Chuck Studios Signs Father and Daughter Duo Studio 6

Nick Sawyer has been directing commercials for over 20 years and specialises in the magical world of macro food and drink. Having gained a reputation as one of the world’s best in the sector, he’s travelled the globe shooting burger flips in Ukraine, swirling chocolate in the Middle East and cheese pulls in the UK.

But now the next generation of the Sawyer clan is about to enter the scene bringing a whole new stance to the genre. Meet Lilli Sawyer, protégée and daughter of Nick and TV presenter wife Celia.

Lilli is obviously no stranger to the world of production having grown up surrounded by her parent’s busy schedules and days on set. Mum Celia is best known for the BBC’s Four Rooms TV show and her career as one of the UK’s leading interior designers. Whilst father Nick, was one of the most successful and busiest DoPs of his generation. 

Before choosing to concentrate on his directing career, he was behind the lens on some of biggest and best music videos and TV commercials of his time.

It was no surprise then to see Lilli’s ambition and ability emerge at such an early age. Often contributing ideas and designs to her father’s treatments and constantly volunteering for set runner roles to be closer to the action. Eager to do and learn more, she went off to study and has achieved 1st degrees in photography, videography, fashion and styling. Indeed, proving she’s a chip off the old block with a clear passion for creativity.

Recognising some familiar flare in her work, Nick decided to help when and where he was able too. Initially intending to just offer his technical experience and guidance as a DoP. However, it soon became apparent that they had a unique on-set chemistry with complimenting styles but with the occasional and exciting conflict in approach.

They invested in their own small studio with the intention of shooting simple tests together and to help develop ideas. But Lilli was so keen to get behind the lens herself that it inevitably inspired the genesis of Studio 6 – the name they’ve given themselves as an unplanned and quite unusually unique directing duo.

The space they created is now also more than just a testing facility. It’s given them free reign to create their own work and it’s given them the ability to produce low budget content for some new and existing clients. 

Nick’s even been able to shoot several small macro food jobs for some well-known brands since the outset of the pandemic. Providing remote live streaming and real time editing, which has made it both a well-timed asset for him and a great training ground for the new generation of Sawyer talent.

The only problem is now deciding who’s in charge and who’s telling mum when they’re both late for dinner as they’re busy shooting away.