibaUrufu]

I can't stop watching this many many times a day and singing along. This was beautifully shot, They were truly acting and felt like real people while it was going on. Thats rare in a musical so..I'm so happy

[@HunterHuiet]

This is so awesome! I hope the girl that played Elphaba in the video ends up playing the role on Broadway or even on tour

[@chadmeredith1198]

I wish these two were cast in the new Wicked movie. They are phenomenal!

[@raybanned897]

You guys better make a Wicked movie before they screw it up 😭

[@theycallmehoipilloi5495]

Dang, that was pretty darn good. Both of them could absolutely do it on the stage. The interpretation of Elphaba and actually defying gravity was really good. Kudos to everyone involved.

[@mayme4743]

this was so cool to watch, there’s something about it all coming together that’s so satisfying

[@h193013]

I love this! You should do more. I’d like to see For Good maybe or Popular or No One Mourns The Wicked

[@lizmariediaz8062]

This is so perfect! I wish we had a full length film of this amazing show

[@karonalexander1508]

Now that I have picked my jaw up off the floor…..I would like to say that this is amazing!!!! The vocals are unbelievable.!!! The actors captured the friendship between Glinda and Elphaba. Bravo👏👏👏👏👏

[@SmallBatchFilms]

I really think that is the most important part of Wicked, is this incredibly complicated relationship between two very powerful women. Everything else pulls on the strength of their relationship. Also - the vocals were all captured live, while we were shooting. I can't stand canned musicals - I'd rather have real voices with real texture than perfect shiny inhuman voices that are so obviously not live. Agree? 💚/SPB

[@callabeth258]

Thank you for making this!!!!! I have tears I’m my eyes! It was beautiful!

[@ElphabaOrionDoherty]

OH MY GOD I HAVE GOOSEBUMPS

[@filmboychris1walker441]

Completely authentic and wonderful. If there ever is a full length film of this show made, then clearly these people need to be given the right and funds to do it.

[@gabeatroot5340]

I won't repeat everything that has been said about your fabulous work but know that you succeeded in actualizing a piece of art into a new one (considering the budget). Incredible rendition here imbued with Magic, I felt the stage was alive in à new way. Kudos ! We'll all be expecting more, naturally. ❤️

[@OceanbornAngel]

Somehow I think that this would be better than the official movie based on Wicked that's been in pre-production for awhile.

[@ashleygiguere3214]

I adore this! I read the book years ago as a teen and then discovered it was adapted into a musical and this is now one of my favorites. These woman did an amazing job.

[@SmallBatchFilms]

Ashley - I'm also a huge fan of the book - I read it over and over as a teenager. The musical has basically been a soundtrack to my life for the past 18 years. 💚/SPB

[@ApolloArpeggio]

Someone gets these people on the wicked movie and these actors on Broadway

[@rodericktodd1647]

My only complaint is that this doesn't take place at night. Every time I've seen Wicked I felt like defying gravity was happening at nighttime. I also think The Wizard and I should take place during the day.

[@cb_2887]

Excellent job! WOW! This is pretty much how I also imagined the "Defying Gravity" sequence would play out in a movie. Hope the actual movie can live up to anticipation!

[@KLK1618]

Holy crap that was amazing! I have full blown chills. 💚

[@hasanitaylor131]

That was beyond phenomenal!!

[@SmallBatchFilms]

Thank you Hasani. 💚/SPB

[@LouVolchitsa]

seriously this is amazing get those girls on broadway asap

[@vampgirl101rocks]

I love all the little details like the reflection in the babies eye

[@smiggles6963]

Love her vocal choices! She’s fantastic!

[@valeriepark9444]

MY 2007 TEENAGE SELF IS SCREAMING WITH JOY AND DELIGHT YOU MADE THIS DURING THE PANDEMIC?!? HOW?!?!?!?!?!

[@rhemyella]

Why have I only just found this?? It’s perfection!! I need more! 💚💚💚💚

[@jasonvivian2634]

I Love how all Elphaba sings and I am Impressed and I love it. ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜💖💝

[@timothymoseley9505]

This was amazing! The music and choices they made make me want to hear an entirely new rendition! More emphasis on the phrasing, changing up of the tempo, etc!

[@SmallBatchFilms]

Thanks Timothy. I really wanted to focus on the actors telling the truth of where their characters were in the moment, instead of trying to imitate Idina or Kristin (who are idols of their own, truth be told). I'm a big fan of grounded singing in musical theatre. 💚/SPB

[@savageman1995]

My new favourite line. "Oh no there are no more stairs"

[@lizclemons7935]

This was absolutely stunning.

[@smartkid2600]

wtffff she absolutely killed this hsjsjs her EYES HER CONVICTION totally loved it wow

[@yowaddup4129]

Not gonna lie, i am very thankful this appeared on my recommended videos. This is so awesome!

[@andygod75]

Why can’t I stop watching this!!!

[@emeraldcity7150]

stunning.

[@johnwade7842]

Those notes are so perfect.

[@SmallBatchFilms]

💚/SPB

[@nemonomen3340]

The singing's incredible but I spat out my tea when Elphaba straight up yeeted herself out the window.

[@richardbaines5740]

The actors deserve to be in a a proper film of wicked because there so good.

[@lil_rotini]

ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE!!!!!!!!

[@SuperDook27]

EFFING MASTERPIECE!! And that girls chops are 🔥🔥🔥

[@jjm2k209]

Such a cool concept and realisation; for it - all the way! 👋👋

[@SmallBatchFilms]

Thank you! 💚/SPB