To infinity and beyond is Toy Story icon Buzz Lightyear’s catchphrase – but clients looking for someone to turn their video vision into a reality are increasingly saying to Infinity...and Hitchin.
Town-based Film Infinity Video Production has strong links to the annual Rhythms of the World music festival, encapsulating two days of music and more into a bite-sized nugget to help promote the event, using its trademark time lapse techniques.
It’s a labour of love for directors Ian Miles and Chris Whitehead, who have helped capture the festival each year since 2011.
Even before they teamed up with the festival, they were fans of the event.
Chris said: “When it was a free festival in the town centre we would regularly attend with our families and friends – so we wanted to give something back.
“We hope our films will attract visitors to the town and festival.”
One project that has been seen by millions of film fans around the world was the London rooftops segment in the smash hit big screen take on the Paddington stories, but that’s just a small part of a very mixed portfolio.
Chris and Ian have both lived in the town since 1998 and were originally freelance photographers, building up the video side of the business as the technology improved and customers started to look for something extra.
“We are just about to start a massive project for a construction company – a safety induction film, bespoke for airport and harbour projects, which will involve many days filming and even more editing,” said Chris.
“The best thing about our job is being outside, working in unique locations with great people – no two days are the same.
“We have built up a good reputation within the construction industry. We are known to be good at what we do, getting it done quickly and safely.”
Construction companies in particular like the spectacular effect that time lapse presentation can provide.
“Because we have got very good at it, we do incorporate it in a lot of our traditional projects,” said Chris. “Clients like the quirky effect and it has become a saleable add-on to our video packages.”
Setting up at a festival or a construction site to get the footage for such a segment has to be planned like a military operation.
The duo call on freelance experts like animation and motion graphics ace Chris Rees and University of Hertfordshire graduate Talha Ahad, with sales and marketing manager Greg Stewart also playing a key role.
And even though they’re working with blue chip names, Film Infinity believes live is local – and, as well as continuing their commitment to Rhythms, they’re keen to work with North Herts firms.
Chris said: “We are continually growing the business and want to take on bigger, more challenging projects – and we would like to work with more local companies.
“We offer a free consultancy meeting, where clients can hopefully learn about what is involved in the video production process and get a clear idea of what can do for their business.”
You can see the distinctive review of the Rhythms weekend, and find out more about the firm’s work, online at www.filminfinity.co.uk.
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