Posted on November 24, 2023
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…
Category: Art, Books, Conceptual Art, documentary film, Exhibitions, Film documentaries, International, International Office, Interviews, Media Coverage, Official Website, personal, Portfolio, Projects, rockumentary, rockumentarys Tagged: art, blog, film, fine art, interview, lifestyle, media, media coverage, media-coverage, online, personal, photo-doc, photographer, photography, pr, print, projects, quotes, rock, rock art photographer, social media, video
Posted on November 16, 2023
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…
Category: Art, documentary film, Featured image, Film documentaries, International Office, Portfolio, Projects, rockumentary, rockumentarys Tagged: acting, art, blog, cameo, film, lifestyle, media, media coverage, News, photo-doc, photographer, photography, pr, projects, rock, rock art photographer, TV, video
Posted on October 5, 2023
Well, Devon! It’s a bloody long way from Norfolk…
After receiving a call a few weeks earlier from my American agent, Lee Williams, about a new project with a dear colleague of his and mine. Alan West is a guy that I first met in Nashville in 2010. And he was putting together this new show that will be touring from the spring next year here in the UK.
I was asked to shoot some promo shots for the show on the day they were filming and promo VT that will accompany the promo shots leading up to the tour and beyond. It turns out that a theatre had been hired in a sleepy place in Devon called Honiton.
It turns out that it was a 9 am call time so I decided to leave Norfolk around about 12.30pm the day before after a 7 1/2 hour trip. I managed to find myself in Devon that evening.
Arriving at theatre around 8 am the next day, I found myself in the midst of what turned out to be a really exciting and enjoyable day. The show is titled ‘A Country Music Songbook’ and will be showcasing some of Alan‘s favourite and traditional Country songs representing the years that he has had in the business.
The show will be releasing dates in the spring of 2024. So make sure you keep tuning in to find out whereabouts they’re going to be and when you can see them.
A total of nearly 800 miles from Norfolk to Devon in just under 24 hours.
Ah well! It’s Rock n’ Roll!!
Nick Elliott Rock Art Photographer…
Category: Art, Country Rock Show, Featured image, Gigs, International, International Office, Portfolio, Projects, Shoot, USA Tagged: art, backstage, country, fine art, media, media coverage, music, Nashville, Norfolk, photographer, photography, rock, rock art photographer, shows, video
Posted on September 19, 2023
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…
Category: Art, Celebrations, Conceptual Art, documentary film, Featured image, Film documentaries, International, International Office, Interviews, Media Coverage, Official Website, Projects, rockumentary, rockumentarys Tagged: art, blog, film, fine art, interview, media, media coverage, media-coverage, News, personal, photo-doc, photographer, photography, pr, projects, rock, rock art photographer, TV, video
Posted on September 13, 2023
It’s here!
The new DVD is due for release before October 1st this year.
It’s been a long time coming, but it is eventually here and totally finished, and you’ll be able to buy the DVD on the nick elliott shop before the 1st of October ready to make that special Christmas gift.
This is the DVD version of the whole film from the documentary that we have been filming over the past 4 1/2 years documenting my life past, present and possibly a little bit of the future.
Following a very successful film premiere hosted in Norwich at the city’s famous Forum earlier in the summer, the film runs for one hour 10 minutes and it is presently being hosted and streamed by several of the biggest streaming networks on the planet.
You can own a copy if you were unable to come to the premier in May.
Vist: http://www.nickelliott.photography and click on the Nick Elliott Shop to purchase your copy.
I hope you enjoy every minute!
Nick Elliott Rock Art Photographer..
Category: Art, Books, Conceptual Art, documentary film, Film documentaries, International, International Office, Interviews, Italy, Media Coverage, Official Website, personal, Portfolio, rockumentary, rockumentarys Tagged: art, book, film, fine art, interview, lifestyle, media, media coverage, media-coverage, music, News, online, photographer, photography, pr, projects, radio, rock, rock art photographer, social media, store, TV, video
Posted on March 27, 2023
www.podbean.com/pi/pbblog-e2mks-d6ded0
The first of a brand new series of podcasts with special guests talking about special subjects and of course a lot of laughs and giggles along the way.
This week Nick is joined my radio Presenter and long time friend Chris Moore, where he talks about poetry and the 50th anniversary of the release of Nick’s favourite album of all time, Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon.
Category: Art, Books, Conceptual Art, Film documentaries, International Office, Interviews, Official Website, personal, Radio Show’s Tagged: apparel, art, backstage, blog, book, exhibition, film, fine art, interview, lifestyle, media, media coverage, music, News, online, personal, photographer, photography, portraits, pr, print, radio, rock, rock art photographer, shows, TV, video
Posted on May 13, 2022
Nick has been developing a virtual online gallery where a selection of his fine art images can be displayed in the most initiative way and reflect the quality of his creations.
Nick has chosen seventeen previously unseen images of guitar legend Earl Slick, from his Rockumentary project that lasted several years. Nick had been documenting Slick for a new publication, crammed full of professional, onstage and candid shots of Slick. Over the duration of the project the pair have cemented their friendship and endeavour to meet up every time Slick comes to the U.K.
The virtual gallery displays a small proportion of those images of Slick in a unique 3D virtual style. Nick plans to change the images every three months to keep his visitors captivated by displaying his fine art rock images and some of his new conceptual pieces.
“I think this is a great way to display and promote my fine art. I’ve been looking to do this project for a long time and have found the perfect suitable platform, that does justice for my work.” Nick Elliott.
To enter the gallery and see for yourself some of Nick’s iconic unseen fine art visit https://publish.exhibbit.com/gallery/747199486089968736/solo-gallery-91020/
Category: Art, Books, Collections, Conceptual Art, Exhibitions, Featured image, Galleries, International, International Office, Media Coverage, Official Website, personal, Portfolio, Projects, Shoot Tagged: americana, art, blog, book, exhibition, fine art, media, media coverage, media-coverage, News, online, photographer, photography, projects, rock, rock art photographer, shows, social media, video
Posted on May 6, 2022
Nick and the elliottstudios team have been working flat out to prepare for a very special exhibition showcasing some of Nick’s most outstanding fine art images. The exhibition will include narrative from Nick, and filmed by elliottblithefilms. It will be predominantly designed for broadcasting across the USA via Nicks USA Representative to selective galleries. However the finished video can be viewed in the U.K. at a later date.
The exhibition will be recorded at an undisclosed location at the end of the month. It will display a large amount of Nick’s fine Art images, including some that have been carefully chosen from his unseen archive.
“ This is a really special exhibition experience. It allows the elliottstudios to showcase my work in a very unique way that will be kicking”. ( Nick Elliott)
As previously stated Nick’s U.K. fan base and fine art collectors, need not worry about missing out, as they will have the opportunity to see the exhibition at a slightly later date.
Category: International Office Tagged: advertising, americana, art, blog, book, exhibition, film, fine art, interview, media, media coverage, media-coverage, News, photographer, photography, portraits, pr, print, projects, rock, rock art photographer, shows, social media, store, TV, video
Posted on March 1, 2022
Nick has packed his bag and is headed to the Emerald Isle today as his Irish Tour kicks off to a rather frisky start at Luton Airport.
Staff at Luton Airport took such a shine to Nick and his unique attire that they insisted that he take it all off going through customs, much to the amusement of the elliottstudios team.
Nick is being commissioned by Simon Collins to shoot his new album artwork and promo material at various locations around the Republic Of Ireland near the musicians hometown. Simon, the British-Canadian drummer and lead vocalist of the talented rock band Sound of Contact and son of Genesis drummer and singer Phil Collins, contacted Nick for this very special shoot.
Simon and his album collaborator, and fellow Sound of Contact band member, Kelly Nordstrom an award winning Canadian guitarist, will be the subjects of Nicks commissioned shoot, to the wonderful backdrop of the breathtaking and magical landscape of Ireland.
Simon and Kelly have forged a notable and award winning reputation within the music business and continue to work with many mainstream music artists, including Genesis.
Simon has been busy during the lockdown period producing his latest album which has had a cathartic effect on him. The album comes from Simons experiences of personal hardship and struggle during various life changing events, including his divorce and band break up.
Nick has taken his studio team with him, including Andy Blithe, to document the Irish Tour and contribute to the fly on the wall documentary, The Story So Far, documenting Nicks life, produced and directed by Andy. The duo will also be broadcasting live podcasts.
Nick and Andy will be meeting Simon and Kelly later tonight at Simons studio and home, then it’s all off for a well deserved meal and a Guinness or two
Shooting starts tomorrow. Keep your eyes peeled for live updates on nickelliott.info
Category: International Office Tagged: art, backstage, blog, interview, media, media coverage, media-coverage, music, News, online, personal, photographer, photography, podcast, pr, progressive rock, projects, radio, rock, rock art photographer, shows, social media, video
Posted on February 8, 2022
You can now listen to Nick and Andy talking nonsense in a new ‘2 Go Mad In Norfolk’ podcast.
Nick and Andy, producer of Aturn Films, have been filming the ‘2 Go Mad In Norfolk’ series over the last 18 months, and have now developed it into an amusing, lighthearted podcast, where the boys can be heard giving their opinions on the serious issues of bondage, home-cooked chips, popular sayings, ailments and the U.K. weather, to name a few.
To listen to the podcast go to –
‘2 Go Mad In Norfolk’ on Facebook
‘2 Go Mad In Norfolk’ on Spotify
In the meantime the filming for the popular ‘2 Go Mad In Norfolk’ series continues, for release later this year on selected platforms, which sees this lovable duo travelling around Norfolk visiting the lesser know attractions that this wonderful county has to offer, talking to the Norfolk locals and creating laughter and mayhem wherever they go.
“It’s not for the faint hearted, more for the open minded! It’s great fun doing this with Andy, we have a lot to talk about.“ Nick Elliott. Rock art photographer.
Category: 2GoMad in Norfolk, Art, Film documentaries, Gigs, International Office, Interviews, Media Coverage, Official Website, personal, Projects, Radio Show’s Tagged: blog, interview, lifestyle, media, media coverage, News, online, photographer, pr, projects, radio, rock, rock art photographer, shows, video
Posted on February 8, 2022
A brand new collaboration between award winning film producer Andy Blithe of Aturn Films, and Nick Elliott, world renowned rock art photographer, has now been launched.
Nick and Andy are excited to announce the development of Elliott Blithe Films, a full service production agency that is already gathering interest from prospective clients across the U.K. Nick and Andy each take on the combined roles of Director/Producer within their new media production company.
“We work really well together and each of us bring different but essential skills to this new organisation. We film and edit together which I find incredibly creative.” Nick Elliott. Rock art photographer
Elliott Blithe Films are expertly equipped to produce high quality documentaries, TV ads, social media ads, feature length films, short films, music videos, advertising and marketing campaigns and social media links. The production agency is set to expand its content creation as it develops over the next several months.
Elliott Blithe Films have already been involved in several small successful projects, as well as producing their own ‘2 Go Mad In Norfolk’ series, due for release this year on selective platforms.
The concept and development of Elliott Blithe Films has been over a two year period. The agency has been sourcing state of the art equipment to ensure quality filming and editing, and Andy is now a qualified drone pilot, for all the unique aerial filming. Elliott Blithe Films gives assurance to its clients to deliver a truly distinctive, diverse and professional service that guarantee a quality creative production and positive results, bringing content creation to life.
For more information about Elliott Blithe Films, its services, and how it can help your corporate organisation or individual commissions contact-
Email: Studio@elliottblithefilms.com
To speak to Andy or Nick directly about your requirements call…. Andy- 07467066880 or Nick- 07881650883
“This is so exciting! We have already completed several small projects which were a total success. I’m looking forward to expanding the production agency in the near future. The dynamics between Andy and I are very good which helps to produce excellent results together.” Nick Elliott. Rock Art Photographer
Category: 2GoMad in Norfolk, Affiliations, Art, Collections, Conceptual Art, Featured image, Film documentaries, International, International Office, Interviews, Media Coverage, Official Website, Portfolio, Projects, rockumentarys, Shoot, USA Tagged: acting, advertising, art, film, fine art, interview, lifestyle, media, media coverage, media-coverage, music, News, Norfolk, photographer, photography, pr, projects, rock art photographer, social media, TV, video
Posted on January 15, 2022
To view the full range!
“ I’m really pleased to be part of this association with this brand-new company. The quality of the shirts are second to none. Custom Clothing will be producing all the tour apparel before and during the tour.
Nick Elliott Rock Art Photgrapher
Category: Affiliations, Art, Books, Celebrations, Collections, Conceptual Art, Exhibitions, Featured image, Film documentaries, Galleries, International, International Office, Interviews, Official Website, Portfolio, Projects, Rock Apparel, Shoot, USA Tagged: americana, apparel, art, backstage, blues, book, exhibition, film, fine art, lifestyle, media coverage, music, News, Party Time, personal, photographer, photography, pr, projects, quotes, rock, rock art photographer, shows, store, t-shirts, TV, video