"Free Bird" Takes Flight

How Chronicle Cinema Helped Reimagine a Rock Anthem for a New Generation

When you're asked to bring one of the most iconic rock anthems in American history to life — you don’t take it lightly. In April 2025, Chronicle Cinema joined forces with acclaimed music video director Max Moore to create the first-ever official music video for Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Free Bird.” The result? A cinematic love letter to youth, nostalgia, and timeless freedom — filmed over three whirlwind days in and around Louisville, Kentucky and southern Indiana.

Now with over 5 million views and counting, the video is resonating across generations. But how do you visually reinterpret a song that already lives in the hearts of millions? That process began with a little fear — and a lot of trust.

“To be honest, I was pretty intimidated going into the writing process,” Max admits. “It’s such an iconic, legendary song, and I wanted to make sure it got the music video it truly deserved.”

Max turned to someone who knew the emotional weight of the track — his older brother, an eight-year senior and lifelong Skynyrd fan. Together, they circled a story about youth, freedom, and first love — themes that felt both honest and cinematic.

“We kept coming back to that idea of a memory you can almost touch. Once we landed on that, the rest started to fall into place — the visual tone, the narrative rhythm, even the diner.”

Max talked about how when you get a project of this size and importance, you need to make sure you have the right team in place. And for him, the choice was clear.

"Chronicle Cinema is a team I’ve worked with for years and I knew right away they’d be the perfect fit for this one," Max says. "Filmmaking really is a team sport and Chronicle brings that energy every time."

That team — led by producer Marc Singer and creative director Zach Meiners — had just three days to make the impossible feel effortless. Together with production designer Sally Wegert, they converted an abandoned restaurant into a detailed 1970s-style diner, built a custom process trailer to film driving scenes, and choreographed a motorcycle-and-drone sequence.

“Our window for some of those shots was measured in minutes,” Marc explained. “We had firework scenes at dusk, a tight cast schedule, and unpredictable weather. We didn’t have the luxury of a second shot. Preparation and flexibility were everything.”

The drone shots, planned by Zach and executed mid-transit by pilot Andrew Nice, were among the most technically challenging. “Andrew flew from the front passenger seat while we trailed the motorcycle,” Zach said. “It felt like no one breathed the entire time. But he nailed it. It was beautiful.”

While almost all of the visuals were captured practically, Max brought one very modern tool into the creative mix: AI.

“We used AI early on to generate concept art,” he shared. “It helped us visualize the mood and tone before we ever stepped on set. It was a springboard — not a crutch.”

Zach said “...this really allows the entire team to know exactly what vision is in Max’s head, and ensure that the band, the record label, and our team knows exactly what look we need to hit. Max set the bar exceptionally high, but the cast and crew of this project really did an incredible job.”

One of the most quietly powerful AI contributions was the design of the bird that glides across the frame during a key emotional moment. Its presence ties together the themes of longing, memory, and the passage of time.

“People hear ‘AI’ and think futuristic or cold,” Zach said. “But here, it was the opposite. We paired it with vintage lenses, in-camera effects, and even Vaseline on the glass. That contrast — high-tech and low-fi — helped the video feel timeless.”

When the video finally dropped, it didn’t just generate clicks — it made headlines.

CBS News called it “a long-overdue tribute to a timeless anthem.”

Outlets from Lynyrd Skynyrd’s hometown of Jacksonville celebrated the cinematic scope and heartfelt storytelling. The comments on YouTube have turned into a living journal of how this song — and now, this video — has shaped people’s lives:

“I danced to this at my wedding and played it at my brother’s funeral. This video brought me to tears.”

“I didn’t think ‘Free Bird’ needed a music video — until now. I’ll never hear it the same way again.”

“Whoever made this — thank you. You did it justice.”

The cast and crew of Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Free Bird" music video.

“Free Bird” isn’t just a song. It’s a moment frozen in American culture — a song that’s played in cars, on porches, at funerals, at graduations. To be trusted with its first official video is an honor Chronicle Cinema didn’t take lightly.

“We weren’t trying to modernize it,” Marc said. “We were trying to honor it — and make something worthy of what it already meant to so many people.” Zach agreed:

“At the end of the day, we were helping give shape to a feeling. That’s what we do. Whether it’s a rock anthem, a commercial, or a film — when Chronicle Cinema tells a story, we want it to mean something.”

Max reflected: “I’ve had more people reach out to me personally about this video than anything I’ve ever made. It’s emotional. It’s generational. It means something to people. That’s the goal.”

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🎬 Watch the official “Free Bird” music video

Chronicle Cinema is proud to bring cinematic storytelling to life — whether it’s for legendary rock bands, global brands, or the next great idea waiting to be told.

Credits:

Directed by - Max Moore

Executive Produced by - Max Rose, DJay Brawner

Produced by - Zach Meiners, Marc Singer

Written by - Max Moore, Alex Moore

Director of Photography - Cody Duncum

Production Design by - Sally Wegert

1st AC - Brad Wagster

Drone & 2nd Cam Op - Andrew Nice

Editor & VFX - Max Moore

Gaffer - Zach Erwin

Key Grip - Jeb Schilling

Key Grip - Bobby Spalding

BB Grip - Austin Koester

BB Grip - John Ricketts

BB Electric - Milo Martinez

Set Dresser - Eric Spurgeon

Wardrobe Stylist - Jo Hall

HMU - Kelley Scott

Production Assistant - Caio Silviera

Production Assistant - Robb Nolasco

Colorist - Ducan Salot, Post 237

Lead Man - Mike Seely

Young Man - Cameron Cousins

Young Woman - Lindsay Cousins

Extras - Evan Fowler, Lead Outlaw, Gracie Taylor, Sam Current

Motorcycle Double - Tony Renner

Motorcycle Wranglers / Bike Owner - Jon Renner, Wendle Renner

Director Rep - Jen Herrera

Commissioner - Steve Gottlieb

Label - UMe

Executive Produced by - Tuff

Produced by - Chronicle Cinema

Special Thanks - Michelle Moore