Resident Profile : Level Films

This month we chatted to Matt, one half of Level Films (the other is James) as part of a series of interviews we will be running with our residents. We are a little more familiar with these guys as they have recently just completed filming our new showreel, The Berkley Square Hotel by Quarter. This video was a venture into the unknown for Quarter but an exciting project all the same. Hear what our Hotels Director, Rachael Gifford, had to say about working with the guys.

'It was great working with Level films in our recent video, having known them for a long time as tenants in Studio 31 it was fantastic to actually get to work with them on a project. They really were the perfect choice for us as they share our passion for Bristol, were very flexible in working around the 24 hour nature of our business and were sensitive to the filming not disturbing our guests; in short they were highly professional throughout, really got our brand and what we were trying to create and we are delighted with the finished product.'

Words by Matt Crocker

1. Can you give us a brief description of your background and what you do?

We are Matt Crocker and James Dean aka Level Films, original storytellers since 2005.

www.levelfilms.co.uk

As a filmmaking duo we explore the origins of cultural movements and the places where brands and scenes are born. We get to the heart of why brands and movements exist and why that matters. We tell those stories in a real, authentic and fresh way.

2. What do you enjoy most about your role?

I think it’s having the opportunity to learn about new people and cultural movements on a daily basis. Over the last year we’ve explored surf culture, dance music and cycle racing. We meet amazing people who conveniently for us live in some incredible places around the world!

3. What project are you currently working on?

We’ve just finished our second feature length documentary ‘The Endless Winter; Surfing Europe.’ It may be called Endless but this documentary was a love affair with origins from the get go. Endless Winter is an exploration of how and why the European surf scene really came to be. It’s told through the narrative of those who pioneered Europe’s waves and sculpted its extraordinary surf scene and shown through the eyes of two guys (us) who weren’t part of the cultural movement but were captivated by it’s magic.

Here’s the trailer to give you a better idea of the film - https://youtu.be/x89lUXcYX8M

We’re now developing a slate of new feature docs and making a few shorter films exploring individual brand’s origins.

4. What’s been your best career highlight?

I think it has to be the success of our feature documentary series ‘The Endless Winter’. Both have screened internationally in cinemas and on TV sets and have picked up a number of awards. But most importantly they’ve resonated (and dare I say become cult hits) with the people that they represent; surfers.

5. What do you enjoy most about working at Studio 31?

It’s an amazing place to come to work everyday. I love the heart burning cycle up Park Street and the view looking back down. The building itself is full of very talented people who represent the cutting edge of Bristol’s music, art and film community. If there’s something new happening in Bristol we usually get a heads up!

6. What’s your favourite thing to do in Bristol?

I love just walking and cycling around Bristol and soaking it all in. There’s always something new to see, hear and dodge! I know it gets a lot of hype but for me the late night music scene in Bristol is world class and most of the best musical experiences I’ve had this year have been on home turf, from the Colston Hall to Lakota.

7. What’s your tipple of choice?

Sorry to be a media stereotype but I love a craft beer and have been royally swept along with the boom. We’re actually working on a film project with cider producers and enthusiasts at the moment and really good cider takes some beating too, but I can’t drink much of it, deadly!

8. What music is on your default playlist?

House and techno are the go-to sound of the office, a bit of Tales of Us to get the brain working in the morning, but we also listen to a lot of older music as most of our films focus on the 60s and 70s.

9. What gadget can’t you live without (excluding a phone)?

James would give you a better answer, as he’s the more tech minded. Personally, apart from cameras, I don’t really use gadgets. Give me two turntables a mixer and a box of vinyl and I’m happy for hours.

10. If you could pick any dinner guest, dead or alive, who would you pick and why?

Off the top of my head I think I’d say Marilyn Monroe. I’m sure I’d be lost for words and make a fool of myself but just to be in her presence and see her charm first hand would be pretty incredible.

Share this blog