David Campion’s directorial debut, Straight Through Crew, produced by the newly founded Black Math Pictures, takes viewers into the world of rural hedonism. Set on Christmas Eve, the story revolves around a group of friends preparing for a village rave, but what starts as a festive night soon devolves into a boiling cauldron of simmering tensions, fueled by substances and unresolved emotions.
Black Math Pictures: Shaping British Storytelling
Black Math Pictures is a British production company founded in 2022. Its debut feature, Straight Through Crew, marks the beginning of a bold creative journey. . Black Math prides itself on contemporary British storytelling, with style, feeling and teeth. A representation of working class ambition.
Charles Craddock’s Groundbreaking Performance as Aden
At the core of Straight Through Crew is Charles Craddock’s outstanding portrayal of Aden. Drawing from his own background growing up in the same region depicted in the film, Charles infuses his character with authenticity and vulnerability. Charles and David were introduced by mutual friend Jason Rosato (who plays Richie) and it soon became apparent that Charles was very familiar to the lifestyle depicted in the film. Charles brought a quiet intensity to the character of Aden. Aden is possibly depressed, overly dependent on substances and making decisions that are driving those around him away. On paper, Aden is an unlikeable protagonist. However, Charles found a nuance in the character that’s undeniably human.
David Campion’s Cinematic Approach
David Campion was so captivated by Charlie’s performance that it directly influenced the film’s shooting style.
“I feel like I altered my shooting style because of Charles. I used so many more close ups than ever, because of his face. I just needed to see that face. It’s so telling and complex and beautiful.”
– David Campion Director
The Cinematography: Capturing the Chaos of a Village Rave
Cinematographer Tom O’Keefe faced a unique challenge in filming the rave scenes. With a tight budget and real-life partygoers in the background, he needed to capture the chaotic energy of the rave while maintaining visual cohesion. “The lighting not only had to look good, but it could invade the raver’s space,” Tom explains. The team crafted a striking central neon prism to serve as a key visual element, which remained intact throughout the night’s filming, despite the revelry.
Night of Filming: Lights – Camera – Action – Rave!
The rave scenes were shot within a live rave, and David Campion reflects on the unplanned fortune of filming amidst real partygoers. “Nothing was broken, no fights or bad behavior,” David recalls. The genuine atmosphere of the event contributed to the film’s raw, immersive quality, adding authenticity to the narrative.
A Raw Reflection of Relationships and Escapism
Straight Through Crew embodies Black Math Pictures’ commitment to telling contemporary stories with artistic vision. The film goes into the complexities of human relationships, the desire to escape, and the confronting truths that emerge when the night ends. Available exclusively on Amazon Prime, it’s a daring exploration of life, ambition, and the realities that follow.
