OkayStudio Announces Partnership with The Photographers’ Gallery

OkayStudio has announced its partnership with The Photographers’ Gallery, a Soho institution and a cherished space that has provided decades of quiet inspiration within the hustle and bustle of London adland. 

The partnership will be led by a series of events that celebrate creative work beyond the traditional advertising space, whether this is photography or personal film projects. The Photographers’ Gallery is the ideal setting - a physical representation of how the worlds of photography and moving image can inspire, complement, and inform creative work of all disciplines. Whilst commercial filmmaking often sees networking events hosted by specific companies, using this ‘neutral’ space allows attendees to interact with meaningful work without brand interference, exploring synergies between artists and creatives that extend beyond the commercial space. 

The launch event - and first in what will be a series - was a complete gallery takeover. This included private access for attendees to all of the current exhibitions, a dedicated space for acclaimed Academy Films photographer Peter Funch to exhibit some of his work, and a special screening of OkayStudio film editor Jo Lewandowska’s award winning short film ‘Nature’s Child’.

Guests spanning the world of photography, film production and advertising were welcomed by OkayStudio MD Nikolaj Belzer. He introduced the partnership with the gallery, noting “we have always been passionate about photography as an art form, especially given that we work with so many photographers moving into film.” Nikolaj went on to highlight that the theme of the evening became clear during initial talks with Peter. “We wanted to spotlight works that diverge from our usual engagements in advertising. While these projects might not dominate our time compared to commercial work, they resonate with our passions and fuel our drive as artists. These are the projects that more often than not refine our craft, introduce us to new techniques, and allow us to showcase the essence of our skills which in turn feeds other projects.”

Attendees were treated to an exclusive screening of the short film Nature's Child, directed by Christina Amundsen and edited by OkayStudio’s Jo Lewandowska. Fresh off the back of winning a Silver Screen Cannes Lion at this year’s awards, Jo described that the project is a tribute to how nature allows us to reconnect with ourselves, our thoughts and feelings. The footage has strong photographic sensibilities, and the pace of the film allows the viewer to immerse themselves within the beauty of the landscapes, but also the darkness and the sense of danger that comes from the night, thunder and winter. On her involvement in the film, Jo comments “this was a really special project. To get the chance to work on something with a higher purpose was super rewarding, and the film is a true reflection of collaborative filmmaking where everyone involved had freedom to express themselves.”

In the 3rd floor Eranda Studio within the gallery, photographer Peter Funch held a showcase and exhibition of some of his previous work, which tied in with the theme of the evening, 'In Pursuit of Purpose'. Charlotte Long, head of photography at Academy Films, said of the partnership: “When Josh [Sanders] and Madeline [Chapman] got in touch about a collaboration with OkayStudio and the legendary Photographers’ Gallery it was a pretty quick and easy decision for us to get involved. Peter Funch is no stranger exhibiting his work having spoken at Paris Photo and British Journal of Photography previously, and his works being displayed globally - 42nd & Vanderbilt being part of the permanent collection at the V&A in London. It was a perfect opportunity to showcase his talents amongst our industry friends in a venue with such great heritage. We were thrilled to be a part of the night alongside the beautifully put together short, Nature's Child.”

Madeline Chapman, EP at OkayStudio, comments, “Our partnership with The Photographers Gallery offers an opportunity and space for our employees and clients to dedicate time to their passions outside of the studio and commercial filmmaking. We are delighted at how this launch has gone, and we look forward to further collaborations in the very near future.”