Hi, I’m Sean, I make powerful, empathetic films with a social conscience, films with soul and integrity that inspire and engage. I’m passionate about documentary filmmaking and telling stories that focus on social action, the arts and equality.

 

I'm drawn to projects that build and support communities.  I regularly work with local charities, universities, public sector organisations, community groups & international NGO’s, as well as freelancing for TV documentaries.  My work has screened on BBC1, BBC3, ITV1, ITV4, C5, Sky Sports, TNT, Al Jazeera, Discovery and other international broadcasters.

 

With 20 years experience as a Lighting Camera Operator, Self-Shooting Director & Editor, I’ve worked across the industry, from broadcast sports to docs and commercials.  I also worked as an Assistant Director on TV dramas & feature films including 'This is England' and 'Apocalypto'.  I was a company director at Seal Films in Manchester for 9 years before starting my own solo business that would give me the freedom to work on the projects I’m truly passionate about.

A well-crafted documentary approach provides a powerful, authentic means of communicating human stories that resonate and move audiences.   As a filmmaker I pride myself on carefully listening to those stories first, building mutual trust, developing strong relationships and supporting contributors through a process which is usually outside their comfort zone.  I have a lot of experience of working with vulnerable individuals and groups where it is paramount to be sensitive to their needs over and above the end goal. I also believe this ethical, sometimes collaborative approach, leads to a more profound result in the final work.

 

In my work with arts, theatre and community groups, I work with children and young people to make short films, teaching filmmaking skills and providing mentoring.  In recent years, I‘ve produced and directed a number of animated short films for the University of Sheffield and the NHS, as well as collaborating with academic researchers to translate their research into documentaries for broader consumption, which is a challenging and rewarding process.

 

My films have been screened at film festivals worldwide, receiving multiple nominations & several awards. I’ve lived and worked in South America, filming commercials, humanitarian films and documentaries.  I am fluent in Spanish and have worked in a wide range of challenging environments around the world including jungle, deserts, informal city settlements  and with isolated, indigenous communities.

 

I own all my own kit, including the Sony FX9 and A7S3 cameras, lighting, sound, gimbal and grip gear. 

 

I would love to hear from you if you want to discuss a project or collaboration, please drop me a line at info@seanlovell.com