I'd always said no to directing. I'm a bit of a perfectionist and I've always been very particular about what I'm trying to achieve with photography. I'd assumed that the many greater variables that come with directing would be too stressful - too many things that I couldn't control. So I'd always said no.
But Covid-19 changed that. Being unable to do something and choosing not to do something are very different. I was very fortunate to be asked if I wanted to direct a drama series - Itopia - and I found myself saying yes. It turned out to be one of the best decisions I've ever made.
And after the first day of filming I realised that directing is not about being in control; it's about being as absolutely prepared as possible and then relinquishing control, giving everyone the space and freedom to be creative, tweaking things here and there if neccessary.
I love directing. I'm able to draw on and combine my decades-long experiences as both an actor and photographer in a new medium. And there's nothing better than the collaborative energy that exists on set; with a great team of people anything is achievable :-)
Directing credits to date:
2024
Y Coridor - Boom Cymru - S4C
Pobol y Cwm Series 51, episodes 25-30 - BBC Studios - S4C
Itopia Series 3 - Boom Cymru - S4C
2023
Pobol y Cwm Series 50, episodes 115-120 - BBC Studios - S4C
Bex Series 2 - Ceidiog - S4C
Pobol y Cwm Series 50, episodes 13-18 - BBC Studios - S4C
2022
Itopia Series 2 - Boom Cymru - S4C
Pobol y Cwm Series 49, episodes 68-77 - BBC Studios - S4C
Pobol y Cwm Series 49, episodes 45-48 - BBC Studios - S4C
Pobol y Cwm Series 49, episodes 17-22 - BBC Studios - S4C
2021
Itopia Series 1 - Boom Cymru - S4C
The Orchard Wagon
After almost every directing job I take myself away to somewhere with no wifi and no phone signal. To decompress and disconnect. It's a tiny converted wagon in an apple orchard in Monmouthshire.
I spend my days walking, reading and generally not talking to anyone. Basically the absolute opposite of what I'd have been doing for the previous 2 months or so!
I love being a director but it's pretty full-on, and disconnecting from the world - even if only for a few days - is a must for me. This short film is an attempt to reflect what the orchard wagon means to me 🙂