Systems of the Trail
My creative process - How I made a trail running film with very little trail running
Systems of the Trail is an abstract visual journey encouraging curiosity when exploring natural environments.
The objective was to make a trail running film with very little trail running.
To highlight the biodiversity of the trail, magnifying flora/fauna, and show casing the relationship between the microsystems and macrosystems of a trail run which are often overlooked.
‘The creative process is as unique to the individual as their fingerprint’– M Willocks 2024. (A thought I had whilst out running)
Now rewind back to early 2023, (Christopher Nolan styles), where did this idea come from?
I was sharing a meal with a good friend, telling them about how I wanted to make a running film. Next minute, books and magazines were spread across the dining table, we were reviewing works from Michael Amzalag and Mathias Augustyniak Studio – M to M of M/M (Paris) by Emily King – Planting seeds of inspiration from all different mediums.
All I need to do was wait. Trust the process. And let the ideas grow.
I didn’t have to wait long.
The next morning, during my drum and bass fueled tempo workout the ideas started flooding in. My body was busy running, my mind was engaged by the music, its like the ideas came straight from the subconscious. Bubbling up, like a pot about to boil. Is this my method to tap into my creativity?
I stopped mid run. (see notes below)
An idea began to form around documenting the ecology of a trail run, the unseen ecosystems from the surrounding environment. For those of you unaware, I majored in Ecology at University, I am fascinated by the connectivity of the natural world.
As the idea grew, I found myself drawing out the tempo of the film. A mentor told me that they drew a line on how they were going to teach their yoga class. To follow a certain curve or arc. I’ve always tried to use that same method when designing experiences, and now films.
Candence of the film - will communicate the relationship between the micro and the marco systems of the trail.
Micro = Will be fast paced, accelerated, and frantic movement. This will highlight the constant movement that often goes on unseen, or not visible to the conscious eye.
Macro = Are slower wide, expansive, panning shots – representing that over time the micro moments create change into these larger beautiful vistas.
This relationship between frantic and stillness relates directly to trail running. Trail running flows between technical/challenging moments and open moments of stillness, flow, and awe. The trail is always seeking balance.
As I reflect, this film concept has leap-frogged chapters in my life to get to the point where I can share it. (Studying environmental science, growing up in NZ thrashing drum and bass, having dinner with my friend, opening that certain book)
My creative process is unique to me. No human experiences are the same. however, ideas come from lived experiences and a connection to something bigger than self.
I hope to share more about my deep love for the environment, trail running and creativity and how important it is to educate and protect the natural world. If this is of interest to you hit me up in the comments below. Or message me directly.
As always, move with curiosity.
Willocks