MEET THE CORE CREW
The vision for Synergy began with Emilie’s love of EDM, more specifically the choreographic potential that comes from auditory multi layering. The vision was brought to life by Honor, who developed the link between ideas for the film soundtrack and the multi-faceted nature of the protagonist’s identity.
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Emilie and Honor have collaborated on two dance films in 2023, the first a student project commercial for underwear brand Parade, and the second a fashion film entitled Burning, both directed by Honor and starring Emilie.
Synergy is the first project they have co-directed.
EMILIE BOUET CONRAN
She/They
Co-Writer, Co-Director, Choreographer & Cast
'My dance background is predominantly based in classical ballet, having trained at London Vocational Ballet School and Elmhurst Ballet Upper School. I am now in my second year studying Dance at Arts University Bournemouth and take particular interest in exploring the relationship between dance and film. I feel immensely grateful for the opportunity AUB offers for cross-disciplinary collaboration, and am hugely inspired by the artists I am able to work with on various student films. Synergy is the most ambitious project I have been a part of and I am so excited to see it evolve.
The film brings together my love for contemporary dance and EDM. I see great movement potential in the layering of sound, and feel very fortunate to be working with composer Leon Riley to create an original soundtrack. Synergy’s narrative holds great importance to me as I see August as a reflection of myself. Both Honor and I feel a responsibility, as queer artists, to create work that is politically charged for the benefit of the LGBTQ+ community.'
HONOR WEST
She/Her
Co-Writer & Co-Director
'I recently graduated with a degree in Commercial Photography from AUB, and during the past year my practice has transitioned from still photography to moving image. My work explores human identity, often utilising surreal imagery as a means of providing escapism from reality. The concept of Synergy is incredibly rich in visual imagery which I have really enjoyed curating - in particular the various dimensions August enters throughout the film. I believe every person can relate to the concept of their identity being multi-faceted, and there being immense power in music as a means to reconnect with one’s self.'
MILLY MAY PHILLIPS
She/Her
Producer & First Assistant Director
'I'm a recent graduate in Producing from the Film Production course at AUB. I've collaborated with Honor and Emilie on several projects while at university, and I'm excited for the biggest and most challenging one so far. One of my main tasks will be sourcing locations that do justice to the incredible script, and that compliment August's character - the locations themselves are characters in a way. Like Emilie and Honor I'm fascinated by the relationship between dance and film, and as a dancer myself, working on dance content combines my two favourite creative areas. I'm looking forward to facilitating the shoot for our wonderful crew and ensuring they have everything they need to make Synergy the best it can be!'
ARNAV SHARMA
He/Him
Director of Photography
'I'm currently in my second year studying Cinematography on AUB's Film Production course. In crafting the cinematography for Synergy, I aim to create a visual narrative that mirrors the film's exploration of identity and self-expression. I want each frame to serve as a canvas, capturing the multidimensional dance of August's journey through urban mundanity. My role is to seamlessly intertwine all realms in the story and enhance the emotional depth and fluidity of identity. Through innovative techniques and a keen eye for visual storytelling, I aspire to elevate Synergy into a captivating cinematic experience that resonates with audiences on a profound level.'
SHRIJIT PILLAI
He/Him
Editor
'I’m a second year BA Film Production student specialising in Editing, and will be Synergy's editor!. My goal has always been to work on projects that help me challenge myself and my creativity. I have a keen passion for music and dance which is one of the reasons why I was attracted to Synergy. I aim to help my crew in the best way possible to make this project become a beautiful experience for our audience, and give them a visual treat!'
BRANDON BOLLAND
He/Him
Costume Designer
'I'm a third year Fashion Branding and Communication student at AUB, and will be creating the costumes for Synergy! As a stylist I’ve worked on films, fashion editorials, theatre productions and runway projects. I love collaborations of any kind with a passion for art, history, fashion and anything creative. With published work, award winning projects and currently developing my own menswear magazine, I look forward to expanding my portfolio. Having worked with many of Synergy's crew in the past, particularly on Burning, I’m very excited to work on this film and look forward to progressing as Synergy becomes a reality. Styling for Synergy will navigate a genderless character as they explore different aspects of themself, with a mix of textures, silhouettes, styling to their environment and exploring the movement of August.'
ALEX WALKER
She/Her
Makeup Artist
'My name’s Alex and I’m the lead make-up artist for Synergy. I’m a third year Media Makeup student at Arts University Bournemouth, which is where I met Emilie who brought me on this project! Having worked on multiple dance and fashion shoots together, I was really drawn to working with Emilie again as we’ve figured out the things we like best and what to avoid on a professional shoot between creatives. I really loved the concept and the idea of filming in an array of locations across Dorset as well. Shooting in non-conventional sites, particularly in nature landscapes is something I’m excited about as I transition into working more on film as an MUA. This will also be one of my last projects in collaboration with dance during my time at university, so it’ll be a nice wrap-up project before I graduate.'
Leon Riley
He/Him
Composer
I’m a Live Sound Technician and Composer, and I had the pleasure of creating the Synergy music with the creative guidance of Emilie Bouet Conran. After graduating in Creative Music Technology from De Montfort University in 2023, I’ve been working widley in the audio industry, from live events and theatre to music production and composition.
With Synergy's diverse visual environments, I aimed to give each location its own unique sonic elements while maintaining a musical flow that matched the dance and edit. I used melodic motifs and instrumentation that adapted to the film's pace and setting, along with specific sound design choices and recordings to create an overall distinct character.
Collaborating closely with Emilie and the Synergy team has been an engaging and rewarding experience, especially in creating something so visually stunning and beautiful.
