Biography

Over the last decade I've worked as a DOP on a wide range of projects: commercials and music videos (often involving complex special effects), documentaries (sometimes in remote or dangerous locations), and films (numerous shorts, an indie feature, and some period drama for TV). Multi-camera live events are an area of special expertise: shooting on a wide range of formats from 35mm film to HD, and adapting or designing theatrical light shows. Recently I've been lucky to be involved some groundbreaking 3D projects: the first live music broadcast in 3D from Abbey Road studios, a 3D IMAX film of the famous 'running with bulls' festival in Pamplona, a 3D documentary made to accompany the UK release of James Cameron's Avatar, and a series of short films and idents promoting the launch of Sky's new 3D TV channel in April 2010. These projects were mainly filmed on multiple cameras, using a variety of formats: 70mm film, phantom 65 & HD hi-speed cameras, RED 4K, SI2K, and HD - using a selection of 3D rigs (Element Technica, P&S Technik, 3ality, Bolt, Calcutta etc).

While many of the jobs I do involve complicated logistics and technical challenges, my roots are in experimental film-making, so I'm always interested in projects that offer creative challenges. With this in mind I've built up an inventory of motion picture equipment which I can offer at flexible rates to independent or low-budget productions.

For more detailed info, please browse the CREDITS section of this website, where individual clips are available for viewing online. A brief showreel can be viewed on this page, and a list of credits downloaded in pdf format below. DVD showreel also available on request.

Background

Born and raised in Zimbabwe. Moved to London and studied Fine Art at Goldsmiths College and St. Martins School of Art. Between studies was a member of several bands, including industrial outfit TEST DEPT and indie group Band of Holy Joy. Toured extensively in UK, Europe and USA, with recordings released on Some Bizarre and Rough Trade labels. Early film work was experimental and lo-fi, mainly creating 16mm multiple projections for live events. Other commissions included short films for the Arts Council, gallery installations, and a compilation of work released on Polygram: "Program for Progress".

Further training taken at the National Film & Television School, Beaconsfield. Wrote and directed "The Golem of Princelet Street", shown at international festivals (Turin, Poitiers, NFT in London). More commissions for short films followed: "The Snowball Effect", "Impact Zone" and "The Linesman" (Arts Council and BBC).

Signed up by State (and then Medialab) to direct music videos and live concerts. Shot promos for  Radiohead, Nine Inch Nails, Charalatans, Urban Species, Bomb the Bass and many others, also concert films for Smashing Pumpkins, Radiohead, Westlife, David Bowie, Neil Young & Massive Attack.

While directing I began to shoot and edit most of my own work, and other directors started hiring me as a DOP. I realised that my true passion was being out on set shooting (so much of a director's time is spent in small dark rooms - writing, pitching & editing!). Decided to join the camera department full-time... since then I've never looked back!