This June, Gentleman’s Journal and David Gandy took to the Thames to create their very first short film. Titled ‘I am The Smart Commuter’, and showcasing the incredible amphibious abilities of Iguana Yachts, the project is suave, smooth and an impressive directorial debut from Gandy. But the production wasn’t all smooth sailing…
Despite the summer setting, the production crew had to battle torrential rain all morning in June to get the shots they needed. And, to make matters even more confusing, the film wasn’t shot in chronological order because the tides of the Thames would have appeared at the wrong levels in the final cut. Instead, the project shot almost in reverse.
The crew dealt with the problems the weather presented handsomely – even the Director of Photography, who revealed that he couldn’t swim – and they even carried on when the camera almost tumbled off the boat and into the Thames. In fact, the most reliable piece of kit on set all day was the Iguana Yacht, a feat of engineering that David Gandy said ‘people couldn’t stop looking at’.
Star Simon Clark can be seen drinking an espresso in one of the early shots, and it was just one of many coffees needed on the day of shooting as the crew had to be on their toes from 5am in Putney, to 9pm in Central London, capturing every shot that they needed for the finished product. But actors and crew alike were also fed by Potage, who supplied the incredible food on set to keep everyone alert.
Become a Gentleman’s Journal Member?
Like the Gentleman’s Journal? Why not join the Clubhouse, a special kind of private club where members receive offers and experiences from hand-picked, premium brands. You will also receive invites to exclusive events, the quarterly print magazine delivered directly to your door and your own membership card.
