The Sneaks

Ever since MTV debuted in 1981, the music video has become an increasingly important vehicle for a band to get their music out there and, er, heard. Producing this requisite video can be quite a challenge for the budget-constrained indie band. Groups like OK GO have worked great magic on a shoestring, but not everyone has such a knack for producing viral hits. And whatever is produced needs to stand up against the highly polished multi-million dollar productions coming from the likes of Spike Jonze, Michel Gondry and Hype Williams.

NZ on Air, a government run fund in New Zealand, has come to the rescue for New Zealand bands, offering $5000 grants to pretty much anyone with a demo tape. Of course five grand isn't going to buy you a whole lot of music video. Unless of course, you gamble it all on a 6-1 long-shot at the race track and win!

That's exactly what The Sneaks did in producing a music video for their single I'm Lame. The video starts off documenting the band taking their novelty sized check to the race track and betting it all on one horse. At this point you're watching decidedly amateur footage, most likely shot using a borrowed handycam. When their horse comes in however, the video takes a decidedly dramatic turn, with the band blowing their entire winnings on a huge finale! I won't give it away, you've got to check it out: