Newsletter #4 - Beyonce and New Years Rors-alutions
Hey! Rory here.
With the year finishing up, celebrations in full swing, and Spotify Wrapped reminding me of my questionable music choices (yes, I’ve been bopping to Beyoncé… a lot), it’s hard to imagine being excited about work. But for me, it’s been an incredible ride. Curious about what keeps me energized and motivated? Let’s Unwrap what’s been happening at Machine and the New Year’s resolutions I’m taking on.
OneVentures Content Shoot
This was a big one for the team. We pulled off a jam-packed day of filming for OneVentures, creating a series of interviews. Sam spearheaded pre-production and ensured everything was seamless. The challenge? Completing twelve interviews in a single day—all while helicopters buzzed overhead prepping for King Charles… Thanks mate.
On such a fast-paced day with many challenges, having a solid team is essential. Hugh brought his DOP expertise, framing every shot to perfection—and indulging my curiosity as I pestered him for tips on shot composition (yes, that’s definitely going on my New Year’s resolution list). Damo worked his magic behind the scenes, wrangling footage, backing it up in real time, and even starting selects on the fly—but that's what you expect from a speedster like him! And of course, Sam ensured everything stayed on schedule while capturing every crucial moment. Together, we clicked like a well-oiled machine.
Charlotte’s Wish
This project was heavy but rewarding. Machine teamed up with the Daily Telegraph to produce a documentary about teen suicide, a sobering but vital topic. I had the privilege of being deeply involved in the editing process alongside Sam, who captured the footage, and Damo created some detailed map animations to emphasise the scale of the issue.
This wasn’t an easy journey. There were tears and late nights. But through collaboration, constant check-ins, and unwavering commitment to the story, we created a piece that transformed despair into hope. It’s a story that matters. If you’d like to watch, you can find it on The Daily Telegraph website.
Glued: What I’m Watching
After intense days at Machine, nothing beats coming home to a home-cooked meal that your housemates have made, sinking into the couch, and losing myself in a great show. Recently, I’ve been hooked on The Day of the Jackal. It’s a gripping cat-and-mouse story packed with high-impact action and some seriously cool gadgets (camera operators, take note: a sniper on a gimbal is pure gold). I’ve yet to read the book or watch the 70s original, but that’s a 2025 resolution: read more.
The show isn’t perfect. Without giving too much away, some character arcs take a puzzling turn toward the finale. Hopefully, the second season will provide some clarity. Still, it’s an entertaining watch—just make sure your housemates don’t catch you bingeing ahead of them. Trust me, I felt like they were giving that killer Eddie Redmayne stare. But all fixed by cooking up a feast the next day while they catch-up whilst waiting for dinner.
Wrapping Up the Year
This year has been monumental for Machine. From officially launching the company to moving into a new office and tackling an incredible lineup of client projects, it’s been non-stop. None of it would have been possible without the fantastic team that makes up Machine.
As we head into 2025, I’m more excited than ever to see what’s next.
Bring it on!
