From Copa90 to FIFA's Women's World Cup 2023: A Filmmaker’s Odyssey

Introduction

The whistle blows, the crowd roars, and the world watches. On one side of the lens, athletes battling it out for glory on the world stage; on the other side, me, capturing every exhilarating moment. My journey in football filmmaking began with Copa90, an experience that laid the foundation for my career. I shot Derby Days, mini docs, and much more, each project a new opportunity to hone my skills and tell compelling stories. From there, I worked with Chelsea and Formidable before eventually starting my own production company. Along the way, I found myself in the stands at Wembley for Adidas, shooting on disposable cameras when England won the Euros. Fast forward to 2023, and I was a Principal Camera Operator for the FIFA Women's World Cup Official Film. A progression that still amazes me.

A Match to Remember

Being pitchside at the Women's World Cup 2023 was a whirlwind of emotions. From capturing Australia's euphoria at their quarter-final win to the high-stakes tension as England triumphed over the Aussies to reach the final, and the sheer joy as Spain celebrated their historic night. Each moment was electric. The players' raw energy, the undulating waves of emotions from triumph to defeat, and the electrifying charge from the crowd made for a visceral experience that only being on the pitch could afford.

Challenges and Growth

Despite coming from a background where bending the rules and taking chances were common, this project required me to work strictly by the book, as it was an official tournament hosted by FIFA. However, working for the host meant I was provided with almost everything I needed, so there was no need to bend any rules, making the entire process exciting and well-organised.

The role of Principal Camera Operator was a culmination of years of hard work, and I couldn't have done it without the equipment that I trusted the most. The Sony FX6, Easy Rig, DZO Catta Zooms (18-35mm & 70-135mm), Sigma 150-600mm, Atomos monitor, SmallRig follow focus, and although I initially tried the SmallRig matte box, it proved to be too clunky and was eventually discarded.

Gratitude

A massive shoutout to Director and Producer Eddie Rourke for bringing me onto this project, and to DOP Greg Luscombe for recommending me. Their trust and support were invaluable, and it was an honour to work alongside such talented professionals.

Looking Ahead

The FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 Official Film is a project I am incredibly proud of. The final outcome was brilliant, beautifully told, and a testament to the hard work of everyone involved. As I look forward to the next chapter in my career, I am excited about the prospect of working on more films like this and delving deeper into documentary and long-form content for bigger platforms.

Budweiser & Copa90 Project: A Creative Journey Through 'Behind The Game

Over the past few months, I've had the privilege of working on an exceptional project: Budweiser and Copa90's innovative series, "Behind The Game." As a seasoned Director of Photography with a reputable working relationship with Copa90, this opportunity was an exciting addition to my portfolio.

"Behind The Game," a unique fusion of sports, music, and fashion, offers a fresh perspective on the Premier League scene. Coupled with high-profile talent like Ian Wright, Emi Martinez, Aaron Ramsdale, Callum Wilson, Michael Antonio, Alex Iwobi, Jared Bowen, and more, this project was set up to be a thrilling endeavor.

With a background in effectively managing photography for high-profile football events and personalities, I was perfectly positioned to tackle this project. Budweiser and Copa90's vision for candid, emotional photography for "Behind The Game" aligned with my expertise.

Pre-production was a meticulous process, involving a thorough review of the brief and accompanying references, and ensuring the right photography equipment was on hand. Team collaboration was key, and with Zander Brown capturing behind-the-scenes footage, we were able to add a unique layer to our work.

The dynamic timeline of this project added an exhilarating challenge. It called for swift selections of daily photos and efficient use of Adobe Lightroom for post-production. This digital photography software allowed me to retouch the images to meet the brief's requirements while also reflecting my personal aesthetic.

In conclusion, the Budweiser & Copa90 project has been an exciting journey showcasing the power of industry relationships, creative expertise, and efficient delivery in the world of football photography. In the next series of blog posts, I'll delve deeper into the production process, sharing insights on how we brought this innovative Premier League series to life.

Between the Posts: A Glimpse into the World of Axelle Courlander

I'm Axelle Courlander, a London-based director, photographer, and Director of Photography. I'm fortunate to carve my career path at the beautiful intersection of two great loves: football and creativity. This game, with its unscripted drama, fleeting moments of brilliance, and pulsating energy, has shaped me into the person I am today. It's a part of my identity that I carry into every frame and scene I create.

Raised in the film industry by my producer parents, I found a way to merge my inherent passion for storytelling with the exhilarating world of football. Now, I get to live my dream every day, capturing the spirit of the sport and its heroes, both on and off the pitch.

This blog is my way of inviting you into this journey. From high-profile shoots to the quiet moments of reflection and growth, I hope to share with you the intricacies, challenges, and joys of my profession.

A philosophy that guides my work and personal life is, "we can have anything we want, but we can't have everything." It's a principle that helps me focus on what truly matters, leading to mindful decisions and a balance between my personal and professional life.

During my time at Chelsea, Emma Hayes shared a piece of advice that I carry with me: "You have one job and don't fuck it up." It's a stark reminder of the responsibility I hold to never let people down and to always deliver. This tenacity and commitment are integral to my work.

Growing up, creative expression was encouraged, but so was the understanding that nothing worth having comes easy. These lessons from my parents form the backbone of my professional approach, fuelling my determination and resilience.

Off the field, I stand strongly for social equality, believing there's enough room at the table for everyone to have their fair share. In a world abundant in resources, it's a belief that I hope to see reflected more and more.

Beyond the realm of football and film, my passions also lie in the calming influence of nature. Fascinated by Orca whales, I could easily have imagined myself as a marine biologist!

Looking ahead, I aspire to broaden my horizons further by directing films. Every project I undertake now is a step towards that dream—my next mountain to climb.

So, what can you expect from this blog? You'll get a front-row seat into my world of football-centric creation, personal experiences, and, hopefully, a bit of the inspiration that drives me daily.

Welcome to my pitch, where every frame tells a story and every post shares a part of my journey.

Until the next post,

Axelle Courlander