LEWIS TAYLOR
Hi, I’m Lewis, the director of our project, Luminary, with a passion for creating ways to escape into other worlds. I was drawn to this project as a big history and sci-fi nerd, wanting to bring to life a story visualising both the historical and technological atmosphere of scientific advancement.
With this project, I really wanted to portray the era. I got inspiration from other historical pieces, such as Sherlock Holmes and 1917 with their use of dim, candle lighting. I also wanted to emphasise the juxtaposition between Edison’s home and work life, changing the pacing and colour between scenes.
FRANKIE MILLER
Hi, I’m Frankie, the producer for Luminary. Much like the rest of the team, I’ve been a lifelong history buff and all-around nerd, and knew off the bat that, if we were to do a period piece about Edison's life, then we would need to make sure that the film looked as accurate to the 1870s as possible to truly immerse the audience in the story. As the film’s producer, I was tasked with securing the locations for film, recruiting the additional crew, and raising and managing the budget needed for cast, production design and any amenities to ensure the film looked as accurate to the times as possible, as well as ensuring the production as a whole stayed as on schedule as possible.
WILL HUNTER
Hello, I’m Will, and I had the honour of being the writer for Luminary. I have always been a history buff and this film was a great way to utilise that passion to tell a story.
Working on this film has provided me with a deeper understanding and love for storytelling and provided the crew and I with a real interesting and challenging opportunity. To tell a historical story and explore the contrast of two people’s lives and to write two people in ways that reflected who they were in reality.
GEORGE RUSSELL
Hello, I’m George, the director of photography for Luminary. I have been fascinated by history since I was young and enjoy learning about the past. I was drawn to the project because it not only showcases the process of creating the lightbulb but also explores Edison’s personal life and how his actions affected those around him – an aspect that often receives little to no attention. Through my visual storytelling, I aim to convey the emotions of both Mary and Edison by utilising light, colour and creative shot design.
JOE SIMS
Hey there, I’m Joe, and I’m the sound recordist and designer for Luminary. I’ve been a fan of sci-fi and history for many years now, so when the opportunity came, I knew this would be a great chance for me to expand my skills in sound design, especially in regard to the sounds that would’ve been heard around Edison’s lab. As well as being the one responsible for recording all the sound on set, I also handled the foley design and sound edit during postproduction.
BEN HOBSON
Hi, I’m Ben, the editor of Luminary. I have always been interested in learning how films were made, including historical dramas such as Luminary. It was an amazing opportunity to show the contrast between Edison’s work life and personal life with both editing techniques and colour.
And a special thanks to...
Andrew Zinnes - Executive Producer
Luke Howdle//Megan Kisiel-Reeve - 1st Assistant Director
Damian Winterbottom - Composer
Tom Bate - Gaffer
Jas Bellerby - Production Designer
Alicia Cochound//Anna Murphy//Yasmine Selma - Script Supervisors + Continuity Managers
Rhys Sankarsingh//Oscar Williams-Masters//Zhiana Thrankar - Assistant Camera Operators
Bethan Moore - BTS Photography