Amazing Grace 250 Years

Project: 30 minute documentary film
Role: Director/DP
Producers: Amanda Molcher, Louise Izod & Shane Downer
Commissioned by: MKCC, The Stables Cowper & Newton Museum
Format: Public screenings and online
Camera: Sony FX 3
Live Footage: Simon Beckett
Lighting: Amaran Panels + Magic Cloth Diffusion

Created in collaboration with the Cowper & Newton Museum, this documentary film was commissioned to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the world-renowned hymn Amazing Grace. Written in the quiet village of Olney, just outside Milton Keynes, the hymn has become one of the most enduring spiritual songs in history—its legacy woven deeply into British cultural and religious heritage.

To mark this historic milestone, Milton Keynes City Council approached me to produce a 30-minute film that would reflect and celebrate a year’s worth of events, personal stories, and public commemorations tied to the anniversary. The aim was to capture not only the song’s historical context, but also its ongoing relevance through the eyes of the local community.

Behind the Scenes

Working under the creative direction of the team at the Cowper & Newton Museum, I led the documentary’s production—handling the majority of principal photography, as well as directing, lighting, sound recording and conducting interviews. I was supported by local filmmaker Simon Beckett, whose event coverage and social content helped fill in the gaps I was unable to capture due to scheduling or logistical overlap.

I designed a clean, two-camera interview setup for the project: a central A-camera frame on the Sony FX 6, paired with an elevated off-angle B-camera using the FX 3. Lighting was intentionally soft and understated, utilising lightweight panels diffused through frames of diffusion. As a solo operator for all of the production, I quickly realised I had taken on more than initially expected—juggling duties simultaneously. That said, I maintained a high standard of production throughout, ensuring the film was both technically excellent and artistically engaging.

With generous support from the museum and local contributors, I was able to craft a heartfelt, visually rich portrait of the people and stories that brought the anniversary year to life. The result is a reflective and celebratory documentary that honours the past while amplifying the enduring resonance of Amazing Grace today.