Dynamic Duo Celebrates a Decade of Luxury Filmmaking

Above: Director Vicky Lawton and colourist Simona Cristea celebrate 10 years of collaboration

Last month, an evening hosted by Coffee & TV and Octopus Inc saw colleagues, filmmakers, and friends gather to celebrate over 10 years of creative collaboration between director and photographer Vicky Lawton and colourist Simona Cristea.

Working together on global campaigns across the worlds of fashion, beauty, and luxury cars, best friends Vicky and Simona have formed an enviable partnership over the past decade. The event saw their exceptional body of work showcased on the big screen at Coffee & TV’s new Farringdon studio.

Above: Coffee & TV’s Farringdon studio was abuzz with cocktails and conversation.

Vicky shared how her creative relationship with Simona has helped shape her style as a director. “With each project we have had the chance to experiment and to grow together and I’m truly grateful for having such a talented collaborator,” she said.

“The care and attention to detail in what Simona crafts is truly admirable. I love how we push each other, and of course - grading sessions are even more fun when you share a creative vision but also are great friends too,” she added. 

Female empowerment and expression are often at the forefront of Vicky and Simona’s work, as showcased in their seismic #savethearts campaign with the Royal Ballet’s principal dancer Francesca Hayward. Collaborating with Marie Clare and Dior Beauty on their Christmas campaign, the photographs spotlighted Hayward’s incredible strength as a source of beauty. The campaign was shot during the height of the pandemic in association with The Theatre Artists Fund, and celebrated the crucial importance of the creative industries.

Above: An evening of celebration, creativity and friendship.

From impossibly strong prima ballerinas to truly iconic hair, the duo most recently collaborated on Schwarzkopf’s star-studded ‘For Every You’ film, commissioned and produced in Germany with local production company +ep. Films.

Above: #savethearts starring dancer Francesca Hayward

The stunning campaign was another example of Vicky’s dynamic visual storytelling, beautifully paired with Simona’s expert grade. Featuring an array of female talent, the campaign celebrated individuality and freedom of expression, two themes the pair often champion in their work.

Above: Schwarzkopf ‘For Every You’

For Simona, working alongside her best friend is the cherry on top of an already fantastic career. “We’ve got to that point where we understand each other so well, each job we grade together gets the best from both of us. Vicky has amazing taste and she always pushes me to find the most interesting looks for each film. I’ve learned so much from working with her, and together we have created some of my favourite grades ever,” Simona said.

Inspired by the artists’ indelible shared vision crafted over a decade, Octopus Inc’s co-founder Nicola Doring and executive producer Beth Montague described the event as a “celebration of creativity, friendship, and the magic that happens when two talented individuals come together.”

They added, “Watching their work unfold on the big screen was not only a visual treat but also a reminder of the incredible synergy that exists between a director and her best friend, who happens to be a fine colourist!” 

With the two artists already at the top of their game, we can’t wait to see what the next ten years have in store for the inspiring dynamic duo. 

Watch more of Vicky’s work here. 

Watch more of Simona’s work here.