FILMMAKER FOCUS // CHRIS McCLEAN

Multi award-winning Director Chris McClean has been part of the LS/FF family since 2011 when his ground breaking film, ‘Uncommon Ideals’ claimed the accolade of Shortie of the Year.

It both set the bar for homegrown surf filmmakers and showed the surfing world just what a rich vein of talent exists on these shores. The film, created in conjunction with cinematographer Mark Waters went viral and scooped up awards and accolades around the globe, precipitating a commission by Channel 4 (Beyond the Scars)  and leading to a series of commercial projects and films as well as the highly acclaimed live A/V show Chasing Zero in partnership with longtime collaborator musician and composer CJ Mirra.

Chris McClean drinking in the morning sun.

Early one Saturday morning in Cornwall (sorry matey!) we caught up with Chris to unearth the secrets of just what makes a great surf movie and distill it into just 60 seconds. If you’re looking for a little inspiration for your own surf film project, check out our Filmmaker Focus with Chris McClean above. Entries to London Surf / Film Festival The Shorties 2019 close 9th September. For more info and and inspiration, hit the >> LINK.

Watch out Uncommon Ideals below, featuring music from UNKLE –  it never fails to give me goose bumps..

…Also there are plans in the pipeline… something special is coming… we can’t wait to talk about it…watch this space!

For more of Chris’s work head to chrismcclean.format.com