Calum Currie is a cinematographer and filmmaker based in London, working worldwide with clients such as Gymshark, McDonald's, Nokian Tyres, Polestar and more.
In this episode, Calum unveils what inspires him to keep pushing the needle when it comes to mastering his craft & much more. This is a raw action packed podcast loaded with gems.
Timestamps/Shownotes:
00:00 - 2:00 | Intro/Backstory: First time meeting Calum after 3 years of staying in contact online.
2:15 - 3:50 | “Great Photos aren’t taken, they are made". The hours of meticulous planning that goes into planning a shoot.
4:15- 6:12 | Where did the genesis start. How did Calum find his passion? Flashback to 14 year old self.
6:15 - 8:03 | Calum’s favourite aspect of video production.
8:22 - 9:32 | A campaign that gives Calum joy when he looks back in time.
9:36 - 12:40 | Calum on working with Ibrahim Spider; for a boxing passion project in Birmingham. ZBA on Sports and what it teaches us. The Art of Boxing. Ibrahim Spider is 50-0 in Fights and is going on to represent Team GB. Filming with training pads, lighting. Ibrahim Spider is a National Champion in England for his age bracket.
12:46 -14:30 | Calum peeling back the curtains about the process: Choosing the right soundtrack, having a previous music background. His mum was a professional pianist. Always looks for the soundtrack to base off of the project first when it comes to storytelling. “ Trying to convey a feeling, what does that better than music. “
14:45 - 16:00 | Calum deconstructing The Morocco Four Seasons Hotel Project. The busyness of the Marrakesh Old Town (The Medina) Storytelling: The contrast between the hecticness of the Medina to the tranquility of the hotel.
16:10 - 18:15 | “ No valid plans for the future can be made by those who have no capacity for living now. “ Calum on the natural fear of failure imposter syndrome that comes with being a creative.
18:18 - 19:35 | What’s next for Calum. Taking up to the next level. “ Not focusing on the work, but focusing on the downtime. Recharging. Instead of working at 60% for 100 days. Working at 100% capacity for 200 days. “ Giving your all for a production. “ Your work is what sells you “ .
19:45 -22:00 | What Calum would say to his younger self starting in the industry? “ Calum on his admiration for Benedict Spence. One gem he told him was “ There’s no rush”. Calum on the negative ramifications of social media when it comes to comparison. “Comparison is the thief of Joy.”
22:19 - 31:30 | Calum on working on the project ‘The Celtman’. This was client job done for Gymshark in Scotland. The Celtman followed Fergus Crawley, a strength athlete who transitioned into doing a hybrid. Extreme triathlon consisting of a 3.4km swim. 202km bike and mountain marathon. Calum on trusting your gut. Full Circle & Knowing Your Value when it comes to freelancing opportunities.
31:45 - 34:10 | Calum deconstructing his role as DOP and Editor on a commercial campaign involving EA Sports, Rising Ballers & Anthony Joshua.
34:15 - 39:55| The most challenging project that Calum has got involved in. Dealing with -35C temperatures while on jobs. Helicopter rides in North Sweden (Kiruna). Dealing with travel restrictions due to the pandemic & the endlessness of paperwork with customs in order to continue jobs.
40:00 - 42:30 | Cinematography Life Lessons Over The Years: "Slow Down"
42:40 - 44:02| Calum's favourite country that he has visited.
44:10 - 48:12 | Who has been the most impactful & influential in Calum’s life.
48:12 - 48:43 | Outro & Credits. Connect with Calum on Instagram: @calumcurrie
Check out his work: calumcurrie.co.uk