In 2019, I had the privilege of joining forces with a seasoned drone op Mike Foyle, a long-time collaborator, for a groundbreaking project alongside six other drone teams. A big shoutout to Mike for bringing me on board!

Our project was a partnership with Windfall Films, under the artistic guidance of director Johnny Shipley. We embarked on a visually captivating journey, chronicling the lives of a shepherd tending to hid Herdwick sheep on Scafell Pike, England's tallest peak.

The project primarily utilized drone cinematography, complemented by 360º footage attached to the shepherd, the sheepdogs, and even a select few sheep, providing a unique perspective.

Given the vast terrain covered by the shepherd and his team, drone operators were strategically placed along their path. Our mission was to capture serene, extended drone sequences that naturally unfolded a narrative — each scene carefully crafted to have a clear beginning, middle, and end, intended to remain untouched in post-production. This approach was a significant shift from the typical fast-paced editing style predominant in television, where extensive drone footage is often reduced to mere seconds on screen.

One of my own contributions spanned an impressive four minutes of screen time, offering a deeply fulfilling creative challenge.

The narrative depth was further enriched by poetic narrations penned specifically for the film and delivered by Maxine Peake, whose voice added an ethereal quality to the visuals.

The film aired on BBC4 during the initial COVID-19 lockdown, drawing in viewers with its tranquil depictions of the countryside and the rugged landscapes of the Lake District, providing a much-needed escape for many.

Our work was not only fulfilling but also recognized with prestigious accolades. In 2021, the film was honored with a BAFTA for 'Photography – Factual,' a testament to the dedication of our drone, camera, sound, and post-production teams. The BAFTA acceptance speech, fittingly captured by drone, was a highlight of our journey.

Moreover, the film received the 'Award for Excellence' from the Guild of Television Camera crew, further affirming the high-caliber work of our team.

This project stands as a beacon of innovative filming techniques and narrative storytelling, achieved through a harmonious blend of technology and creative vision.