‘Journeys’ is a story of discovery.
Envisioned by Novation we follow a found sound music producer charting their way from Rotterdam to Berlin, the techno capitals of Europe.
The ‘run and gun’ approach to filming, characterised by its spontaneity and minimal setup, adds authenticity to this narrative. It mirrors the organic and often experimental nature of found sound music production—like the hum of machinery, the clatter of trains, or the ambient noise of a city—to create music. This approach emphasises the raw process of discovery, both in music and in the journey itself.
Nairobi.
In Nairobi, Kenya, the talented artist Karun welcomed me into her recording studio and rehearsal space to capture a performance of her song "Roses."
We had a day to film, it was all about setting up the location in the best light and allowing Karun to do what she does best. The client loved the result, especially the balance between her naturalistic performance and the feature driven promotional aspects of the advert.
Lago di Como.
The second in the 'Journeys’ series of found sound films. The aim, to make an electronica track from collected sound all in three days!
The making of this series of films was always interesting. The small crew and limited time on location coupled with a run and gun style means we had to have a bit of faith and lean into the unknown. Speaking with locals, following our noses, being exploratory and having fun with the task at hand proved to be key. There is a visceral connection between the music, visuals and landscape in the final piece.
Los Angeles.
We could not go to LA and showcase a found sound journey about hip-hop without better understanding the culture. We needed more human interactions and to listen carefully.
In this film we had at least 10 local contributors compared to 2 in ‘Rotterdam to Berlin’ journey. This was the point of difference in the LA film. We set out to listen and understand, which led to rewarding discoveries for myself and the team. We end in the home of esteemed artist, ILLA J, creating a track together from our sounds, ultimately showcasing the powerful creative force stemming from human connection.
Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
OPC are world leaders in conservation and impact positive change by creating a community of conservationists from the surrounding area. This short film promotes their immersive volunteer programme. Over the course of a week I captured their life changing experiences from helping orphaned chimpanzees to learning about the first all woman tribe from the female elders themselves.
The flora and fauna of the African savannah is truly like no other. It is always a privilege to film there and in this case work with the inspiring people from the conservancy, leading me and my camera through .