Violinista
Following the pandemic, award winning violinist Raffaele Pagano saw his musical career vanish overnight. To survive he took on a new role as a London Uber Driver, which surprisingly became his silver lining.
Project
Violinista
Born in Naples (Italy), Raffaele has made a name for himself as a violinist, winning competitions such as the grand prize at the European violin competition Luigi Denza of Castellammare (2010). Now he is the leader and soloist of the London Arte Chamber Orchestra.
Due to the pandemic however Raffaele lost work, and started working as an Uber driver, which became his silver lining. Driving has caused him to find a new love for his violin and wishes to write his own compositions which he hopes will appeal to the younger audience and widen the reach of classical music. He has also started to push the boundaries of classical music by working with several different genres including Afro Beats.
THEMES
Music
The film aims to show the world of classical music and the beautiful theatres and halls where classical music once played to large audiences. Music brings people of all walks of life together, and we're hoping to embrace, and celebrate that feeling.
COVID's Affect on the Arts
In lockdown musicians and songwriters lost 65% of their income, which rose to 80% for those most dependent on live performance and studio work. These stories were rarely spoken about, we want to shine a light on how those even considered to be at the top, lost it all.
Sonder
Noun: the realisation that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own.
We rarely look are exploring the life of an uber driver, many of us have got into an uber and would think this is their only job, their livelihood. Sometimes they are even looked down upon, but to discover he is however a professional violinist. Is unexpected, intriguing and humbling.
A New Path for Violin
Pagano wants to write his own compositions in the hopes of shifting the stereotype of classical music and make it appeal to the younger audiences. He is broadening the horizons of what a violin can do, for example he is working with an afro beats singer, Innocent Kuti. The documentary will follow this process.
Connor Maclaren - Director
Maclaren is currently studying Digital Film Production at Ravensbourne University. His recent short film 'Liberte' was nominated for the 2021 'London Shorts Film Festival'. He also manages the photography and videography of a young, upcoming, indie band 'Lock-In'.
David Zrolko - DOP
Zrolko is a young Polish Cinematographer who studies Digital Film Production at Ravensbourne University. David spends a lot of time working on set, in both the camera and lighting departments, in order to develop his skills.
Kate Shelley - Producer
Shelley is a freelance producer, working full time in an edit house, she spends her evenings and weekends producing short films and documentaries. Films she's produced have gone on to gain traction at festivals all over the World. Her most recent film, 'Black & White Duppy' has just started production.