When media tutor, Nigel Duckers, found out that Ibrahim wanted to make a food video he connected the two up. “I was really happy to help” says Dominic who is best known for directing all of Nigella Lawson’s TV shows. “I looked at Ibrahim’s test shoots and gave him some hints and tips”. Cyriax is known to be a master of lighting, colour and the use of focus-pulls. “I gave Ibrahim some thoughts about focus and back lighting” he says. “Just ways of capturing the beauty of food”.

 

Ibrahim has loved working remotely. “It has been a challenge but I actually really enjoyed it as a way of learning” he says. “I had a great conversation with Dominic and he has been mentoring me. I’ve tried to incorporate all his tips to give my video more style”. Ibrahim – who has a part time job as a chef - has been shooting using his DSLR and editing in the Power Director app: “It’s actually really easy to use” he says “and there are great effects”.

 

Ironically Cyriax has also been working on his own lockdown food production. He is one of four directors and members of the public whose material has been used in the latest Quaker Oats commercial Stay Home, Go Forridge. “The opportunity came up right out of the blue” he says. “I went for a funny moment, there is a toss of a pancake, which really made it, and lots of colour”. The commercial has nearly 3 million views on You Tube and has been so successful that a major supermarket has also asked Cyriax to be part of a self-shot video. “It’s a silver-lining of lockdown,” says Dominic “and really interesting to see what you can shoot at home”. Ibrahim has now shot an Instgram-style ‘hand-video’ on how to make Vegetable Pakora and is preparing his final shoot. “It’s great to work with a professional” he says, “I’ve been able to turn the lockdown into a real opportunity”.