Watch ‘Isolation’ – a New Short Film by Creative Director, Henry West
There’s no doubt about it, 2020 was an incredibly challenging year on people in all corners of the earth. Whether you were in the midst of lockdown, lost someone to COVID-19, or struggled with the repercussions on your own mental health, it’s safe to say, the year 2020 was a year like no other.
UK born Creative Director, Henry West, was not exempt from the blows of 2020. Late last year Henry lost a close friend to SADS in the midst of a tough national lockdown. In processing this loss, Henry took to the tools in creating this masterpiece short film titled ‘Isolation’. His goal – to inspire others and give them hope through this trying period.
We’re excited to be teaming up with Henry for the release of this film, as it embodies many of the elements we cherish at Waves of Wellness – surfing, the outdoors, the spirit of adventure, and the importance of connection.
In the lead up to the film’s release, we caught up with Henry to find out the true inspiration behind it. Here’s what we had to say…
Life as a filmmaker
As a filmmaker and Creative Director, you’ve been involved in some incredible films over the years. What is it about your job that you love? What are the most memorable moments?
Thanks for your kind words. I love the creativity and I love the freedom. I have been fortunate enough to capture some of the most influential artists in the world in which I can relate specifically back to a project for ‘fun’. For me, one fun project that paved the way, was a video I created about a surf trip around Europe with a friend. There’s nothing I enjoy more on this planet than surfing in the ocean and travelling the world with good mates. The video was then seen by a Design Director at Adidas, which led to me capturing Kanye West, Karlie Kloss and Pharrell Williams to name a few.
Fun
By the looks of things, you had so much fun creating this film. What was the process like, and what does the aspect of fun mean to you?
We did have fun! Laurie, the talented filmmaker I directed this film with, joined me for a week in the bus. We drove from LA down through Southern California and into Mexico. All of my most impactful projects have been fun fuelled. As we mature, we tend to lose touch with enjoyment. It sounds ridiculous really, that’s because it is. Everyone gets very focussed on their careers and achievements without considering whether they’re having a good time. This was a passion project that started with a spontaneous idea of purchasing an old school bus and converting it into an off-the-grid studio. I am always filming my lifestyle wherever I may be, as I know that at some point in the future I will put the media to use. One thing led to another and I cherished the opportunity to create a film for your great cause at WOW.
People
There’s no doubt about it, this is an extremely emotive piece – where did all that inspiration come from?
The spark that ignited the fire to create this film was the passing of a good friend. Seb was an extremely talented filmmaker who created stunning films for many years. He was the backbone to one of my most expressive films and I can’t thank him enough for inspiring my brother and I immensely over the years. When he passed, I had the burning desire to release a project that he would love and dedicate it to him, so here we are! We build connections with many humans throughout our lives, treasure that electricity and learn from each other. Even for those people you don’t meet, a simple smile in the street or comment on social media can all inspire one another.
Stepping out of the comfort zone
This film speaks a lot to young men, many of which we work with in our programs with Movember. What is it about the outdoors that makes it easier for men to open up? How do you hope this inspires important conversations amongst men?
As men I believe our natural habitat is the outdoors where our ancestors would have been hunting the land. We don’t have to be out there hunting for food anymore but at least searching for fulfilment. The outdoors allows us to be free from our suit and ties, giving time to one another and a safe space to open up. I believe this gives men a breath of fresh air that they can achieve through your programs specifically, giving them inspiration and such a great network of people surrounding them.
Can you speak to what it's been like not being able to travel freely for you?
It’s been a different year most definitely however, change is compelling. Travel allows you to escape a routine, see something new and keep your mind fresh. You don’t have to take it to the limit as I did, adventuring all seven continents of the world. It can be as simple as walking a different way to work everyday. Slightly changing your route by foot, bike, skateboard, however it may be. You will see something different, something that you don’t expect, this will inspire you! When I am constantly on the move, it gives my brain the bandwidth to explore life creatively, without being burdened by a routine. Even when you are unable to achieve this through flying elsewhere, you can gain it from exploring your local area.
Sounds
The voice over adds an incredible depth to the film. What made you take that route?
The sound of waves caressing the shore, birds in the trees, children in the park, or just a pumping track in your headphones. Sounds really get me going! There are harmonies for all moods and I am constantly listening to something, focusing on how it makes me feel. When I need to relax my mind, the voice of Alan Watts has helped alleviate my stress for many years. During some of the toughest moments of my life, his voice has provided positive inspiration. I used his words in ‘Isolation’ to help the viewer float away to another frequency where they can relax and de-stress.
Creating
What is it about filmmaking that you love the most? The end result, or the creative process?
You don’t have to be Picasso or Hendrix to create a masterpiece for yourself. You’ll be surprised by how the most simple of activities can help you feel fulfilled. With filmmaking for yourself, you can do as you wish. There are no rules. Use your favourite track, favourite visual, try making yourself scared, be free with it! For me, creating videos or customizing products provide me with gratification. For others, I know that gardening and cleaning help. Painting a canvas, cutting the grass, mopping the floor, it’s all the same. Getting from one visual to another, you can see the process, see the completion, you can tick the box. Filmmaking is a giant jigsaw puzzle, figuring out which order to place the clips and sync the track. But when it’s done, damn it’s smooth and timeless. I can’t wait to watch my videos back in the future and remind myself or my offspring of the past!
Support
What do you hope this film does for people out there doing it tough at this time?
I hope that someone who is currently going through a tough time sees this video and gets inspired. Even if it’s simply a thought process, watching the visuals, believing there is a beautiful world out there to go and enjoy! Furthermore, if I can encourage someone to take up surfing, action sports or adventuring, then I know full well that will improve their mindset. It’s science, get the endorphins flowing and that rush of adrenaline, puts a smile on anyone’s face! If it’s not possible to access the ocean or even the outdoors at the moment, no worries! The other attributes may help you as they do for me, for example I get a buzz from watching other people enjoying themselves too. Such as a big swell hitting the coast in California, watching the surf community froth out there gets me amped!
What has been your personal experience of lockdown in the UK?
Here in the UK, we are in our third national lockdown which is testing everyone. The first lockdown was such a change in routine for us all, it was half refreshing, taking a step back, slowing our lives down. Through discussing with friends I found that many of us managed to learn something new or complete a challenge they’ve been putting off for years. I got into running as the weather was lovely in summer as well as progressing with my guitar playing. Additionally, I edited many travel videos which have been sitting on my hard drives, collecting dust. The second lockdown followed and there were less restrictions allowing everyone a little more freedom with work continuing for many and the weather still bearable. Now it’s dark, cold, wet and we’re into our third lockdown. Even though this one sounds the worst, we are now in the best position for battling this virus. The government has been administering an enormous number of vaccinations to the most vulnerable. We can beat this virus together, by following guidelines and keeping each other positive over frequent video call check-ins.
Any final words you want to express to your viewer?
Push through, we will get through this stage of our lives, stay strong. Although planning can be tricky at the moment, you can focus on simple aspects to your lifestyle that will have positive implications. Exercise for example, we are all able to exercise once a day, there is a reason for this, it helps. It may be hard to motivate yourself to go for a run but there are virtual classes online, grab a hula hoop, do some press ups, relieve that stress. You can improve your life in many ways, eat healthy, set some goals, look back at photo albums of good times. Most importantly, give your family members a call and see how they’re doing.
Henry’s film Isolation is dedicated to his good friend, Seb.
Written by Alex Harmon & Henry West