As I’m sure you’ve seen, we’ve recently announced a new documentary is to be released on Tuesday 9th December at 7PM on YouTube. The aim is provide a snippet of insight into the preparation for one of our recent games, what it’s like on match day, but also an insight into the club in general. We won’t say too much more though, in case we give too much away! Instead, we’ll leave you with the snippets sent out on social media already, and we’ll encourage you to watch the documentary for yourself. We think you’ll enjoy it though!
The documentary has been filmed, edited and put together by CloudSurfers. But, who are CloudSurfers?!
We spoke with Ed Anderson from CloudSurfers to get more information on the company itself, and also why they chose HHTFC for the new documentary!
Ed, for those that don’t know, who are CloudSurfers and what do you do?
“CloudSurfers is a group of TV professionals, specialising in all types of film production, with a keen eye on documentary, sport and drone work.”
“A little background might be useful. I’ve worked in factual TV for 30 years, initially as an editor, then as a producer and shooting director. The TV landscape is changing however. A lot of young people get their content online and the traditional terrestrial broadcasters are losing out or having to adapt. I set up Cloudsurfers as a response to that – to make films outside the traditional production houses and platforms. As most TV professionals are freelance, CloudSurfers is a loose band that can draw on all the skills we need, depending on the project. Charlie, our cameraman is an important part of the team and involved in most of our projects.”
Do you only work locally or do you cover areas further afield too?
“No, we’ll work anywhere in the world! Somewhere warm would be nice.”
What’s your favourite documentary or programme that you’ve been involved in and why?
“I’ve worked as a producer and series producer on several series of the Channel 4 show Hunted. I like the mix of footage, from CCTV and run-and-gun, to the slick studio coverage in HQ. That’s all fun to play with in the edit. Also there’s a lot of natural tension in the material that’s ideal for making stories.
I’ve also put together a couple of episodes of the Netflix F1 series Drive to Survive which draws tens of millions of viewers worldwide so I should give an honourable mention to that too.”
Would CloudSurfers be a company that can help local businesses within Haywards Heath and the surrounding area? If so, please tell us what services would appeal to local businesses and how you would benefit them as a business.
“Yes I would hope so. Ideally we’re looking for subjects to make long-form online films and series about but, we’ve also just done some drone work for a local tree-planting charity and made promos for a variety of websites and social media. There’s a lot of ‘insta-filmmakers’ these days but I like to think we can bring high end production values, and decades of experience to our work.”
What is the reasoning behind a documentary on HHTFC?
“Football clubs are perfect for documentary because they have a clear power structure that everyone understands. The chairman hires the manager, the manager chooses the team, and all are at the mercy of the fans and results. Those sort of dynamics are the source of all drama really, not just documentary. Plus you have the team winning or losing every week which adds or relives the pressure on the whole organisation.”
Why did you choose HHTFC?
“HHTFC is my local team and my son plays for the U13s so I have a natural Interest in the fortunes of the club. Plus Kev, his team and the players, were incredibly generous and open about letting us film them at work and in the dressing room – which I’m not sure would be the case at all clubs.”
What parts of the filming did you enjoy the most?
“I’ve always wanted to see what it’s like in a half-time team talk – so that was great.”
If you could choose one line from the documentary, what’s your favourite and who said it?
“Munsy had a few memorable lines but because I don’t want to swear on your website I’ll go with one from Harry Shooman who described Kev as ‘the non-league Pep Guardiola.’ High praise!”
If anyone would like to get in contact to discuss the services CloudSurfers offer, how’s best to contact you?
“They can contact us at cloudsurferstv@gmail.com. We also keep an eye on instagram and people sometimes message us on there when they see our work go out which is nice.”
If anyone reading thinks Ed and his team could assist them, please don’t hesitate to contact him on the above email address!
From all at HHTFC, thank-you for putting together the documentary and enabling us to answer a few questions that may explain decisions made over the recent years, along with the plans for the club moving forward!
We hope everyone who watches the documentary enjoys the insight it brings to our club.
Tuesday 9th December
7PM
YouTube
#HHTFC
