Just directed my first esports/gaming event at the Here East studios in Stratford - wow, a huge, fast paced show that went really well and I am now looking forward to directing more upcoming esports events later in the year.

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Looking forward to my third Wimbledon Tennis Championships as well as some interesting other projects with a bit of bare knuckle fighting (directing, not participating!)  thrown into the mix too.

 

Highlights from last year included opening ceremonies, live events, awards shows, sports productions inc. Championship Football, Wimbledon Tennis, Ashes cricket and Gallagher Premiership Rugby pres as well as lots of lovely music gigs - I am very happy to be working on such a diverse and interesting range of shows.

 

The Who: Live at the Royal Albert Hall was a dream come true and directing/cutting the band's acoustic set in such an iconic venue was really something special and the track  "Behind Blue Eyes" was even broadcast on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" on CBS, USA.

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The Cultural Opening Ceremony to the 2022 Commonwealth Games live in Centenary Square, Birmingham was brilliantly creative and a joy to direct. A cast of literally hundreds,  many from diverse and challenging backgrounds, made it extra special and it really was a fantastic spectacle and a very uplifting experience.

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Directed my first projection mapping job on the Tower of London a couple of months back - breathtaking visuals and so cool to all be on such a beautiful, historic building.

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Apart from The Who, I was also lucky enough to direct several other great artists at the RAH for the Teenage Cancer Trust including Yungblud, Paul Weller, Madness, Don Broco, 

Ed Sheeran, Liam Gallgher and the incredible Nova Twins. All really enjoyable.

 

Also had a fantastic time directing 2 great gigs at House of Vans recently - Tom Misch & Holly Humberstone which both went out live on Twitch - both such talented artists in a very unusual and lovely, intimate venue.

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Ash's 30th anniversary gig at the Ulster Hall in Belfast for BBC NI was a great night and it's always a fantastic privilege to work in my favourite city in the world with lovely people!

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Another recent great experience was also for BBC NI directing the School Soloist of the Year show at BBC Studios in Belfast. The talent was out of this world and it was a real privilege to be involved in such a prestigious event. Looked really smart - thank you to a great team and crew for all their hard work and help.

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I don't like cricket - I love it! So I was very happy to be directing the Women's Ashes Cricket pres for BT Sport - working through the night takes a bit of getting used to but I really enjoyed it! This led on to directing BT Sport Premiership Rugby pres which I am very happy about as I am also a big rugby fan (Come on, Sarries!).

 

Career highlight directing the Rocky Horror Show live to 500 cinemas around the UK & Europe. Due to Covid, 5 cast members were forced to drop out and stand ins replaced them leading to all rehearsals (inc. our dress run) being cancelled.

I had such a great crew and we we went live completely unscripted & unrehearsed but worked to a plan. Rocky Horror is complicated and fast paced but with a totally positive and calm approach, we made it a total success and the long time show director described it as  "a complete triumph against ALL the odds". I am so proud of what we all achieved and grateful to work with such a fantastic, helpful and creative crew.

 

Recently directed and cut the BBC Radio 2 Westlife show at the Ulster Hall in Belfast - loved it. Fantastic team of people again making it a real pleasure to be involved with. Looked awesome as well - is work supposed to be this much fun?

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The EFL Championship Football (ITV/IMG) and the Wimbledon Tennis (BBC/NEP) I direct is done using the amazing SimplyLive technology that I love using - it's brilliant.

 

Also started directing Women's rugby recently and thoroughly enjoyed the experience - looking forward to lots more next year.

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Honoured to have edited for some major artists over past 12 months including Noel Gallagher, The Cure, The Who, Yungblud, Liam Gallagher, Ed Sheeran, Stereophonics etc - all filmed at the Royal Albert Hall.

Amazing feedback on all of those.

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I have loved working on all the productions I have been involved in and have had some amazing feedback from my clients including this recent testimonial from Mike Edgar, former Head of Entertainment & Events at BBC Northern Ireland: 

 

"I have had the privilege of working with Phil Jennings on many occasions over almost ten years.

Phil has great skills as a director and  has turned out some amazing concerts and events as a valued member of our BBC production team not least of all ‘Van Morrison: Up On Cyprus Avenue’ for BBC NI and BBC4 (in my opinion one of the most significant live captures of Van in years). This was a production that could not be left to chance and Phil did not let us down! He is a true creative and an ultimate professional who cares greatly about his work and invests heavily in each and every production he is part of. I have found Phil to be calm and giving within the work environment, and quite honestly one of the most personable people I have worked with within a busy gallery environment. I would have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending Phil for any production. Quite simply he is a gifted, hard-working and very likeable person, and sometimes all three of these traits can be hard to find".

Mike Edgar - Head of Entertainment and Events, BBC Northern Ireland