It’s 2pm. I’m at Bray Studios, sat chatting with producer Louise Rosner about the possibility of shooting the stills for the movie Highlander, with MGM, starring Henry Cavill and Russell Crowe.

There was a never-ending line of fellow top-end shooters wanting this production, but having loved the original with Sean Connery, Christopher Lambert and Clancy Brown as a teenager, I was completely invested. So, to be sat in the room was a step in the right direction.

The clock is ticking, and I’m acutely aware every minute past 2pm gives me a smaller window to Gatrell-ise (yep, this is a word) the hell out of the John Wick director and stunt guru, Chad Stahelski.

My mind was now singing “Hurry Up, Hurry Upppppp” to itself.

Suddenly, Louise stood and moved towards the door. She turns and, in what seems like slow-mo, says, “Chad’s in with Henry, I’ll ask him to conclude the meeting….”

Before I could react with a “Honestly, don’t worry,” Louise was gone.

Within a single heartbeat, I’d gone from “Hurry up, hurry upppp” to “I’ve blown this even before I’ve stepped foot in the room…”

THE ROOM.

Chad’s office is crammed full of Highlander sketches, location photography and schedules on the walls.

Chad is sat, elbows on the table, leaning towards me as I enter.

“Gareth, good to meet ya.”

The man has a powerful presence, a commanding voice and eyes that lock on ya and scream, “Have you got what it takes to shoot on my movie…?”

My mind becomes still and the Gatrell persona switch is engaged…

IN THE ROOM!

“Dan and I have ripped your folio to pieces.”

By “Dan”, Chad means Dan Laustsen, the cinematographer behind John Wick, Frankenstein, The Shape of Water… Man, what a genius Laustsen is.

The room temperature has just risen significantly!

The word “ripped” can immediately stir dread, even in the strongest of characters.

It’s a test of character — maintain eye contact and project the absolute belief that you are the only photographer for this gig!

What actually followed the gut-wrenching word “ripped” was a cascade of complimentary remarks about the diversity and tonality of my work. Chad and Dan were both drawn in by the close proximity and angles of the images.

The three of us sat together for half an hour, talking through the photography wishes, the challenges and the big characters.

The energy in the room was electric as we all geeked over the original movie and the promise of a spectacular revival.

The interview concluded as it began….

“Gareth, I need someone who will shoot the shit outta my movie.”

“Chad, forgive the slip of the eloquent British tongue… I’m the right guy to shoot the shite outta your movie.”