I worked as Director of Photography (DOP) on Take That’s Greatest Days: 30 Years in the Making. RWD Films produced the feature-length music documentary, with Stuart Hackshaw directing. ITVX premiered the 72-minute programme in June 2023. It accompanied Greatest Days, which turns Take That’s much-loved songs into a musical story.
The documentary celebrates the band’s remarkable three-decade relationship with its fans. It explores the making of Greatest Days through interviews, personal memories and behind-the-scenes access. Gary Barlow, Howard Donald and Mark Owen appear alongside Alesha Dixon, Calum Scott, Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins. Together, their stories show how Take That’s music continues to connect with audiences across the UK.
As Director of Photography, I helped establish a warm, cinematic style for the documentary. The images needed to support its celebratory tone while keeping each contribution honest and personal. I used considered compositions, natural-looking lighting and a flexible approach throughout filming. The photography also had to sit comfortably alongside archive footage and material gathered across the wider production.
Music documentaries need strong visuals, but they also need trust and authenticity. The camera and lighting should help contributors relax and share their stories naturally. I balanced visual consistency with the speed and flexibility required during a feature-length factual production. This approach gave the editor varied material while preserving the warmth of each interview and sequence.
The programme now forms part of my television and documentary portfolio. Other credits include The Secret Life of the Zoo and MOTDx for BBC Sport. I work across Newcastle, Manchester, London, Glasgow and throughout the UK. I provide cinematography for documentaries, factual television, branded content and commercial productions. Camera, lighting, sound and licensed drone packages are also available when required.
For documentary and television enquiries, contact me to discuss your production, filming dates and technical requirements.
