We use cookies to help us understand how you use our site, and make your experience better. To find out more read our privacy policy.
Play

00:00

/

00:00

Full screen
Video quality

Low 0 MB

High 0 MB

HD 0 MB

Captions
Volume
Volume
Hero image for AFFCO

AFFCO

Skeptics , Music Video – 1987

from the album III (1987)

This infamous abattoir-set music video got only limited screenings upon release  — including the final episode of late night music show Radio with Pictures. The song was never intended to be an animal rights tract. Director Stuart Page made the video as part of a deal to pay off sound mixing costs; aided by a young staff member, he and two friends were allowed to film on the "sheep floor" at Auckland's Westfield Freezing Works. Page shot the meat-packing scenes at nearby Kellax Foods. The result went on to screen at a number of art exhibitions. CAUTION: This video contains images which may offend viewers.

It's been written that it was 'animal rights' inspired, which is incorrect. The song was written purely about some guys who 'pack meat' and the video was made in that light — not wanting to cast any aspersions on the workers in the meat trade — but to document the 'process' of a sheep's life in contemporary New Zealand. I guess we got carried away wrapping [vocalist] David D'Ath in glad wrap, baby oil and food colouring...
– Director Stuart Page, on website Vital

If you liked this, you might also like...

Thumbnail image for Skeptics
Artist

Skeptics

Hailed for their spirit of experimentation and use of...

Collection
Collection image for The Sheep Collection

The Sheep Collection

New Zealand is said to have earned its prosperity "off...

Collection
Collection image for The Banned Collection

The Banned Collection

A collection of titles that pushed the boundaries, and...

Collection
Collection image for The Cow Collection

The Cow Collection

More than 30 titles devoted to the humble cow (plus a...

Thumbnail image for Skeptics - Sheen of Gold

Skeptics - Sheen of Gold

Documentary about influential band the Skeptics

Thumbnail image for Encounter - Meat

Encounter - Meat

An extended visit to an abattoir

Thumbnail image for Caroline's Dream

Caroline's Dream

Another music video featuring raw meat

Thumbnail image for Meathead

Meathead

Another dark take on meat working

Thumbnail image for Killer Clown

Killer Clown

Another music video directed by Stuart Page

Thumbnail image for Headlights

Headlights

Another music video which caused controversy

Thumbnail image for One Man's Meat

One Man's Meat

More struggles with raw meat

Thumbnail image for Pallet on the Floor

Pallet on the Floor

A feature film with a freezing works setting

Thumbnail image for Meat

Meat

Trailer for a meaty doco

Thumbnail image for Black Sheep

Black Sheep

The sheep fight back in this feature film

Thumbnail image for Godzone Sheep

Godzone Sheep

A different angle on the sheep in NZ

Thumbnail image for Shmeat

Shmeat

A meat-themed short film

Thumbnail image for U Can't Resist Us

U Can't Resist Us

Another music video featuring sheep

Thumbnail image for Buddy

Buddy

Also directed by Stuart Page

Thumbnail image for No No No

No No No

Another music video directed by Stuart Page

Thumbnail image for Alligator Song

Alligator Song

Stuart Page was a drummer for the Bilders

Thumbnail image for Flicker

Flicker

Another music video from the Flying Nun stable

Thumbnail image for Environment 1990

Environment 1990

More wrapped faces

Thumbnail image for The Big Gull - Karoro

The Big Gull - Karoro

Another visit to the meatworks

Thumbnail image for Home Kill

Home Kill

Home kill

Thumbnail image for Donka

Donka

Another video directed by Stuart Page

Thumbnail image for Land of the Long White Stain

Land of the Long White Stain

A younger generation of musical iconoclasts

Thumbnail image for Fish Across Face

Fish Across Face

Another banned video

Thumbnail image for bro'Town - A Vegetarian at My Table

bro'Town - A Vegetarian at My Table

The bro'Town boys turn vegetarian

Thumbnail image for Bill Direen: A Memory of Others

Bill Direen: A Memory of Others

Director Stuart Page has played drums for Bill Direen

Thumbnail image for The Naughty Bits - Violence, Drugs and the 'F' Word

The Naughty Bits - Violence, Drugs and the 'F' Word

This music video discussed late in this censorship...

Thumbnail image for The Spinoff TV - Cow-pocalypse

The Spinoff TV - Cow-pocalypse

Cows get violent

Thumbnail image for Swearing

Swearing

More notoriety in this documentary