World première of Paul McCartney’s My Valentine videos

A number of celebrities turned out for the world premiere of Sir Paul McCartney’s videos for his new single ‘My Valentine’.

McCartney attended the premiere with his wife Nancy Shevell and daughter Stella. Celebrities included Gwyneth Paltrow, Chris Martin, Reese Witherspoon, Jane Fonda, Dave Grohl, Gwen Stefani, Kristen Stewart, Orlando Bloom, Julie Delpy, Zooey Deschanel, Woody Harrelson, Joan Jett, Quincy Jones, Pamela Anderson and Miranda Kerr.

The three new videos, shot in black and white on 35mm film, feature Johnny Depp and Natalie Portman using sign language to interpret the song’s lyrics. The clips were reportedly based on an idea by McCartney’s daughter Stella.

The promos were directed by McCartney with Oscar-winning cinematographer Wally Pfister, editor Paul Martinez and producer Susanne Preissler.

Depp’s guitar solo was recorded live and mixed into the soundtrack. The solo on the single, which can also be heard on the album Kisses On The Bottom, was performed by Eric Clapton.

Portman’s clothes were chosen by Stella McCartney. She had previously appeared in the promo video for ‘Dance Tonight’, which was directed by Michel Gondry in 2007.

Neither Depp nor Portman was present at the premiere, which took place at Stella McCartney’s West Hollywood fashion boutique on 8823 Beverly Boulevard. Prior to the screening McCartney shook hands and greeted his celebrity guests as a Beatles-heavy soundtrack was played.

At around 8.15pm Paul McCartney took the microphone in the tented garden behind his daughter’s store. “Hello, hello. Welcome. We’re going to show the videos in a minute,” he said, before explaining how his daughter suggested that he ask Depp and Portman to star in the videos.

Five or six months ago, Stella said: ‘Do you have a video for the song? You know that Natalie can sign.’ And a week after Stella mentioned it, I was back here with the great cinematographer Wally Pfister – who is here tonight…

What we’d like to do is show Natalie’s version, and then Johnny’s version and then you can eat and drink some more and then I’ll be back and we’ll show you the ‘come together’ version in about a half an hour.