THE STORY BEHIND AN “ODE TO CHICHESTER”
In August 2020 I got the chance to work on a dream project, one that celebrates some of the amazing independents businesses here in the city of Chichester … so here’s the story behind it.
A couple of months ago, Marco, of Purchases Bar & Restaurant approached me about making a promo film to highlight some of the hospitality businesses that were re-opening following the Covid crisis. It was an instant YES from me of course. I knew that this was a great idea — especially as I try to fly the flag hard for the City’s indie businesses.
After my initial excitement, I remembered I only have an iPhone at my disposal so needed a pro team onboard, so I spoke to local filmmaker Ranald founder of Feel Good Films and he was also thinking of doing some similar, inspired by other films he’d seen — so a collab was a no-brainer.
After the seed of an idea Ranald and I wanted to take it further and not just focus on hospitality – a kind of “from dawn to dusk” story celebrating the variety of independent business here in the city, with a particular focus on retail, hospitality, hair and beauty salons — those areas that have been hardest hit.
An “Ode to Chichester” was born … almost
We needed a story, some words, to tie the film together and Emily Penny aka The Brand Poet was my number one choice — she nailed it perfectly.
We spent two glorious but long days filming 19 independent businesses (they all paid a nominal fee to be included) here in the city and then another day recording the voiceover. Ranald’s team were awesome, which also included a director and two photographers on the filming days.
After some late nights, the finished edit was ready and it premiered at the Chichester Drive-in over the bank holiday weekend – a collaborative event between Chichester Cinema at New Park and Chichester Festival Theatre
It then went live across Facebook and Instagram. As at 8th September, it had reached over 27k people on Facebook alone.
Chichester Is Us … we are all what makes it a special place to live and work.
Ranald and I hope you enjoy the finished film:
In the press: recent interview with Ranald in the Chichester Observer
If you think I could help you and your business, get in touch