On My Radar: Charlie Sarsfield

What’s the most creative advertising idea you’ve seen recently?

I love campaigns that are encompassing and build a world rather than just a specific advert. Sports adverts always do this so well, and the Rip the Script campaign by Nike was unreal. I also loved the ambition of the adidas campaign with Timothee Chalamet [Backyard Legends], and the nostalgia of the older footballers brought back to their prime by the wonderful folk at Untold Studios.

However, my favourite ad so far this year was probably Leigh Powis’ Tabasco ad. I thought the level of craft and the use of practicals was out of this world. I love the way they built the volcano. Anything which takes production design to a new level always excites me. 

What website(s) do you use most regularly?

Probably YouTube overall. I always end up on mad deep dives on how London used to look in centuries gone by. But in terms of websites I use for work, probably the classics, Frame Set, Filmgrab... I tend to just make it a weekly occurrence to scroll through them and steal any frames I love and then look at those when crafting shot lists and treatments.

What’s the most recent piece of tech that you’ve bought?

An FX5. I recently picked up the camera again to work on some personal projects and more long form/feature length projects, so needed a camera and I’ve always been so impressed with the Sony sensor and, specifically, the FX3 in terms of build and size vs output

What product could you not live without?

My Leica. I wanted the M6 since I was 14, so buying that was a milestone, and it comes everywhere with me. 

What’s the best film you’ve seen over the last year? 

Probably Project Hail Mary. I’m a sucker for a sweet story told well, and I fell in love with Rocky. Also, who doesn’t love Ryan Gosling? Or One Battle After Another. Just the cinematography in that film was unrivalled, and Leo was so great in it.

What film do you think everyone should have seen?

Deathproof; it’s just a great film. It’s got strong female characters, simple story told well, with some great performances and camera work.

What’s your preferred social media platform?

In truth, I hate them all. They tend to be limitations [more than] something that helps me to create. Instagram is probably the one I hate the least, and is vital in my industry.

What’s your favourite TV show?

I’m really into Silo at the moment, and have told everyone who’ll listen to watch it. It’s on Apple TV, and is based in a dystopian future, but doesn’t have zombies or anything like that. It's more of an examination of how silly human beings are/can be.

What’s your favourite podcast? 

Mr Ballen, without a doubt. He’s an American dude who tells real life stories of the strange, dark and mysterious occurrences through history. 

What have you been most inspired by recently?

I've been out on tour with Yungblud, driving across America, working on a variety of different projects. Seeing America that way has been extremely inspiring, and getting to see some areas that aren’t just New York or LA but, instead, middle America and the Deep South. 

If you could only listen to one music artist from now on, who would it be?

Bon Iver. Always seems to just hit the way it needs to, it’s heartbreaking and positive all at the same time.