Ed Sheeran, 31, has shared some behind-the-scenes footage of his recent 2step music video, which he shot in Kyiv before the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia began.
The remixed version of 2step with Lil Baby and the accompanying music video was released on April 22nd, with a note that the video was shot before the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
And on Tuesday, Ed took to Instagram to share more background on the video – describing it as “a shoot I’ll remember for the rest of my life.”
BTS: Ed Sheeran, 31, on Tuesday shared behind-the-scenes footage from the 2Step music video he was filming in Ukraine before it was thrown into a conflict with Russia
The full behind-the-scenes video, posted to Ed’s Youtube channel, began with a shot of bustling Kiev at night, with the busy normality of the scenes being a far cry from today’s belligerent situation.
Ed then explained how cold it was in the city as he wrapped up and spoke to the camera for the video shoot.
He said: “We’re shooting the 2step video here in Ukraine, it’s minus five outside so I’ve got all my thermal gear on.”
Out Now: The remixed version of 2step with Lil Baby and the accompanying music video was released on April 22nd
On set: The video showed a series of shots of the video crew filming as rolling cameras circled Ed as he analyzed the clips on the cameras during the process
He introduced the video’s director, Henry Scholfield, who said Ed was very specific about wanting an Oliver! Dance theme for the video.
The Bad Habits singer was surrounded by a large cast of backup dancers and Lil Baby as he joked with the crew and tried to nail the choreography.
The video showed a series of shots of the video crew filming as rolling cameras circled Ed as he analyzed the clips on the cameras during the process.
Unforgettable: He described the video as “a video shoot that I will remember for the rest of my life”
Crew: He was surrounded by a large crowd of cast and crew, including backup dancers for the video
Freezing: In the video he explained how cold it was on the set – he described the temperature as minus five degrees
Approving the video, he cheered for his director, saying, “I’ve completed the 2-step video, cheers to everyone in Ukraine and cheers to Henry.”
Ed posted a section of the video to Instagram and wrote, “Come with me behind the scenes on a video shoot I will remember for the rest of my life x”
In support of Ukraine, Ed pledged YouTube royalties from 2Step’s official video for the DEC’s Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.
Kyiv Now: Since Ed shot the music video, Ukraine has been invaded by Russian troops (Pictured left: A man surveys the rubble of residential buildings damaged by Russian airstrikes in Borodyanka, Bucha Raion, Kyiv Oblast, April 7)
Storyline: The video, directed by Henry Scholfield, gave a glimpse into the inner workings of the set
Ed recently stated that he was “grateful” for being able to shoot the video before the “devastating acts of violence” began in Ukraine.
He said: “I shot the video for 2step in the city of Kyiv, Ukraine, before the devastating violence began.
“It was my first time visiting the country and I felt so welcome during my stay there – everyone from the production crew to the many people I met on my days off.
“Ukraine is a proud and resilient country and I’m grateful I had the opportunity to shoot my video there.”
The singer previously headlined a charity concert for Ukraine alongside Camila Cabello and Emeli Sande, raising more than £13.4million for the war-torn nation.
Explainer: “Ukraine is a proud and resilient country and I’m grateful I had the chance to shoot my video there,” Ed wrote at the opening of the official music video
Donation: The singer has also pledged 2Step’s YouTube royalties to the DEC Humanitarian Appeal for Ukraine, insisting “I stand with Ukraine”