Whispers of Redemption: How to Make a Film in a Monsoon, Survive the Angriest Restaurant Manager on Earth, and Create Something Amazing (with Sunlight)
In picture (from left): Jenny Rowe & Ansu Njai. Unit Stills Photography by Simon Tang, AR Studios 2025. All Rights Reserved, 17 October 2023 - Brighton, England
If you’ve ever thought about making a film, here’s a tip: always assume the weather will hate you, and that the universe will find creative ways to challenge you at every turn. This was Whispers of Redemption, AR Studios’ first foray into filmmaking — and let me tell you, it was an adventure I’ll never forget.
Filming in the beautiful but sometimes temperamental Brighton & Hove, we were lucky enough to work with an incredibly talented team. But, as is often the case, the weather was anything but cooperative. Hail, rain, gusts of wind, and clouds darker than my mood after a four-hour traffic jam. It wasn’t until the very end of shooting that the sun finally showed its face, which seemed fitting, given the sheer grit of the team who braved the elements to get the job done.
Ansu Njai, who played Eric, and Jenny Rowe as Grace were absolutely stellar. Their performances, their commitment, and their chemistry were key to the film’s success. I can’t imagine this film without them — they were nothing short of brilliant, and they made every challenge we faced, from the weather to the location headaches, worth it. But, as any director will (should) tell you, it’s the crew that really makes or breaks a film.
In picture: Sarah Selvamohan. Unit Stills Photography by Simon Tang, AR Studios 2025. All Rights Reserved, 17 October 2023 - Brighton, England
Our DOP, Ash Connaughton, was a true pro. Shooting in the stormy conditions, with water and wind constantly testing us, Ash still managed to capture the raw beauty of the location and its challenging environment. His knowledge and easygoing nature made him a joy to work with. As for the First AD, Top Tarasin? Well, he’s a general. Adapting the schedule and making sure everything ran smoothly, despite the unpredictable chaos, was no small feat, and Top pulled it off with aplomb.
In picture (from left): Adam Thomas, Sarah Selvamohan, Nanni Mann, Laura McMillan, Top Tarasin & Vincent Taimiot. Unit Stills Photography by Simon Tang, AR Studios 2025. All Rights Reserved, 17 October 2023 - Brighton, England
Then, there was the location itself. We filmed in an old, former hotel that served as both a location base and a shooting spot for one of the key scenes. Negotiations to secure the place were long and drawn-out, but in the end, it worked out beautifully. The only downside? A certain restaurant we tried to take the crew to that was run by the world’s angriest manager. The weather was already making things difficult, and to make matters worse, the manager decided to make it an even worse experience. We had to pause filming a few times due to the weather, and at that point, the priority was simple: get everyone inside, warm, and with food and drink in their hands. I opened a tab immediately, no questions asked. The team, including Carrie the chocolate Labrador (who played Tango), and her lovely owner needed to be taken care of, and the bill be damned.
In picture (from left): Wendy Olver, Laura McMillan & Nanni Mann. Unit Stills Photography by Simon Tang, AR Studios 2025. All Rights Reserved, 17 October 2023 - Brighton, England
Wendy Olver, our costume designer and makeup artist, kept everyone warm and looking their best despite the freezing conditions. And Laura McMillan, our production designer, was a miracle worker. When the weather made it impossible to get certain shots, Laura got creative, problem-solved, and made sure we could continue filming, even if it meant thinking on her feet.
Emma Plumpton was also brilliant, as was the camera and electrical team. But let's talk about Vincent Taimiot, our gaffer. This guy was a soldier. He kept a hold of the windshield, and when the wind picked up ferociously I thought we might have to chase him across the English Channel. If you’re going to have someone in your corner during a storm, make sure it’s someone who can survive a gust of wind that could blow a lesser man into France.
In picture (from left): Wendy Olver, Vincent Taimiot, Ansu Njai, Ash Connaughton & Jenny Rowe. Unit Stills Photography by Simon Tang, AR Studios 2025. All Rights Reserved, 17 October 2023 - Brighton, England
Nanni Mann, our script supervisor, deserves a huge shout-out as well. She kept the continuity tight, and without her, I’m convinced the post-production team would have had my head. There was one particular shot, where Ansu, in full character, wades into the water and then stands looking at the horizon. A huge wave came crashing in, but Ansu stood firm, holding his ground as we kept rolling. Nanni and I exchanged a glance behind the camera — that was the moment I realized the weather might’ve been in on the whole thing. Maybe it was all just for this shot.
In picture (from left): Ranw Aso-Rashid, Maciej Londo, Top Tarasin, Adam Thomas, Nanni Mann, Wendy Olver, Laura McMillan & Sarah Selvamohan. Unit Stills Photography by Simon Tang, AR Studios 2025. All Rights Reserved, 17 October 2023 - Brighton, England
And, of course, there’s the unit stills photographer, Simon Tang. Simon’s work isn’t just about pretty pictures; his photographs tell a story. The stills from Whispers of Redemption capture the mood and the spirit of the film in a way that few other stills do. He’s an incredible talent, and we were lucky to have him. If you’re wondering about his credentials, well, you’ll be seeing more of his work in AR Studios’ The Silent Choice, which has already qualified for BIFA. If you need proof of his skill, just take a look at his photos.
Despite the challenges — the relentless weather, the difficult restaurant experience, and the logistical headaches — Whispers of Redemption turned out to be an incredible success. And that’s thanks to the whole team. The film was made because everyone, from the cast to the crew, pulled together, stayed focused, and kept their spirits high despite the storm. It wasn’t just about pushing through the challenges; it was about making something exceptional, no matter what the universe threw our way.
Would I do it again? Absolutely. But next time, I might just check the weather forecast.
In picture (from left): Laura McMillan, Sarah Selvamohan, Maciej Londo, Ash Connaughton, Top Tarasin, Adam Thomas, Ranw Aso-Rashid, Nanni Mann, Ansu Njai, Wendy Olver & Vincent Taimiot. Unit Stills Photography by Simon Tang, AR Studios 2025. All Rights Reserved, 17 October 2023 - Brighton, England
Ranw Aso-Rashid
Founder/CEO
AR Studios
