In an inspiring tale of local talent making it big, Georges River-raised artist and videographer, Chris Elder, known professionally as Elder, has just clinched a global victory.
Earlier this month, the 36-year-old Carss Park-born directed a music video for global superstar and songwriter Ed Sheeran, with most of the action filmed across locations in Georges River.
Elder, who grew up at Carss Park and attended school at Blakehurst Primary School, won the opportunity after entering an international competition to produce a music video for Sheeran's single, Amazing.
The news has been met with elation from Georges River staff, who consider Elder one of Georges River Council's go-to artists for videography.
Elder's connection with Council began in 2019, when he became a Georges River Artist in Residence at Carss Bush Park Artist's Cottage. Later, he filmed the first teaser promotional videos for the Council's Frightful 80s Halloween-themed drive through cinema event and the first Un[contained] arts festival at Hurstville.
He has also filmed a promotional video for the Council's Artist in Residence program, which features scenes at the residency, and various locations throughout Carss Bush Park, Kogarah School of Arts, Hurstville, and the Carss Park Artist's Cottage.
Georges River Mayor Sam Elmir congratulated the up-and-coming producer and filmmaker for his outstanding work on the Sheeran clip and gave his appreciation for Elder's many creative contributions to Georges River.
"This achievement not only puts Elder on the global stage, but also brings pride to his hometown, the entire Georges River community," Mayor Elmir said.
"I hope Elder's continued success inspires all aspiring artists and videographers of Georges River and reminds them that with passion and perseverance, global opportunities are within reach."
Elder, who is clearly a gifted storyteller at heart, has woven personal history and his place of birth into this project, with what will be familiar scenes for many of us in the video, including scenes at Jubilee Stadium, Olds Park, and Carss Park.
Every interior scene in the video was shot in Elder's parents' Carss Park family home, including poignant moments in a bedroom and a hangover scene in the living room. The setting of Bunyala Street, the street Elder grew up on, adds even more nostalgia and authenticity to the video.
When speaking to Georges River Council last week, Elder dedicated the project to his parents, and recalled the moment he revealed to his mum who the video was produced for on the final day of filming.
"That was really a full-circle moment," Elder said.
"Every single person involved has been absolutely phenomenal. I'm extending extra special thanks to the AFL community of St George and Georges River Council contributors like Luke from the Georges River Council Premium Facilities team who helped make this happen.
"The support over the years from other Council staff like Bethany from the Museum & Galleries team and Fiona, Stephanie, and the rest of Council's Events team has also been awesome."
To celebrate Elder's success, a premiere of the music video was screened last night, with attendees including the clip's creative contributors, Elder's friends, and family.
Watch the video: Elder's Amazing video clip will be available here on YouTube soon.
Photos: Declan Blackall Photography
