Optical Arts directed, designed and produced this film for artist Max Cooper - inspired by his track ‘Broken Machines Broken Dreams’, from his new album Unspoken Words. The film explores notions of rhythm, consciousness and celebrates the freedom in losing control; the beauty of deciding one's own path. We are often consumed by the monotony and repetitive nature of everyday life. ‘Broken Machines Broken Dreams’ portrays the idea that if we decide to let our imagination and thoughts run wild - we could find a new comfort and rhythm in the freedom of it. In Max Cooper’s words: ‘it is about letting go and accepting a slightly odd yet harmonic resolution’. The film concentrates on computer numerical control (CNC) machines. The methodical, repetitive and controlled instruments start to daydream, descending into a beautiful cacophony of sound and image.

Joe Jackson is a Director, Photographer and Designer based in London working with multi-disciplinary studio, Optical Arts. Jackson has been with Optical Arts since its inception and brings with him a wealth of experience in lighting for camera. Working across live action, photography and CG Jackson applies innovative ideas and techniques exploring new ways to tell visual stories.