HOLD A Digital Stage commission
HOLD takes JG Ballard’s The Drowned World as its starting point. In the film we witness two strangers navigate a submerged landscape, whilst sharing a remnant from a world lost.
This film is part of The Floor is Yours commission series and premiered at Dance Digital film festival. After a public call out in 2025, three artists were selected to create a short dance film which explores how movement can appear in everyday life and unexpected places.
Behind the scenes
Go behind the scenes with director, Emma Critchley, and dancers, Maya Carroll & Liam Francis, as they film HOLD underwater at Pinewood Studios.
Credits
A film by Emma Critchley, Maya Carroll & Liam Francis
Directed, Filmed & Produced by Emma Critchley
Dancers – Maya Carroll & Liam Francis
Choreography – Maya Carroll & Liam Francis with Emma Critchley
Editor – Adam Lavis
Sound Design – Stefan Smith
Music – Zeina Nasr & Stefan Smith
Gaffer – Ryan Huffer
Camera Assistant – Aaron Hindes
Filming Location & Dive Safety Team – Pinewood Studios & Diving Services UK
Choreography Support – Siobhan Davies
Freediving Support – Liv Philip
This project has been developed with support from Screen South’s Arts Council England NPO Artist Showcase programme.
Supported by the Attenborough Centre for the Contemporary Arts.
Film Commissioned and Produced by Sadler’s Wells Digital Stage & Studio
Director of Digital Stage & Studio – Bia Oliveira
Senior Producer & Content Manager – Eithne Kane
Producer – Martina Ryholt
Video & Digital Specialist – Anna Vialova
Senior Digital & Content Officer – Angharad Mainwaring
Junior Videographers – James Hedgecock, Pearl Salamon-White
Digital & Content Apprentice – Queensley Osemwengie
Marketing Consultant – Izzy Madgwick
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