Directing the cast for a photo-shoot on The Platt in Port Isaac.

I was riding the night sleeper train towards Penzance. Stirring from my bunk, I parted the curtain of my cabin, and looked out over the early morning fog. It rolled in from the sea, washing over the cliffside cottages. After the crew had brought my morning coffee I looked out again: the sun had found its heat and the fog was clearing. A weather-beaten chimney, a relic from a long-abandoned tin mine, came into view. I was on my way to spend two months filming on Cornwall’s north coast.

Whenever I stand on this ancient spit of land - Kernow in the native tongue - I know that the sea is close. If it is not in sight, it’s just over the next hill or the one after that. That knowledge has shaped and continues to shape the music, the food and the lives of the Cornish.

That journey was the beginning of an incredible experience filming ‘The Fisherman’s Friends’. It was an opportunity to spend two months in the county where my mum was born. It changed my life. Through the music of the Fisherman’s Friends I connected to my roots. When I returned to London, I didn’t leave Kernow behind, I joined a shanty choir and a Cornish pilot gig rowing club. Through these strongholds of Cornish diaspora in London I made great friends and eventually met my partner, Ruth.

Here are some of my favourite images from filming. It was a glorious summer spent filming on boats, in pubs and in churches. A huge thank you to the people of Port Isaac, Port Quinn and Port Gaverne for their support and patience.

The film is out now on DVD and available to watch on Amazon Prime.

Below the gallery of images is the official music video for ‘Keep Hauling’ featuring clips from the film. Written and performed by the real Fisherman’s Friends. Enjoy.