SELF-INITIATED FILM
"Deux" – where once there was nothing.

Conceived as a homage to Norman McLaren’s ‘Pas de Deux’ in the autumn of 2019 against a backdrop of division, the aim was simple, and visually and strategically symmetric – bring people together to make something more.

Exploring a state of flux between clarity and abstraction, the film suggests ideas of transition and balance as the dancer’s move towards and around each other combining to build a feeling of substance. The film exists between harmony and abstraction, amid the nuance and the panoramic. These themes represent McFaul_Day’s journey of transition, of finding balance, of making the explorative steps towards a future we want to see. A statement of intent.

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Collaboration is at the core of what we do. For this project we brought together friends, old and new, into an analogue space to synthesise and experiment, with results that surprised us all. By re-connecting with old friend Dylan Kendle, famed for his partnership at design practise Tomato (working with Underworld, Trainspotting, Working Title Films… to name just a few), we have the perfect mix to translate and rediscover ‘McFaul_Day’ – the creative agency – as we approach an exciting phase of transition later in 2020. This work would mark a rebirth of why we as a team exist, and are always searching for a sense of self and poise. 

Dylan lured us with Ben Atwin’s ethereal track ‘Substrates’, the perfect score on which to inspire movement, shape and vivid colour. With Ben's music as a platform, we set-up systems, looping (things) in, cutting (things) out – as Ben does when creating his music – whilst allowing the choreography of Charlotte Edmonds (Inaugural Royal Ballet Young Choreographer 2015–2018) to flow freely and seamlessly with light and sound guiding the remarkable dancers Emma and James. 

We had no idea what would come from this journey but we are amazed to see the whole team’s efforts in producing something so perfect in its translation of who we are and so true to our vision. It only felt right, as we brought the concept and team together, that we were making something special happen where once there was nothing – a perfect metaphor for our existence and a bourgeoning statement of where we are going.

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We want to thank all the members of this production with our deepest and sincerest thanks and gratitude, for they may not realise but they’ve been party in instigating a new lease of life and direction through their amazing talents and meticulous work ethic. 
Thank you!
Title: “DEUX”
Length: 03:22

Director: Dylan Kendle 

DOP: Kyle Macfadzean 

Editor / VFX / Post: Duncan Horn

Steadicam: Justin Theodore

Choreographer: Charlotte Edmonds 

Dancers: 
Emma Farnell-Watson
James Pett 

Music: Ben Chatwin 
Track: Substrates from the 2018 album ‘Staccato Signals’.
Working from ‘The Vennel’, his home studio in South Queensferry, Scotland, composer and producer Ben Chatwin creates a musical language permeated with an ambiguity, or tension, between the electronic and acoustic worlds. Thanks go to Mark Kirby for the love and support at Village Green Recordings (https://villagegreenrecordings.co.uk).

Executive Producer: Rhys Evans @ Twice Pictures
Producer: Joe Edwards @ Twice Pictures

Stylist + Wardrobe: Christina Aranda Garzon
Co-Founder of the 'The Fan', a streetwear label as featured in i-D and Interview magazine and worn by the likes of Adwoa Aboah, Theophilus London and A$AP Rocky.

Hair + Make-up: Shayna Lewis-Fenton
FILM: "DEUX"
Published:

FILM: "DEUX"

Conceived as a homage to Norman McLaren’s ‘Pas de Deux’ in the autumn of 2019 against a backdrop of division, the aim was simple, and visually an Read More

Published:

Creative Fields