Tom Webster | Filmmaker | Jersey CI
Since leaving school, Tom has been working closely with The Studio M and has had the opportunity to work on various socially and environmentally relevant projects. In 2020, Tom and the crew set off on a trip to India, working alongside Freedom Fund to document their new initiative to build and anti-slavery movement led by women and survivors. In March 2021, Tom ventured to Fuvahmulah, Maldives, to support other OCL storytellers in a storytelling journey, which lead to setting up a local initiative to help protect the community and marine sites on the island. Tom spent three weeks diving with the native wildlife, and getting to encounter some incredible ocean dwellers.
“I would like everyone to go out and experience nature in its most natural form. I feel like experiencing nature and animals in their natural habitat allows us to properly connect with it and promotes the idea to preserve and protect it.
After seeing these beautiful species and spending time with them, you can't not want to protect them.”
What is a typical day like for you?
Everyday is different, there is always something new that I am capturing through my lens. I tend to be out shooting throughout the day and back to the editing suite all night.
What are the fondest memories from your upbringing that you feel impacted your life choices and lifestyle today?
My clearest memories from my upbringing would be my days spent at the dirt jumps riding my bike with and cliff jumping for hours on end with my mates. I was always outdoors and never took an interest in computer games or watching TV, I just wanted to be outside all the time. Cliff jumping is for sure where my passion for the ocean stemmed, I would spend everyday in summer climbing round cliffs to find new jumps and caves to explore.
When did you first pick up a camera and shooting underwater?
I first picked up a camera when i was 12 documenting everything me and my friends would get up to. It wasn't until a few years later when I was about 14-15 where I started shooting in and around the water cliff jumping with my mates.
What/who currently inspires you?
I am definitely inspired by the new era of photographers and filmmakers emerging on the likes of Instagram and Youtube. A few of the main ones would be Sam Kolder, Nolan Omura and Cobian Dewey.
What path did you choose after leaving school?
I was fortunate enough to get a job in filmmaking straight after leaving school. I had built my portfolio for years prior to this and then reached out to a local photo/video studio in my area and luckily enough got in with them.
What do you value most in life?
I would have to say in life I value most the freedom I am given. The opportunities to take myself on a journey that is fulfilling and rewarding in life experiences.
Are there any books/documentaries that have guided your thinking?
I think, like many others, David Attenborough has been the man influencing my thinkings and life choices. I have always been inspired by his documentaries and the way he not only highlights the beautiful world and nature but also the impacts we as humans are having on this.
What brings you the most joy?
I would say just being outdoors brings me the most joy in life. Getting outside and exploring new places, trying new things and anything with adrenaline, I am there!
What legacy do you hope to leave?
I hope to leave beautiful visuals that will inspire people to question their life choices and live a life they enjoy whilst preserving the environment for generations to come to enjoy their life too.
What advice would you give to anyone looking to follow their dreams as an ocean Storyteller?
Consistency is key, keep practicing everyday and you will make those dreams a reality.
