WaterAid: Celebrity shoot

Self-shooting producer/director | Catherine Rose
Photographer | James McCauley
Composer | Alex Parish

“Throughout the trip Catherine was both great company and an empowering colleague. It can sometimes be a delicate dance between photographers and film-makers on trips like this, as briefs and priorities may vary. But even when time was short and logistics difficult, Catherine was always calm, helpful, and considerate.

Knowing when to lead and when to support is a great skill, and Catherine ensured that not only did she get what she was tasked with (not easy as a one person sound+vision film crew in remote locations), but also supported me and the rest of the team to fulfil our own briefs. Technically adept, visually creative, and calm under pressure with an assured and friendly disposition make Catherine an asset to any project. I recommend her whole-heartedly.”

James McCauley, photographer

I was asked to travel to rural India to shoot and produce content which documented the journey that new WaterAid ambassador Hugh Bonneville took to learn about the charity and the issues it works on. 

The shoot was demanding physically and emotionally, and demanded long working hours in hot, challenging and busy environments. I had to sensitively work with Hugh and the communities we visited, to effectively document enough actuality footage and interview soundbites to be able to edit a coherent film upon my return to the UK.

The trip involved thinking on my feet, and working closely with the photographer to ensure we both captured what was required, as well as collaborating with the media officer and celebrity liaison manager who had other objectives as well as the content.

The end film was successful in gaining media coverage, and Hugh was pleased with the outcome himself which was also important!  In addition, B-roll footage was sold in to various media outlets where he featured on both radio and TV slots.