High Five: Bringing the Unreal into Reality
I have been working in film production since 1995, specialising on extreme sports productions in international advertising as well as sports documentaries. Through my work with incredible people in a variety of breathtaking sceneries shooting unbelievable sport footage, I’ve witnessed - and been a part of - interesting and unique projects. I’ve chosen these projects because they showcase the ability to bring the unreal into reality, make the extreme look easy and carry the emotion of the moment to the viewer. Some of these projects have taken me across the globe to remote locations, have taken my own breath away on each occasion and illustrate how film can capture the spirit of adventure...
Red Bull - 'Pororoca: Surfing the Amazon'
Production: HelliVentures
Director: Bill Heath
BMW Global - 'The Difference'
Agency: KBS
Production: Believe Media
Director: Anders Jedenfors
Service Production: Loop Film
This was a commercial shoot for BMW in remote Norway. This was nature at its best with the wild ocean and rugged mountains overlooking the fjords. There are two extreme sportsman in this commercial- a surfer and a mountain biker. They were able to capture beautiful shots of them in their element, braving the conditions and exploring their own abilities in this harsh environment. It is yet again a testament to the sheer raw beauty of our world and being able to emotionally transport this to the viewer without having to speak. This is film at its best.
Nike - 'Runners Helping Runners: Tokyo Marathon 2022'
Agency: AKQA
Production: Mr+Positive
Director: Connor Gilhooly
I love this commercial because it shows the light side of the seriousness of training for a marathon and it does so in a very short amount of time. This is creative, funny and still advertises the product. Within this commercial there is pulse and a beat, through the music as well as the way the film is cut. It’s a piece of art that deserves credit and takes a new approach to sports advertising, which I find cunning and innovative.
Nike - 'Write the Future: World Cup 2010'
Agency: Wieden+Kennedy Amsterdam
Production: Independent Films London
Director: Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu
This is a classic and by far one of my absolute favourites. There is dynamic, funny, creative, fast-paced and it says so much without any dialogue. I am impressed by how much emotion is conveyed in such a short clip, and an emotion that entire world can feel. Football, for so many, is an integral part of life, and this commercial pays tribute to that and plays on the excitement, elation, disappointment and the passion that comes with it. Nothing short of brilliant. Ocean Films in Brazil was part in Latin America of this outstanding production!
Nike - 'Da Da Ding'
Agency: Wieden+Kennedy Delhi
Production: Division Paris x Riff Raff
Service Production: Stratum
Director: Francois Rousselet
This is more like a music video than a commercial. It is fast-paced, high-energy and very well done. From a technical standpoint, the editing and music are flawless, crystallising the emotion that it conveys. I love that it focuses mainly on women, especially in India, and it has the power to inspire girls everywhere to jump in the ring and go for it. Time and time again, I am unbelievably impressed by the creativity, genius and depth that this company produces.
