Project —

I was approached by a client-friend in the industry to help Sydney-based alternative rock band Breakaway bring their latest single to life. The track marked a shift toward a more evolved, mature sound for the band.

Working with a modest $500 AUD budget, the band travelled to Brisbane for a one-night shoot at my home in Carindale. We converted a our double garage into a blackout performance space using black sheets, foil-covered windows, and hardware store lights to create a gritty, reactive lighting setup that reflected the energy and tone of the track.

Throughout the evening, I operated handheld alongside second shooter Chris Morris (Breeder), using two Sony A7S cameras to capture over 200 takes across five band members. Lighting and camera movement were performed live to maintain a high-energy, organic feel.

In post-production, I developed a stylised reverse particle rain effect in After Effects to amplify the mood and add atmospheric texture. This allowed me to enhance the visuals efficiently while staying within budget and meeting the band's single release deadline.

The final clip was well received by fans, gaining over 42,000 views. It supported the band’s momentum as they continued to evolve their sound and grow their following. Breakaway had previously supported acts such as Taking Back Sunday and The Used, and this video helped solidify their place in the Australian alt-rock scene.

Project role:

Director, DOP, editor, VFX, Grade