Philip Clyde-Smith
Philip is a freelance film director and editor who entered the industry over ten years ago as a runner in a post house in London for long form documentaries. He then moved into music videos as a director and now commercials and branded content. He is a strong visual storyteller utilising the skills he has learnt as an editor. He is efficient, creative, calm and confident on set whether directing a high end commercial or an intimate and sensitive interview for a documentary. He takes a lot of satisfaction from the variety of his work and always gives every job everything he has resulting in regular repeat commissions from clients. He has also recently moved into fiction based film making with three successful short films this year and looking to develop a feature in the next few years.
“I think filming is about relationships and collaboration more than anything. I've learnt that ego has no place."
Tell us about your path to setting up your business and what motivated you?
I was told one piece of advice that has stuck with me over the years: Of course you need talent but really what you need is perseverance. Just never give up. Ever. Even if you don't reach your goals until you're 70.
How do you work and what is a typical day like for you?
I work a lot from home which is in Jersey now. Then I will travel abroad either to the UK or else where for shoots and meetings. When not pitching for work I am constantly keeping in contact with production companies and producers. It be good to get to work here in Jersey. I find it a very creative place to be.
What are the best parts about your business?
Working with a client on a film project and delivering more than they expected or dreamed. I think filming is about relationships and collaboration more than anything. I've learnt that ego has no place.
What has been your greatest struggle as a business owner so far?
Battling my ego. Only joking. It's the constant networking that I should be doing all the time.
What has been your biggest a-ha moment so far?
There's not been a real a-ha moment perhaps when we have tried a particular filming technique and it's worked.
