Front Row Films

30/08/2026

An amazing Abigail Sparrow creation tonight!

26/08/2026

Man, I’m exhausted!

Next!

23/08/2026

Well… that escalated quickly. 😂

After a bit of much-needed R&R, it was straight back into a week that can only really be described as bonkers.

Monday kicked off filming with Arctic Cabins, followed by a day back home editing on Tuesday.
Wednesday took me to Smithills Estate with the Woodland Trust, filming the burying of a time capsule, then Thursday it was off to Liverpool for results day.
Friday brought a brief appearance at home before Saturday saw me back on the road again, this time heading to Chepstow to film a band in Wales.

I eventually rolled through the front door at 3am Sunday morning. 😴

Cabins, conservation, results day, rock ’n’ roll and a LOT of miles in between.

That holiday feels like a very distant memory now…

Today’s plans? Absolutely bloody nothing. 😂🎥

16/08/2026

Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is… absolutely nothing.

When you work in a creative industry, it can be surprisingly hard to properly switch off. There’s always another film to edit, an idea buzzing around your head or, in my case, something happening in beautiful light that makes me instinctively reach for a camera.

But creativity needs space too.

So this week has been about beaches, sunsets, good food, a few drinks, family time and generally remembering that there’s a world beyond the edit suite.

Did I completely stop taking photos and videos? Of course not. I’m a videographer, not a bloody miracle worker. 😂

But I did stop working.

Rest isn’t wasted time. Stepping away gives you the chance to reset, notice things again and come back with fresh eyes and fresh ideas.

So my advice for my fellow creatives…

Sometimes you need to put the camera down, switch the computer off and give yourself permission to stop.

The next bit of great work will still be waiting when you get back.
You might just be better at it because you stopped for a while.

13/08/2026

Vikings, cameras… and now camping.

When I’m not filming, editing or embracing my Viking side, this is pretty much my happy place.

The new camping setup has officially had its first proper outing and, I have to say, I’m rather pleased with it. Van parked up, awning attached, proper bed, fairy lights (obviously), camping stove ready and the beach just down the road.

There’s something rather lovely about switching off, getting away for a few days and enjoying the simple things.

Although apparently “switching off” still involves taking rather a lot of imagery…
I’ll work on that bit. 🏕️📹

11/08/2026

One last job before a bit of R&R…

The weekend started up on the moors, filming and photographing an archaeological dig. Not a bad office for the day, although getting all the camera kit up there was certainly a little less glamorous than the view!

Plenty of filming, photography and fascinating history being uncovered, then it was time to pack the cameras away and head off for a few days of much-needed camping and downtime.

Although, as you’ll see in my next post, apparently I don’t travel particularly light for that either… 😂

03/08/2026

Some weeks are impossible to sum up in one sentence, and last week was definitely one of them.

There were two very different filming days. One was spent at beautiful Calke Abbey with the brilliant Emma Carter, capturing content in a stunning setting. The other was a complete change of pace, photographing, filming and flying the drone at Maxstoke Motocross, plenty of mud, noise and fast moving bikes!

The quieter moments were spent in the edit suite, working on films for the Woodland Trust Youth Project in Brighton, Belper Community Transport, and another project for Stef. Not quite as glamorous as standing in a field with a camera, but that's where the stories really come together.

Then, just to keep life interesting, I swapped the camera for my other hat and spent an evening playing a wedding with the Viking band.

No two weeks are ever the same, and that's exactly how I like it.

Now, where did I leave that coffee?

23/07/2026

🎬 Meet James
Videographer, drone pilot, 3D mapping wizard… and occasional bass-wielding Viking.

James is the creative brain behind Front Row Films. When he’s not flying drones or capturing footage that makes businesses look brilliant, you’ll probably find him with a bass guitar in hand playing in a Viking rock band. Yes, really.

Some useful facts about James:
•⁠ ⁠Videographer with a serious eye for detail
•⁠ ⁠Drone pilot who enjoys seeing the world from above
•⁠ ⁠3D mapping enthusiast (which sounds very cool because it is)
•⁠ ⁠Bass guitarist in a Viking rock band
•⁠ ⁠Equally happy listening to folk music or heavy metal
•⁠ ⁠Partial to a gin and tonic and lemon drizzle cake
•⁠ ⁠Husband, dog person and proudly “40-something”

In short, if you need someone who can film it, fly over it, map it, edit it and probably soundtrack it… James is your man.

🎥 Front Row Films
Where creativity meets a slightly unexpected soundtrack.

21/06/2026