The Directors: Nothing Lost

Nothing Lost aka Chas and Junior, are two creatives with a strong background in cinematography, film, music, and visual arts.

Chas, a well-known and respected music video director and DOP who has been creating amazing videos and visual art pieces for many years, and Junior, the savvy music manager turned passionate director and storyteller.

Having met a good few years ago, the two immediately sparked a dynamic friendship. The two shared mutual insights and experiences of a world very few get to see. That insight, along with a strong interest in film and music, allowed the two of them the confidence and resolve to experiment with their creativity. What followed was the realisation that they both had a genuine passion for “creating dope shit,” as Chas put it, and so… Nothing Lost was formed.

With strong links in and throughout the music and creative world in the UK and abroad, Nothing Lost’s style of honest yet beautiful visuals and storytelling has captivated the scene.

Winning a BAFTA and RTS Award for their Amazon Original series Jungle, shortlisted in the Saatchi & Saatchi New Creators Class of 2019 for the piece called Woke, and Variety's Top 10 in Europe to Watch in 2022, the duo are new, fresh thinking, unapologetic, and passionate about their craft.

"We want to create the visuals and tell the stories that most people can't, because stories like those last forever."

Name: Nothing Lost

Location: London 

Repped by/in: Park Village

Awards: BAFTA, RTS, Saatchi and Saatchi new creators, Variety, Ciclopes

LBB> What elements of a script sets one apart from the other and what sort of scripts get you excited to shoot them?

Nothing Lost> We love discovering fresh, unique ideas that give us the chance to approach a scene or subject in an inventive way. Scripts that push creative boundaries and allow us to amplify the story in unexpected ways are what truly excite us.

LBB> How do you approach creating a treatment for a spot?

Nothing Lost> Our approach to briefs is unique because there are two of us tackling each project. We start by throwing out all sorts of off-the-cuff ideas, no matter how wild, then gradually refine them until we’re left with two or three solid concepts. From there, we step back, look at the big picture, and choose one to fully dive into, exploring every detail to craft something truly original.

LBB> If the script is for a brand that you're not familiar or don’t have a big affinity with, or a market that you're new to, how important is it for you to do research and understand that strategic and contextual side of the ad? If it’s important to you, how do you do it?

Nothing Lost> Research is always our starting point—it’s essential for us to deeply understand the brief or brand. From there, we push the idea into unexpected places, creating a concept that brings a fresh perspective and vibe to the brief.

LBB> For you, what is the most important working relationship for a director to have with another person in making an ad? And why?

Nothing Lost> Creating the right energy and synergy is essential for us. We value everyone’s voice, knowing that different perspectives can shape and elevate a project in ways we might not have seen initially.

LBB> What type of work are you most passionate about - is there a particular genre or subject matter or style you are most drawn to?

Nothing Lost> Our creative palette is diverse, but we’re especially drawn to more left-field genres. We’re passionate about creating dope, engaging pieces that are beautifully shot and executed.

LBB> What misconception about you or your work do you most often encounter and why is it wrong?

Nothing Lost> While our past work often reflects Black culture—since we’re both of African descent—our concepts and scripts are incredibly diverse. We’re just as excited to create a gritty drill musical like Jungle as we are to explore a sci-fi epic set in a small Croatian town. Our love for film and beautifully shot content shapes our eclectic taste and range.

LBB> What’s the craziest problem you’ve come across in the course of a production – and how did you solve it?

Nothing Lost> Funnily enough, while shooting Jungle, we faced a few on-set hiccups, but one moment really stands out. One of our main characters needed a haircut for continuity, and Junior, who was directing at the time, ended up cutting the actor’s hair himself right on set, just before a take. True to our Nothing Lost style, we’re always ready to roll up our sleeves and jump in when things need to get done!

LBB> How do you strike the balance between being open/collaborative with the agency and brand client while also protecting the idea?

Nothing Lost> It’s definitely a collaborative process where everyone needs to be moving in the same direction. We usually find a good balance with clients and brands, allowing us to bring our ideas to life while ensuring it works perfectly for them too.

LBB> What are your thoughts on opening up the production world to a more diverse pool of talent? Are you open to mentoring and apprenticeships on set?

Nothing Lost> This is a big belief of ours: creativity should be nurtured and expressed, no matter your race or background, and getting the best people for the job is always our priority. Our path into the industry wasn’t the easiest, so we’re committed to giving back by creating opportunities on set for those who might not usually have them.

LBB> Work is now presented in so many different formats - to what extent do you keep each in mind while you're working? 

Nothing Lost> Coming from a film and TV background, our first instinct is to flesh out ideas in that style. But it’s exciting for us to adapt and shape these concepts for mobile, Instagram, Reels, and more—it often sparks new ideas or directions we hadn’t considered before.

LBB> What’s your relationship with new technology and, if at all, how do you incorporate future-facing tech into your work?

Nothing Lost> We love embracing new technology and innovative ways of working—that’s what keeps media and creativity fresh. We believe in using tech thoughtfully, only where it adds real value, because when everything comes together just right, it creates those magical moments.

LBB> Which pieces of work do you feel really show off what you do best – and why?

Nothing Lost> Woke was the first narrative-driven music video we shot, and it ended up winning us our first award with Saatchi & Saatchi.

Jungle was our first long-form show on Amazon Prime, where we really pushed boundaries—and it earned us a BAFTA, a Royal Television Award, and a Gold Ciclope.

Abi Ocia - 'Offering' showcases our more artistic and experimental side, blending haunting visuals with breathtaking backdrops and scenery