I was commissioned to conceptualise, produce, direct, shoot, edit and deliver a promotional film for The Skateroom and their collaboration with renowned photographer and music director, Roger Ballen. 

For this release, the father of Ballenesque provided The Skateroom with an array of images, some out of the Ballenesque entourage, others in collaboration with South African hip-hop group Die Antwoord and American artist Paul McCarthy.

The project's aim was to seamlessly blend Ballen's photography and videography with the footage I captured, amounting to a fusion of dirt, grime and viscera that would manifest itself on the skateboard decks as the two protagonists delved further into dark depravity. 

The video was featured on the most award winning skateboarding site In the world, 'The Berrics' and acted as a marketing tool to promote sales for the charity, Skateistan.

Roger Ballen is an American born, South African-based photographer who has scoured the world for a truly honest depiction of the human condition. Employing nightmarish scenes of humans damned to harsh conditions highlighting the forgotten nature of those who are banned from society. Through a grimy black and white lens, this style takes on a name of its own, Ballenesque. It combines chaotic methods that meet somewhere between painting/drawing, installation, performance and photography. 

The Skateroom is a cutting-edge contemporary art brand that collaborates with artists to bring their artworks onto limited edition skateboards. In doing so, The Skateroom supports non-profit social projects such as Skateistan that empower children through art and skateboarding. 

With special thanks to Arts Council England for funding the project, Roger Ballen, The Skateroom, UNIT for the animation and Rasheed Osman and Shaun Currie for featuring in the film.