Turn uncertainty into opportunity

Creative Partner

I’m a partner in Uncertainty Experts with creator Sam Conniff, lead scientist Katherine Templar Lewis and the wonderful core team. I help develop it from a creative and storytelling point of view and play my part in its direction of travel. It’s an entertaining, mind-bending, interactive documentary series, scientifically proven to reduce anxiety, whilst improving decision-making, problem-solving and resilience. The experience is co-designed by scientists at UCL, and developed with Netflix. The programme has been used successfully by thousands of individuals and myriad clients including Nike, Apple, Lego, Google, NHS, Nestle and more. It is the first release from a slate of immersive self-development journeys that employ our proprietary techniques of ‘entertainment based therapy.’ Watch this space.

uncertaintyexperts.com

Scientific Paper (CIPD)

Stop self-sabotaging and unleash your peace, power and purpose

Creative & Culture Partner

I am a partner in, and Creative Director of, Unleashed (coming soon), a scaleable, affordable mental health solution focused on stopping self-sabotage. Created by world renowned stop self-sabotage expert, Tom Fortes-Mayer, the proprietary Unleashed Method is delivered through self-healing meditations, large scale events, partnerships and content. The method combines advanced hypnotherapy, gestalt therapy, inner child work, NLP, music as metaphor and more, building on Tom’s work with the FreeMind Experience. We are currently working on our first raise, whilst also road-testing smaller events and partnerships.

Taking a renowned portrait photographer interstellar

Creative Partner

I work with Matt in the capacity of creative partner and writer. I help him fulfil his creative ambitions as a photographer, artist, director and brand builder. I am currently working with him on commissions in the entertainment space, a selection of art projects and a ‘secret squirrel’ project focused on the world’s most influential directors (more to come soon). We’ve also collaborated on brand projects such as Mont Gele Gear, focussing on the brand’s ‘radical transparency’ approach to sustainability, a new MGG project (in the works), and the launch proposition for male beauty brand The Fellowship, amongst various other things.

mattholyoak.com

There is a better way to do politics

Creative Partner

I’m one of a small core team at BeenThereDoneThat working in an ongoing partnership with a global coalition of organisations (including, Sortition Foundation, New Democracy Australia, XR, Democracy in Practice, Healthy Democracy, Unify America, Change Politics, etc.), to help create a unified global narrative for the Citizens’ Assembly movement. Citizens’ Assemblies provide a powerful alternative approach to politics as usual, governance and decision making. We are also developing a CA approach for corporates to radically accelerate the transition to meaningful stakeholder capitalism.

Citizens’ Assembly

Helping India’s Creativeland Publishing become a global force

Creative & Culture Partnership

I am creative & strategic consultant to Creativeland Publishing in India, which includes RollingStone India and MansWorld India. I help with the development of IPs for both brands spanning events, content, partnerships, initiatives and a whole lot more.

Creativeland Asia

Helping a stable of artists express themselves in new ways

Co-Commissioner. Strategy. Writing

I first started collaborating with West way back in ‘97-98 when I was Deputy Video Commissioner at Virgin Records, working under Head of Video, Carole Burton-Fairbrother. We worked on all videos for Massive Attack’s, Mezzanine, ‘Teardrop’, ‘Angel’, ‘Inertia Creeps’, and ‘Risingson’. I also commissioned videos for Massive’s label Melankolic. Fast forward to 2015-16. I co-commissioned / creatively EP’d videos for the ‘Ritual Spirit’ and ‘The Spoils’ EPs, including ‘Voodoo in My Blood’, starring Rosamund Pike, directed by Ringan Ledwidge and ‘Come Near Me’, starring Arta Dobroshi, directed by Ed Morris. The band won ‘Video Artist of the Year’ at the UKMVA’s that year. I commissioned and EP’d a Del Naja (3D) side-project, Battlebox, a collaboration with Tunde Adebimpe (TV On the Radio) and director Ed Morris. The final film, ‘Mad Lifeline’, was showcased in the Hammer Museum of Modern Art in LA. I’ve worked with 3D to develop projects such as a feature documentary about something that didn’t really happen and a techno-opera reimagining of Strauss’ ‘Elektra’. I worked with West on Young Fathers’ ‘Cocoa Sugar’ album campaign, and co-wrote and EP’d ‘In My View’, directed by Jack Whiteley. Young Fathers won ‘Video Artist of the Year’ at the UKMVA’s that year. I worked with Soulwax in a research capacity on a 2ManyDjs project. Amazing artists and lovely management company.

Connecting and unlocking the compassionate entrepreneurial spirit

Creative Partner

I am Creative Partner of Adoreum. Founded by entrepreneur and investor, Marcus Watson, Adoreum is a global members club without borders or boundaries, made up of open-minded individuals – creative visionaries, market and thought leaders, philanthropists, investors, academics and artists – who mutually believe in the strength of a collective to influence for good. I work on all sorts including creating new event & content formats, defining an IP approach to thought-leadership and new products and services. I also help shape initiatives focused on wellbeing and driving equity in the investing space (e.g RISE programme)

Adoreum

Helping BTDT answer creative problems and build new products

Creative Direction. Culture Strategy

I regularly collaborate with the lovely folks at BTDT on creative and strategic projects for the likes of Google, AdCouncil, Unilever, Beam Suntory, Pepsico, PwC, Coty and many more. Usually fun stuff with a focus on culture, entertainment, sustainability, social impact, ethics, etc. I collaborated with their brilliant CSO to help develop their Cultural Compass product which helps brands define their cultural role and roadmap. Most recently, I led the cultural research / creative opportunity project between BTDT and COTY, which dived deep into the ‘Emerging Adulthood’ life stage and saw how its developmental characteristics and tasks, combined with today’s rapidly shifting cultural and societal contexts, are shaping young people’s relationship to beauty, self-care, sense of self and sense of fun.

BeenThereDoneThat

Helping TRAKTOR’s big stories make it to the big (and small) screen

Story & Script Development. Pitch Writing

I mainly work with TRAKTOR (amongst other producers, writers and directors) in the capacity of story, character and script development on film and TV projects, but occasionally work with them on advertising projects too. I am currently working with TRAKTOR member, Ole Sanders, on a movie project through Scott Free.

Challenging the status quo and stereotypes of affluence

Culture Partner

I am a partner in Modern Affluence Exchange, an organisation challenging the status quo and stereotypes of affluence. Our most recent summit explored the potential impacts of the “great wealth transfer”. We explored the delicate balance that exists between older generations who currently control the majority of wealth and the millennials, Gen-Z and Gen-Alpha that are set to inherit this huge responsibility. With notably different value sets, beliefs, and sense of purpose it's set to be a roller-coaster of a ride. Speakers and panelists included, Jessica McGawley, JJ Hodari, Sally Tennant OBE, Piers Linney, Yasmin Jones-Henry, Veronica Chou Adam Handling, Paul Clements-Hunt, Barbara Hans, Rebecca Burdess, Philip Holliday, Katherine Templar Lewis, Sara Pantuliano, Wenmiao Yu, Martin Raymond, Dan Rookwood. Modern Affluence Exchange is partnered with 180 Studios, The Future Laboratory and VGC Partners.

The Great Wealth Transfer Report (The Future Laboratory)

Modern Affluence Summit 2023 Report

A peace movement powered by Indigenous Wisdom

Creative & Culture Partnership

I’m collaborating with Xicome, The Vida Sana, and a small team of passionate thinkers and doers committed to exposing our leaders and decision makers to the ancient wisdom of Indigenous Elders from around the world. Through music, ceremony, events, content and more, the mission is to open peoples’ hearts and minds to the wonder of all life and, in turn, our deep seated need to protect it.

First Event - KOKO, London

Helping an intergenerational audience fall in love with sport

Creative Direction. Writing. Culture Strategy

I worked with GentleForces, firstly as facilitator as they went on a collective journey to decide what kind of company they wanted to build. And secondly, in a concepting, writing, and cultural strategy capacity on the launch of H&M Move. The Move brand exists “to get the whole world and every body moving”, democratising sport and exercise for all. JaQuel Knight came on board to drive social impact and Jane Fonda signed on because of the core mission of the Move brand and also “to hold H&M’s feet to the flames” over their sustainability commitments. It was unique to launch a brand like this intergenerationally.

Creating and protecting the future heritage of diverse cultures

Positioning. Story. Content

I worked with gallery owner, creative director, and entrepreneur, Shiro Muchiri, to craft her brand story and content strategy. I also helped to clarify her multi-faceted offering. SoShiro fosters cultural collaborations between mainly non-Western conceptual artists and highly skilled often Indigenous artisans. Using her gallery platform, Shiro is helping to create and protect the future heritage of diverse cultures around the world.

soshiro.co

Telling the definitive story of a 20th century icon

Story Development. Creative EP (Rattling Stick)

I worked with directors David & Jacqui Morris (‘McCullin’, ‘Attacking the Devil’) on their third feature about the enigmatic ballet star, Rudolph Nureyev. I was attached from the beginning and worked with David & Jacqui on story and creative development. I then brokered a co-production deal with Rattling Stick to produce all shot material, including original dance sequences by renowned choreographer, Russell Maliphant. I stayed on the film as EP for Rattling Stick through to its theatrical release by Universal Pictures. Variety said of it, “Rudolf Nureyev remains a hypnotic figure in a documentary that nails, through never-before-seen footage, the singularity of his dance genius.” And The Guardian called it, “a meticulous, heartbreaking, tour de force.”

‘Nureyev’ (Trailer)

Bringing Burberry’s purpose to life for Burberry

Creative Direction

I worked with ACNE London, to creatively direct a campaign to communicate Burberry’s Purpose - ‘Creativity Opens Spaces’ - in an emotive way to its global workforce and other stakeholders. I devised the overarching concept for the film, event and photography - ‘Thread’ - eventually presented by then CEO, Marco Gobetti and Ricardo Tisci, amongst others. The film was directed by Taz Tron Delix but I’d have to shoot you if I shared it.

Unlocking hidden stories at the heart of a legend

Culture & Story Research. Formats

I work with the team at Rolex to provide ideas, formats, research and creative inspiration. What insights and stories are hidden in their archives? How might these stories diversify the way they relate to the world? How can they push the imagery and storytelling but still respect the integrity and authenticity of the brand? How might they draw attention to the brand’s impressive social impact and sustainability credentials with integrity and humility?

A story of connection amidst the trauma of separation

Story & Script Development

Ed Morris’ debut film was a labour of love for everyone involved. All credit to him, he wanted to make a feature and so stuck his neck out and made it happen. Minimal talk, lots of action. I provided story & script development, working with him throughout the writing process. The film stars Ruby Barker of ‘Bridgerton’ fame, and features original music by Ibeyi. The film launched on Apple TV+ in March 2021. It won numerous plaudits at Film Festivals around the world and opened the ‘Black Lens Festival’ for the BFI that year.

‘How to Stop a Recurring Dream’ (Trailer)

Helping every Parisian feel seen in the city they call home

Writing

I wrote a manifesto-poem challenging dangerous stereotypes called ‘Piss off Perfect’. Loren wanted to use it for this film for the ‘Paris Loves Us’ social movement, so I worked with her and her partner, Antony Vibert, to re-write it into a meditative, stream of consciousness VO. ‘Paris Loves Us’ gives a platform to often overlooked voices in the Paris Banlieue, helping to bring about more positive and equitable relationships with the city and its people. It’s a collaboration with designer, Camille Tanoh.

‘Paris Loves Us’

Writing a new chapter in the tale of a pop masterpiece

Creative EP

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of their songwriting partnership, Elton John and Bernie Taupin gave new filmmakers the chance to create the official music videos for three iconic Elton hits, ‘Tiny Dancer’, ‘Rocket Man’ and ‘Bennie & the Jets’. The competition, The Cut, was created in conjunction with YouTube, AKQA and Pulse Films. I was creative collaborator and EP on the official music video for ‘Bennie & the Jets’, working with co-directors Jack Whiteley and Laura Brownhill.

‘Bennie & the Jets’

Exploring life’s turning points through heroes and inspirations

Co-Creator

I co-created ‘Saints of Somewhere’ podcast with journalist & author, Kirsty Robinson, director Ringan Ledwidge, creative director, Luke Williamson, and Amie Witton-Wallace (ex-McQueen, Ivy Park). Guests picked five or six ‘saints’, the people, places, ideas or things that marked turning points in their lives. Guests included, Zackary Drucker (artist & producer ‘Transparent’), Ed O'Brien (musician, Radiohead), Irvine Welsh (author), Maria Semple (author), Peter Martin (rehab pioneer), Des Hamilton (casting director), Shaun Leane (jewellery designer), Tony Garnett (film & TV producer), Peter Tatchell (human rights activist), Susanna White (director), George Shaw (artist), Kim Chambers (open water swimming champion), and Clive Stafford-Smith (death row lawyer & co-founder of Reprieve). The Times called the series, “an anti-authoritarian Desert Island Discs”, British Vogue named it in ‘best podcasts, 2017’, and it was featured in The Observer, The Guardian, The Evening Standard and more.

‘Saints of Somewhere’ (three eps here)

@saintsofsomewhere

Bringing the visual expression of We Are Shining to the world

Co-commissioner. Creative EP

The band, We Are Shining, was the brainchild of Acyde (of blackdiscourse.co and one half of No Vacancy Inn with Tremaine Emory), and musician Morgan Zarate. Unfortunately they only made one album, ‘Kara’, but what an album it is. I co-commissioned and creatively EP’d all the video content for the album. Films include, ‘The Wheel’ & ‘Road’ directed by Carl Addy, and the terrifyingly brilliant, ‘Killing Me’ by Ed Morris.

Supporting the creative vision of a beautiful director and artist

Creative EP

I love working with Ed Morris. I creatively EP’d various projects with him for XL Recordings artist, Ibeyi. Ibeyi are French Cuban twins of Yoruba descent who celebrate their diverse heritage in transcendent ways. The tracks worked on were produced by Richard Russell. Videos include - ‘River’, ‘Ghosts’ , ‘Mama Says’ & ‘Deathless’.

Ibeyi

Putting professional grading tools in the public’s hands, first

Creator

Back in 2009, when the iPhone was still extremely new, I created its first ever professional grading app. I was looking after a bunch of multi-award winning film colourists and wanted a way of showing rather than telling audiences just how skilled they were. I did that by putting the colourist’s tools in the public’s hands. Every other grading app just used shonky filters at the time, whereas Mill Colour emulated professional grading suites accurately and provided much more subtlety and nuance. The app garnered 500K+ downloads and was featured in Macworld’s ‘Apps of the year’ and in FWA’s ‘best apps of the decade’. In fact, in the end, Apple integrated many of its features (and kinda the look of its toolset) into their own software.

DIY creative collaboration with a cult Soho legend

Director. Photographer. Writer

I creatively collaborated numerous times with the multi-hyphenate artist and model, Pippa Brooks. Pippa is a writer, singer, DJ, budding gemologist, and model (most recently for Art School). She was also co-founder of famed Soho boutique, ‘Shop’, with Max Karie. I wrote and directed various videos and art pieces with her and with her band, Shopgirl, which she co-founded with artist, James Dearlove. Here’s the film I wrote and directed for single, ‘Miss Understood’, and here’s another weird thing we made for single, ‘Dead Popstars’, and another that cost as much as your Pret sandwich for ‘Just a Kiss’, shot in the old Raymond Revue Bar. I shot some stills too (like the one above), we were both obsessed with faded Hollywood glamour at the time!

Pioneering new forms of brand storytelling through technology

Co-Creator

Back in the day, I co-founded and ran the multi Grand Prix winning Mill Digital Creative Studio with Rodrigo Sobral. It was a creative innovation practice inside Oscar and BAFTA winning VFX powerhouse, The Mill. We pioneered new ways for brands to build relationships with their audiences through storytelling and technology. We sent nerds into space, built the first ever fully 3D campaign for Audi in collaboration with Creativeland Asia, designed pioneering touch screen experiences for museums and malls, and much more besides. Most of the stuff we did back then that took an army of people and a hangar sized room, you can now do on your phone! The Creative Studio won many awards and was nominated for Digital Agency of the Year at the BIMAs

Wish-fulfilment for our unsung heroes - DBAs

Creative EP

This was a bonkers project we created at Mill Digital for Redgate Software. A competition to send a Data-base Administrator (DBA) into space on the first commercial space flight. All delivered through a scripted 14 part comedy drama series, packed to the rafters with insider sci-fi and techie references. It starred celebrated improv queen, Nell Mooney and a leading DBA and author, Brad McGehee, and was directed by William MacGregor (‘His Dark Materials’, ‘Poldark’, etc.) The series went off like a rocket with the target audience - unsung DBA’s (who quite literally keep the modern world working). The integrated campaign won the Grand Prix at the BIMA’s that year.

‘DBA in Space’ Case Study

Revealing a different side to a Spice Girl

Writer. Director

Not long after the Spice Girls had gone their separate ways (the first time), I wrote and directed this film for Mel B. She wanted to feel more natural, more soulful, embracing and celebrating the young mother she was to Phoenix Chi. We shot this out in Morocco, in Marrakech and Essaouira, with Jo Willems as DOP. It’s a bit of a mood and memory piece really, but it got some nice recognition at the time for having repositioned her ‘Scary’ persona a little (whatever that persona was supposed to imply?)

‘Lullaby’, Mel B

Making my contribution to the golden age of Music Video

Video Commissioner. Producer

From 1996 - 2001, I worked as Deputy Video Commissioner to legendary Head of Video, Carole Burton-Fairbrother. I creatively commissioned myself, but mainly collaborated with Carole on the bigger artists. My first project was ‘Wannabe’, which was pure joy and chaos. From that point on, I worked on all the videos for albums including, ‘Spice’, ‘Spiceworld’ & ‘Forever’ by Spice Girls, ‘Earthling’ by David Bowie, ‘Surrender’ & ‘Dig Your Own Hole’ by Chemical Brothers, ‘Urban Hymns’ by The Verve, ‘Mezzanine’ by Massive Attack, ‘Placebo’ & ‘Without You I’m Nothing’ by Placebo, ‘Post Orgasmic Chill’ by Skunk Anansie, ‘Bring it On’ & ‘Liquid Skin’ by Gomez and many, many more. I also produced feature documentary, ‘One Hour of Girl Power’ which followed the Spice Girls at the height of their fame. It was a fun place to work at a fun moment in history. Then the Internet got big, Music Video budgets got small, and everything got tougher for artists. My favourite video from my time there, was ‘Let Forever Be’ for the Chemical Brothers, directed by Michel Gondry. Bonkers.