The Baillie Gifford Prize for Non-Fiction (2021)

Client: The Baillie Gifford Prize
Commissioned by: Preference Studio for The Baillie Gifford Prize for Non-Fiction 2021
Production Company: Preference Studio
Production Partner: N/A
Featured Talent: Cal Flyn, Lea Ypi & Olivia Sudjic
Filming Location: London & Surrounding Areas, United Kingdom
Equipment: Sony FX6 with Sigma Prime Lenses
Format: 16.9 for online distribution   

As part of The Baillie Gifford Prize for Non-Fiction 2021 shortlist campaign, Yohan Forbes provided on-location camera operation services for a series of author interview films directed by Stephen Raynes and produced by Preference Studio.

The videos featured shortlisted writers Cal Flyn, discussing Islands of Abandonment and Lea Ypi, author of Free: Coming of Age at the End of History.

These promotional pieces formed part of the official Baillie Gifford Prize media rollout  distributed through the Prize’s online channels to celebrate and contextualise each author’s shortlisted work.

STRATEGIC INSIGHT

The Baillie Gifford Prize has long been one of the UK’s leading literary awards, championing works of narrative non-fiction that bring depth and empathy to real-world subjects.

Filming these authors provided an opportunity to contribute to the visual storytelling that surrounds the literary community using cinematography to reinforce the intimacy and intellect that underpin serious non-fiction writing.

WHY THIS MATTERS

For Yohan Forbes, this project exemplified craftsmanship through service supporting a major cultural institution by ensuring each author’s presence on camera felt authentic, natural, and human.

The filming required sensitivity to both subject and setting, balancing technical precision with quiet observation.

This collaboration reinforced Kumo London’s ethos: to lend authorship and care to every frame, even in supporting roles.

SERVICES PROVIDED

- Camera operation on multiple locations across London

- Lighting setup and scene composition for interviews

- On-set sound and sync coordination support

- Equipment management and camera data handover to Preference Studio

- Visual consistency supervision across author films

RELATED WORK

See more of our camera and technical work below:

- The Baillie Gifford Prize 2024 | Richard Flanagan: Author-led interview post-production, remote-directed and editorially mastered.

- Booker Prize Awards 2022 | Camden Roundhouse: Prestige event producer and camera operating services for one of the UK’s most recognised cultural awards. Delivered multi-camera DOP coverage and broadcast-grade edits, enabling agencies and literary brands to connect with global audiences through premium content. Ideal for agencies and brand teams seeking proven DOP and production services for literary events.

- Calouste Gulbenkian Civic Arts Award 2023 National documentary series celebrating social impact through the arts.

Need visual content for your campaign?

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