Watch Sergei Polunin and Rankin discuss their powerful collaboration
From the moment that Rankin first photographed famous, enigmatic ballet dancer Sergei Polunin he was left wanting more. Enamoured by his rock ‘n’ roll, rebellious spirit, extraordinary physical prowess and of course, unbridled talent Rankin set his heart on creating a film that captured all of this. And after months of conversations, brainstorming and scheduling conflicts it has finally come to fruition.
The result is a mesmerising and powerful collaboration that sees Sergei bring his internal tension to the screen, directed by Rankin and soundtracked by alt-rock trio Husky Loops’ “Tempo”. An assault on the senses the two and a half minute film leaves you breathless, and like Rankin, wanting more.
“I love working with Sergei because he gives his all to everything he does,” says Rankin. “He choreographed the dance, worked with me on the concept, and I feel like we both did what we wanted to do, which in the creative industry is actually pretty rare!”
“Improvisation and freedom was the essence of our collaboration,” agrees Sergei. To watch the film in its entirety head over to Nowness, and to find out more about what happened behind the scenes, and what might be next for the duo, click play on the above video.
Music “Tempo” by Husky Loops
Credits for Sergei X Rankin full film are as follows:
Director – Rankin, First AD – Dan Smith, DOP – Tony Miller, Focus Puller – Jeff Vine, AR OP – Simon Wood, Second Unit Camera Op – Louis Chan, Second Unit Camera Op – Rodney Williams , Fashion Editor – Stevie Westgarth, Hair – Carlos Ferraz, Make Up – Heidi North, Production Designer – Marco Turcich, Producer – Zoe Roberts, Producer – Josh Parsons, Assistant Producer – Bridget Vuillermin, Rankin Fim Team – Remi Laudat, Jasper Cable-Alexander, Loona Kasemats, Nick Ward , Digital Op – Neil Bennett, Gaffer – Danny Hayward, Rigger – Jamie Lee, Photographic Assistants – Jack Chamberlain, Micaela McLucas, Derrick Kakembo, Juan Covelli, Ben Duah, Ludovica Girotto, Conor Clarke, Fashion Assistant – Vicky Ware, Seamstress – Charlie Watkins, Make Up Assistants – Branka Vorkapic, Natasha De Cazalet, Melissa Davies, Production Design Assistant – Kenzie Yeo-Donaldson, Studio Assistants – Oscar Eckel, Adam Brammall, Creative –The Full Service team (Antonia Jackson & Zish Alexander, ECD Russell Weaver)
