I love making community films. There’s something about everyday life that inspires me to capture those small things that make a big difference. In 2016, my documentary, "Community Folk" was broadcast on The Community Channel's "Brilliant Britain" season. More recently, I set out to revisit the group of kind and dedicated people who inspired it: The Yardarm Folk Orchestra.
I love making community films. There’s something about everyday life that inspires me to capture those small things that make a big difference. In 2016, my documentary, "Community Folk" was broadcast on The Community Channel's "Brilliant Britain" season. More recently, I set out to revisit the group of kind and dedicated people who inspired it: The Yardarm Folk Orchestra in Southend-on-Sea.
In these latest films, I intended to represent the diverse cross-section of amateur musicians who come together from all walks of life to form the Yardarm Folk Orchestra; to learn, perform and grow. More importantly, I wanted to capture how it feels to be part of a community orchestra that encourages its members to share knowledge, make new friends, and use their musical skills to raise money for important causes in Southend, Essex and Kent.
Today's social media drip feeds us propaganda and negativity like an acid tap with an annoying leak. It can seem that politicians and attention-seeking narcissists (the same thing?) have edged our world toward the brink of chaos. Blinded by relentless doom-scrolling, it’s easy to forget the good people out there doing positive things every day – making an effort to grow, learn, share and support others. That's why charity and community films are still so important, in my opinion.
The finished films have been made to feature on the orchestra's website, www.yardarmfolkorchestra.co.uk which I also design and maintain for the charity. You won’t find any glamourous edits, AI-enhanced trickery, viral hooks or corny corporate soundbites here; instead, these films simply aim to portray the true atmosphere, enjoyment and camaraderie truthfully.
If you would like to learn more about commissioning similar short-form charity documentaries or business promos, please get in touch.