What were some of your earliest experiences with videography, and how did they inspire you to pursue it as a career?

My journey as a filmmaker began in 2014 at the age of 13 when I first got my hands on a camera. However, it wasn't until I joined an after-school photo class that I truly fell in love with the creative process. Through countless hours of practice, photoshoots, and videos, I was able to hone my skills and develop my style. In 2019, my best friend Pika and I decided to launch our own creative agency, focused on photo, video, and graphic design, which allowed us to leverage each other's skills and bring our unique visions to life. But it wasn’t until I was encouraged to take the leap of faith and move from Slovenia to London to pursue my passion for filmmaking professionally. Since then, I've worked as a freelancer, having the opportunity to collaborate with incredible people, travel to amazing places, and work on exciting projects like this one!

What inspired you to create this short film?

Over the last year, Gareth and I frequently travelled to Slovenia. As we drove through the country, the beautiful scenery always inspired us, encouraging us to be creative and produce work that truly excited us. During some difficult times, especially since my mum passed away, creating content provided an outlet for us to express ourselves and find meaning in our experiences. Gareth has been a constant source of inspiration, always reminding me, and others, to stay true to our creative vision. That's why the film is about him, showcasing how travel, creative pursuits, and exercise can help us tap into our true potential.

How did you use sound to enhance the storytelling in this film, and what role did Sony's microphones play in that process?

In the film, sound played an essential role in enhancing the storytelling and creating an immersive experience for the viewers. We wanted to capture the ambient sounds of the Slovenian landscape, and Sony's ECM-B10 and ECM-G1 microphones were crucial in capturing these sounds with clarity and depth.

What was your favourite aspect of this project?

I loved how the process of this project brought together many creatives and great minds, and also some new friendships were born. It’s been so fun how we exchanged ideas and approaches throughout the filming, and it’s been great to see everyone learn new things from each other. As they say, 'if you want to go far, go together; if you want to go fast, go alone.' But in this case, I think we achieved both speed and distance because of our collaborative efforts.

In your opinion, what separates the Sony microphones from any others?

As someone who loves to travel light and create storytelling vlogs, I always look for equipment that is both compact and lightweight. That's why the ECM-G1 microphone is perfect for any adventure! What sets it apart from the rest, especially when paired with the ECM-B10, is the combination of features, including not having to use any cables, the noise cut filter and having full control where you want the sounds to come from!

What advice would you give to aspiring filmmakers on the importance of audio in storytelling and how to use microphones effectively?

Audio is a crucial part of any film or video project, and it's just as important as the visuals. Sound can set the mood, convey emotion, and provide important information to the viewer. That's why it's essential for aspiring filmmakers to prioritise audio in their storytelling. So, think about how you want sound to complement your story, and plan accordingly. And don't be afraid to try out different settings on a microphone - you never know what could end up working perfectly for your project.