To create timeless films,
you need timeless music.

Watch our brand film in collaboration with Hugo Cheng.

Hugo Cheng’s work is visually stunning, but his films go beyond aesthetics. They resonate at a deeper level that is more emotionally satisfying and seem to transcend time.

Timeless human stories are the focus of everything we do at Lens Distortions and our album Decades is no exception. So we asked Hugo to pick a track from the album and create a brand film that pulls on that timeless thread in his work.

See how he used the track “Sleeping Giants” and read on to get a bit of his story.

Over the past few years, you seemed to have made the subtle shift from creating content to crafting emotionally nuanced films. What has that journey been like?

I have been in the creative industry for the past six years, taking it seriously since 2020. During this time, I’ve gained valuable experience through running a mini production company and working with some of the best clients from home. However, after 2.5 years of repetitive work, I felt a leap of faith and a change in path were necessary for personal growth and to further fulfill my true potential.

I would argue that the most significant growth aspect has been my well-being rather than the technical side of filmmaking. I’ve learned how to find inner peace, maintain a balanced mindset, manage my energy, and sustain myself, all of which have contributed to my longevity in the industry. This journey has profoundly impacted my creative process and helped me grow into a better person. And now I want to share these lessons I’ve learned with others.

What has this looked like practically?

Recently, I have made significant changes to my setup, primarily downsizing while maintaining the same high quality of production. It’s amazing what you can get done with a few Sony cameras and lenses, plus the latest iPhones for ProRes POV shots. This shift has made me more efficient and has helped me focus on what I truly need.

“Music and SFX are the most fundamental aspects of my creative process.”

Where do music and SFX come into your creative process?

Music and sound effects are perhaps the most fundamental aspects of my creative process. Without quality music, I wouldn’t be able to visualize my timeline, colors, or the overall aesthetic of my work. Recently, I’ve been using some high-quality tracks from Lens Distortions. These exceptional assets have been instrumental in helping me create enduring works of art.

Out of all your work, which films stand out as most timeless?

It’s challenging to pinpoint which pieces are the most timeless, as I strive to improve with each project. However, I would say my recent works, “DJI RS4: Lost” and “The Things I See When I Slow Down” with Polar Pro, lean heavily towards timelessness. This is due to the filming techniques and enduring style I have implemented in them. As the years go by, I continue to draw inspiration from these pieces.

You can see more of Hugo Cheng’s work on YouTube or @hugo.visuals on Instagram. Explore the album Decades below, featuring tracks like “Sleeping Giants” from our brand film.