The short film “An Ode to Youth Work” I directed for @youngcamdenfoundation picked up the 🥈award in the 1 - 2.5 million category at the @smileycfa last week!
Love to everyone who was involved in this one ❤️
A few weeks back I shot my first narrative short film, Button Basher. For anyone that knows me or has spoken to me about it, they know that this project has been in the works for a minute. I first wrote the script in 2021 and after struggling to connect with the right producer in 2021/2022 I lost momentum with it and put it back on the shelf.
In 2024 I decided that initial hard work couldn’t be in vain and restarted with refining the script. I then connected with @sayo.olu online and she helped me with development producing, building out some of the key crew and cast and starting to apply for funding.
With no success in applying for funding on a few different schemes, I made the decision to commit to self funding the project. I wanted to make it happen and put my money where my mouth is.
A year and a bit later, on a moody October weekend in Greater Manchester it was humbling to see my vision coming to life.
Across 3 days, 7 different locations, 8 cast, with 25+ crew we got to work. For an indie production the script, locations and ideas were ambitious and it wasn’t without its challenges but I’m really pleased with how we did.
We pulled so many favours on this one so I want to say a huge thank you to absolutely everyone who worked on this production and lent a hand in anyway. It means a lot and I don’t take any of it for granted ❤️.
A special shout out to @briersalice@jameskilleendop@gwynne_j.g.p@kanedallen who believed in the project from early on and did as much as they could to help see it come to life.
Follow @buttonbashershortfilm for further updates on the film, and progress as we get into post production. Coming to a screen near you 2026!
Love! 🎬❤️
📸 @eliserichards_photography & @danebuca
SOLE FOCUS
A short piece I directed, self-shot and edited for my client and friend Lewis, reflecting on his journey to breaking the Sub-3 barrier at the Manchester Marathon.
I love being able to document growth and tell real human stories, especially when it showcases determination like this.
Big respect to everyone who is or has put those miles on the board this marathon season.
For those of you who don’t know my name is Nello James.
Directed, self shot and edited this piece for @rekindleschool
Thank you to @bianca_danielle for the trust in me to bring this story to life and thank you to the young people from ReKindle for getting involved.
A visual poem written by Keisha Thompson, bringing to life the legacy of the Nello James Centre in Whalley Range, South Manchester, a space that held community, culture and connection for over 30 years.
This film is part of Rekindling Nello James — a community-led heritage project preserving the voices, memories and impact of the centre and the people connected to it.
Funded by @heritagefunduk
GH5 giveaway a year on.
Mad that this was a year ago, just wanted to revisit this just to update everyone on how it ended up.
Big up @nafeez.nw@nafeez.visuals I'm gassed to see how you've been able to put the camera to use and play a very small part in your journey towards being a sick filmmaker and cinematographer (which you already are).
Support people where you can, if you can, it's not easy out here. ❤️
Since we shot @buttonbashershortfilm in October, I've had a lot of questions on the fact that I self-funded the project and people wanting to know more about that process.
So I thought I'd make this video to dive into it, in a bit more detail. To my creatives and filmmakers out there, invest in your art and craft. New investments are not only equipment and gear, sometimes put money up to make that passion project as you never know where it could take you.
Even though we're still in the process of making it, the amount of talented people I've connected with and been able to learn from on this journey so far has been worth the investment alone.
There's so much more I could say on this and go into more detail but I tried to give you the overview. Big thank you to everyone involved, couldn't do it without you, love everytime.
Button Basher coming to screen or film festival near you this year 🙏🏽🎬
I directed this short piece for @barnabusmcr recently.
It’s a privilege to be trusted to tell such important powerful stories so a big thank you to the whole team and Michael especially for allowing us the opportunity.
Michael is genuinely one of the nicest most down to earth people I’ve ever met and his journey is inspirational, and shows the power of the work they're doing over at Barnabus.
I love being able to tell real human stories through my work and hopefully make a difference.
Director : 👋🏽
DOP : @_danncooper
Gaffer : @joel_robd
Editor : @editbyjords
Grade : 👋🏽
A recent short doc style piece I shot and cut for @ezraarenyeka fight with @billy.deniz at @cooplive in Manchester on a @queensberrypromotions card, televised by @daznboxing .
Always grateful to step into these environments and capture the raw, honest moments. Big respect to everyone competing at the highest level.
