Client: Hyundai / Mercury Prize
Featured artist: Michael Kiwanuka
Featured album: KIWANUKA
Production company: Somethin’ Else
Director: Manish Doolabh
Director of Photography: James Melrose
Camera format: Sony FS7 / UHD
Deliverables: Main film and 1:1 social content
Hyundai Mercury Prize Film
I worked as Director of Photography on this film for Hyundai and the 2020 Mercury Prize. Produced by Somethin’ Else and directed by Manish Doolabh, the project centred on British singer-songwriter Michael Kiwanuka and his third studio album, KIWANUKA.
Michael Kiwanuka was one of the twelve artists shortlisted for the 2020 Hyundai Mercury Prize. His album was subsequently named the winner, following earlier Mercury Prize nominations for Home Again and Love & Hate.
The project brought together music, branded content and editorial storytelling. Therefore, the cinematography needed to support both the identity of the Mercury Prize and the character of the featured artist.
Cinematography and Visual Storytelling
As Director of Photography, I worked closely with Manish to translate the creative concept into a clear visual approach. My role covered the cinematography, camera operation and practical decisions needed to deliver the film efficiently.
We captured the production in UHD using the Sony FS7. Its combination of internal neutral-density filters, professional recording formats and a versatile Super 35 sensor made it well suited to the production.
Throughout the shoot, I considered composition, lighting and camera placement together. This helped create consistent images while giving the director the coverage needed to shape the finished story.
You can learn more about my approach on my UK Director of Photography services page.
Filming for Digital and Social Platforms
In addition to the main film, the project required content suitable for social media. This included a square 1:1 version designed for use within social feeds.
Consequently, I protected the square composition while filming. Key details, eyelines and visual information needed to remain effective after the wider UHD image was reframed. Planning for both formats during production helped maintain the quality and impact of the cinematography across each version.
This platform-aware approach remains important for modern branded content. A single filming day may need to supply landscape, square and vertical deliverables without making the main film feel visually compromised.
I work as a Director of Photography across music, entertainment, branded content and television productions throughout the UK. If you need an experienced DOP for an upcoming production, please contact me to discuss the creative brief, filming dates and equipment requirements.
