CHRIS MOORE REVIEWS “THE STORY SO FAR “ DVD.

REVIEW OF ‘THE STORY SO FAR.’

 

There are many adages out there; you get the scene: wise sayings, meaningful truths and the like. There are two examples of this particular genre which come to mind. Why? Well let me tell you: they are printed on canvas and hang in my kitchen. One says ‘keep calm and carry on.’ The other says: ‘housework can’t kill you but why take the chance?’ Both, of course, are true in so many ways. But, let’s get to the heart of them. Calmness, in adversity, is a very noble trait. Avoiding risk is another prime example of practicality over possibility. Both, however, I would argue are subjective risks. I would ask you to bear this in mind when it comes to viewing ‘The Story So Far’ a biopic of the world famous rock photographer, Mr Nick Elliott, filmed by Mr Andy Blythe of ‘Aturnfilms’ (2023). Here is a film which is both thought provoking and desperate; a celebration of life and a cry for help; an articulation of a life well lived, and an acknowledgement of demons ever present. And, of course, the title of the film implies a consideration, at least, as to what is to follow. The entire premise of the film had me hooked immediately. It questions many assumptions I had believed applied tomy life. It grapples with conundrums via an exquisite articulation of the human condition. It is a beautiful, yet challenging, watch. You can hang as many adages on your kitchen wall as you like, profound or not, but you will probably select to use the word ‘displaying’ rather than ‘hanging’ after viewing this masterpiece.

So, what do we have? Essentially, in football parlance, we have ‘a game of two halves.’

In the opening few minutes, Nick is recorded as saying that he has ‘been looking for a proper job since 1979.’ By a strange quirk of fate, the exact same sentiment can be said of me, because in that year I entered the noble profession of teaching and stayed there until I retired. But there the similarities end: I did not have the balls to do something about it. Nick, on the other hand, did. As Nick mentions: for him ‘…the line moves all the time.’ This film is witness to that.

To keep the football analogy moving, the first part of the film, is a whistle-stop voyage through Nick’s formative years and the influences they had on him. Through a series of reminiscences with people who have featured in Nick’s life, ranging from friends, neighbours, his brother (who lovingly refers to Nick as a ‘maverick’,), work colleagues and show-business personalities, we get a glimpse of what it is that formulates his take on things. We are transported to various locations which have been a part of his life, and are regaled with stories about the significance of ‘Number 51,’ Peterborough Lido, privets, a ‘fourteen hour coffee’, not to mention useful advice on how to avoid the cross-country run at school, and contemplations on ‘…the moon and space and all that kind of stuff!’

The second emphasis of the film, however, is by way of a complete contrast. Presented in atmospheric episodic clips, this part recounts, with absolute frankness, what Nick refers to as the dark art or, to use Nick’s own words, the ‘…heavy shit.’ It is not my remit here to give you a blow-by-blow account of the exact nature of what is revealed, suffice to say that it is shocking, mind-blowing, and deeply upsetting, if you want it to be. So, I am not offering a spoiler alert; there is no need to. But, I will say this: what is presented before you is, without doubt, totally honest; almost brutal, fringing on the surreal yet ultimately life-affirmingbecause ‘…the chair slipped.’

As Nick himself states: it has ‘been a rough trip but a good trip’ and a trip that he would happily take again. Thank God for that.

Can I offer any criticism? Not really. I was left wanting more. I wanted to learn more about the enigma that is Nick Elliott; his hopes, his fears, his motivation, his spirituality and his reasoning. But, there’s the rub, as Shakespeare once put it. This is a film about the story so far. I hope that probably, possibly, there is a fantastic tale yet to be revealed. In other words, let’s hope there is more to come from this enigmatic and inspiring soul.

 

 

Christopher M. Moore, 

Author of ‘A Stroke Of Luck’, ‘Mrs Jay Meets The Creation Ratio’ and ‘Not Quite At That Level Yet.’

A massive big thank you to Chris for this wonderful review.

So glad you enjoyed the film Chris!

Nick Elliott Rock Art Photographer…

BACK ON A FILM SET AGAIN!

This last week saw the start of shooting for a brand new feature film from the studios of ATurn Films. Owner and Director Andy Blithe has invited Nick to produce the promo and advertising artwork for his latest production titled “Buying Time”

Shooting started the second week of November on location in Norwich at various parts of the city with the crew hooking up with Nick where they shot five scenes from early on in the movie.

The film is expected to take most of 2024 to shoot and produce most of the film will concentrated on various locations both in and out of Norwich, with a big cast coming from various parts of the UK to feature.

Andy has also asked Nick to be a part of the cast playing a cameo roll later in the movie to be film sometime in the spring of 2024.

“I came up with the concept of the story about 3 years ago. It explores several themes including the future of health and some linked conspiracy theories. ‘ Daniel Avery has lost his wife and child recently. As a result of some random dreams and some linked chance sightings, he investigates his suspicions. But little did he know how high and wide the corruptness goes, all for the usual money and greed and the power of those in higher places’ This feature film is my first one and it is my most ambitious project to date. However as people who know me, I will get it done and it promises to be a wonderful piece of work that is already starting to gain some interest. We are looking for backers to help with the film and would love to speak to anyone interested in getting involved”

Andy Blithe

Owner & Director at ATurn Films

Should be an exciting 2024 I think!

Nick Elliott Rock Art Photographer…

DOCUMENTARY GOES TO DVD!!

It’s here!

Just visit here to get your copy……

http://www.nickelliott.photography and click on the shop.

Hope you really enjoy it!

Nick Elliott Rock Art Photographer…

PETERBOROUGH TELEGRAPH GRABS STORY…

Well! The secret is out…

50 Years On The Job! new fine art book By Nick Elliott Rock Art Photographer.

The project was featured in a double page spread written by Peterborough Telegraph’s reporter Carly Roberts only a few days after my PR team wrote the story on social media

Just a start, I think a big thing is to come!

Thank you so much guys!

Nick Elliott Rock Art Photographer..

Make Sure You Keep Listening!!!!

The all new podcast shows are all starting to build, with Show (3) just added to the playlist. Make sure you become a regular listener to the podcasts as we are adding to them each fortnight with the latest interviews and guest.

Show (2) if you missed it!

Show (3) if you missed it!

To listen to all the new and old podcasts, along with interviews and Nick’s radio shows all you need to do is go here…

http://www.nickelliottpodcasts.com

Nick Elliott Rock Art Photographer

SLÁN GO FÓILL!

Slán go fóill, as they say in Ireland translates into the endearing phrase, ‘Goodbye, stay safe and see you very soon’, which is exactly what Nick and the elliottstudios team are planning for.

After a wrap was called for the very successful commissioned Irish Tour, shooting Simon Collins and his album collaborator, Kelly Nordstrom for album artwork and promo material, it’s now time for the team to head home and back into the studio where all the hard work starts.

Nick now has hours of editing and post producing over three hundred images taken on the Irish Tour. Each image can take up to an hour to post produce and bring it to the uniquely high, photographic fine art quality that is associated with Nick’s creations.

Prior to his departure, Nick and Simon discussed further collaborations, which will see Nick and the team travelling back to Ireland in the late Spring, Summer and Autumn, for further commissioned shoots for Simon’s next three albums. Simon is also keen for Nick to document an upcoming project between himself and his father, Phil Collins (lead singer and drummer for Genesis) which will take place in Phil’s hometown of Geneva, Switzerland.

“It’s been an amazing experience to work with two such talented musical geniuses and professionals. I’m looking forward to seeing the guys again and creating some more face melting art with them.” Nick Elliott.

Andy Blithe, who accompanied Nick to Ireland, took the opportunity to add more film footage to his documentary, ‘The story So Far’, chronicling the life of Nick due for release at selected cinemas and TV later this year.

THE BEAUTIFUL SOUTH

After arriving in the beautiful Republic of Ireland yesterday for a commissioned shoot with the talented musicians, Simon Collins and Kelly Nordstrom, it was an early call time for Nick today.

After checking the location of the shoot yesterday evening, it was time to prep the photographic equipment this morning, in readiness for this much anticipated shoot.

But first, Simon Collins, son of Phil Collins introduced Nick to the Collins family before a truly welcoming Irish Breakfast to start the day off in style.

“Myself and the elliottstudios team could not have had a better welcome from Simon, his family and Kelly. Our accommodation is top drawer and I’m blown away with how kind everyone is here. After getting here we went to meet the guys at Simon’s studio and had a pretty pucker meal afterwards.” Nick Elliott

Andy Blithe is also accompanying Nick in Ireland to continue ‘The Story So Far” documentary, chronicling Nick’s life story and his unique talent for producing photographic fine art of mainstream musicians within the music industry.

“I’ve pre recced several additional locations this morning. The original location is stunning but the surrounding area is fantastic with so many other photographic opportunities that we are spoilt for choice. It’s absolutely wonderful. The weather is squally, but it will add to the atmospheric images that I’ve story boarded for the shoot. Definitely going to get a few face melting shots today”. Nick Elliott

Follow nickelliott.info for live updates on Nicks Irish Tour

ELLIOTT STUDIOS PUBLISHING

elliottstudios is stretching its visionary wings and branching out to offer even more creative services.

After months of preparation, elliottstudios publishing is now up and running, and the elliottstudios team could not be happier with the results following all their hard work.

elliottstudios publishing has already produced several fine art books for commissioned projects, including Nick’s latest offering, ‘From Nothing To Kings Lynn In 30 Days’.

elliottstudios publishing will continue with the production of Nick’s fine art rock books, and has recently finished the publication of an exclusive edition that is crammed with Nick’s previously unseen rock images, and is part of the merchandise for his upcoming USA and U.K. Tours.

There are several other fine art publications that are being considered by elliottstudios publishing, including Nicks controversial XXX book due for release this year, containing some of his dark art genre.

“It’s worked so well, and has already generated some interest from potential clients. My vision for the future is all my fine art images will be displayed in publications generated by elliottstudios publishing”. (Nick Elliott, Rock Art Photographer)

Rhythmic Phrase…

Continue Story…

Nick has been fortunate enough to be featured in the much loved and well respected “ Rhythmic Lounge Magazine”

The November 2021 volume 91 issue of Rhythmic Lounge features a fantastic two page spread and cover shot of our favourite rock art photographer discussing his latest exploits and up-and-coming projects for 2022.

Rhythmic Lounge Magazine, is a must read print and digital publication produced by the talented Chantel Atkins in New York USA, and has a worldwide circulation.

It contains all the latest news and info in music, entertainment and entrepreneurship to help you stay in the loop with the latest artists, creatives and talent from around the world.

To read the article about Nick

http://www.trlmagazine.com

“ Thank you so much Chantel for inviting me once again to be part of this wonderful publication”

Nick Elliott Rock Art Photographer

Q & A. PART 12…

Q1. What is the one thing that you know now that you wished you knew when you were 20 years old? (Jason D. Essex UK)

A1. It’s not wrong to be different and be your true self. (Nick Elliott)

Q2. How do you improve your photography over the years? (B Angus Lincoln UK)

A2. My photography has improved because I no longer care, because caring means conforming and I have never conformed creativity to anything in my life. (Nick Elliott)

Q3. What does producing your images mean to you? Great fan of your work. I’m looking forward to seeing your Dark Art. (D Ellis London UK)

A3. The importance of my work to me, is immeasurable really. Each image is an expression of emotions, feelings, attitudes and moods. It’s an addiction rather than a want, to produce art, and when I can’t it makes me restless. ( Nick Elliott)

Q4. What type of cameras and lenses do you use? (JD Barker Norfolk.UK.)

A4. I’ve always used a combination of Canon, Roliflex and Mamyia cameras. My lenses are Canon EF. (Nick Elliott)

Q5. Can you tell me what tools you use to post produce and edit your images? What makes you realise you have a great image? (H Graeme. Hindleveston. UK)

A5. I edit through Photoshop. I always do 2 edits, first one to chop out the shit and the second to narrow it down tighter to see if the image will work as I initially saw it. When I see the shot I normally see it in black-and-white, not all images work in colour and vice versa. The image is about a statement and style and that interpretation can get lost if not post produced correctly. It’s about a deeper understanding of shadows, light, subjects, angles and individual style.

“Although Photoshop is the tool I use to edit and post produce my images, my eyes and sense of connection with my art and surroundings, delivers the message I want to convey”. (Nick Elliott)

Thank you for all your questions. Nick loves to answer them. If you have a question for Nick please send it to benicebond@icloud.com

MEMORIES ARE MADE OF THIS

Rock art photographer Nick Elliott and Andy Blithe, CEO, director and producer of Aturn Films, took a trip back to Nick’s hometown of Peterborough to continue the filming of ‘The Story So Far’, a documentary based on the unique life of Nick.

The emotional visit started at Nick’s family home in Stanground. Once noticing filming taking place , the owners of the property kindly invited Nick inside to walk the familiar floorboards and stand in his childhood bedroom where all his dreams of photography began. Outside Nick was thrilled to meet his old next door neighbours who still reside there and have seen many changes to the street.

Filming continued at Nick’s Secondary School, the Stanground Academy. It was here that Nick met up with fellow photographer and old friend, David Lowndes. The pair had lots to reminisce about from their editorial photography days when they worked side by side at East Midlands Allied Press. David did a photo shoot to accompany Nick’s interview for the local publications, ‘Peterborough Today’ and ‘Peterborough Telegraph’. Nick was honoured to be invited back to visit the Stanground Academy in the near future to deliver an inspirational lecture to its students.

No trip down memory lane would be complete for Nick, without visiting the Peterborough Lido, Peterborough’s historical open air swimming pool. Although the pool itself was closed to the public, Vivacity kindly organised for Nick to enjoy a private visit. Nick was an expert swimmer, and was even considered to represent the UK in the 1972 Munich Olympics. His swim training and abilities all started at the Lido under the watchful eye of his dad and several professional coaches.

The last stop of the day was a visit to the East Midlands Allied Press building, where Nick’s career began as a editorial photographer for the local newspapers and magazines.

It was a successful day of shooting ‘The Story So Far’. Many thanks to Nick’s PA, the capable Annie Brookes for her organisational skills to make this day a triumph. Listen to Nick talk in greater depth about this exciting and sentimental day in upcoming posts.

READ ALL ABOUT IT

John Kerrison, a freelance photojournalist for Norfolk Magazine and Norfolk and Suffolk Magazine publications , caught up with our favourite rock art photographer Nick Elliott, at Brundall Bay Marina for a swashbuckling interview onboard Norfolk’s almost famous Penthouse 2 boat.

John has interviewed Nick several times previously for the Norfolk publications, however there was still much to talk about with all Nick’s new and upcoming projects.

Further information will be released shortly regarding the dates of publication so you can read all about it.

“Great to see my dear friend again. John is very good at what he does, so I know it will be a mean interview.” Nick Elliott.