NSW
Georges River-raised artist and videographer, Chris Elder, known professionally as ‘Elder’, has just finished the music video shoot of a lifetime.
After entering an international competition, the 36-year-old Carss Park-born artist won the chance to direct a music video for global superstar and songwriter, Ed Sheeran, with most of the action filmed across locations in Georges River.
News of his video shoot win was met with elation from Georges River Council staff, who consider Elder one of Council’s go-to artists for videography.
Elder’s connection with Council began in 2019, when he became a Georges River Artist in Residence at Carss Bush Park Artist’s Cottage. Later, he filmed the first teaser promotional videos for the Council’s Frightful 80s Halloween-themed drive through cinema event and the first Un[contained] arts festival at Hurstville.
He also filmed a promotional video for the Council’s Artist in Residence program, which features scenes at the residency, and various locations throughout Carss Bush Park, Kogarah School of Arts, Hurstville, and the Carss Park Artist’s Cottage.
Georges River Mayor, Sam Elmir congratulated the up-and-coming producer and filmmaker for his outstanding work on the Sheeran clip and gave his appreciation for Elder’s many creative contributions to Georges River.
“This achievement not only puts Elder on the global stage, but also brings pride to his hometown, the entire Georges River community,” Mayor Elmir said.
“I hope Elder’s continued success inspires all aspiring artists and videographers of Georges River and reminds them that with passion and perseverance, global opportunities are within reach.”
Elder has woven personal history and his place of birth into this project, with what will be familiar scenes for many in the Amazing video, including scenes at Jubilee Stadium, Olds Park, and Carss Park.
Every interior scene in the video was shot in Elder’s parents’ Carss Park family home, including poignant moments in a bedroom and a hangover scene in the living room. The setting of Bunyala Street, the street Elder grew up on, adds even more nostalgia and authenticity to the video, said Mayor Elmir.
When speaking to Georges River Council last week, Elder dedicated the project to his parents, and recalled the moment he revealed to his mum who the video was produced for on the final day of filming.
“That was really a full-circle moment,” Elder said.
“Every single person involved has been absolutely phenomenal. I’m extending extra special thanks to the AFL community of St George and Georges River Council contributors like Luke from the Georges River Council Premium Facilities team who helped make this happen.
“The support over the years from other Council staff like Bethany from the Museum & Galleries team and Fiona, Stephanie, and the rest of Council’s Events team has also been awesome.”
To celebrate Elder’s success, a premiere of the music video was screened last night, with attendees including the clip’s creative contributors, Elder’s friends, and family.
The Amazing video clip will be uploaded here on YouTube shortly.
