A MAJOR documentary from first-time Peebles director Neil Sargent hit the TV screens this week.
What Next for the Wellerman? was shown on the BBC Scotland channel on Thursday (July 6) at 10.30pm, and is now available to view on BBC iPlayer.
It charts the story of Nathan Evans, who has been riding a wave of success since uploading a sea shanty which caused an online sensation.
As the former postman from Airdrie says, it was a moment which changed his life. He quickly notched up a million social media subscribers as well as platinum sales in UK and Germany, where the Wellerman shanty went down a storm.
The documentary follows Nathan as he attempts to capitalise on that success and prove that he is not just a flash in the pan, but a singer-songwriter with staying power.
The 45-minute film was produced through a new scheme launched by BBC Scotland and Screen Scotland which pairs emerging directors with seasoned production companies.
Mr Sargent, who grew up in Peebles, said: “The Emerging Directors Initiative is a fantastic opportunity for people like me to step up into roles that we’ve aspired to for a long time.
“I have worked in television for more than a decade now but getting the chance to produce and direct my own film is something that seemed a long way off. Without the scheme it would never have happened, so I applaud BBC Scotland and Screen Scotland for having faith in emerging directors and putting their money where their mouth is to support us in our careers.
“Like millions of people around the world, I was captivated by Nathan’s initial success in 2021. I loved Wellerman and played it on repeat during those dark lockdown days where it brought so much cheer to so many people, so get the chance to tell the next chapter of Nathan’s story was really exciting for me.
“Having a documentary crew follow you around inside your own home and pry into your personal and professional relationships is never easy, but Nathan and his wife Holly were so open and really let me in to every aspect of their life together.
“One of the most interesting parts of Nathan’s life for me was exploring the side of fame that we don’t normally hear about. The toll it takes on your personal relationships, the mental health struggles, the battle to be accepted, and the pressure of trying to live a lifelong dream.
“One of the things that surprised me most about Nathan was just how good a singer and performer he actually is. Not being that familiar with his story my preconceptions were that this was a guy who had got a little bit lucky on TikTok and was milking that cow for all it was worth. The reality couldn’t be further from the truth.
“He’s a really talented guy, a great songwriter and a consummate performer, and one of the things that shines through in the documentary is the level of faith that his record label and collaborating partners have in him.
“I think the documentary will surprise people. There are twists and turns in the story that will show viewers that there is far more to him than just ‘the sea shanty guy from TikTok’."
Mr Sargent comes from a background in journalism and creative writing, and has previously developed a career as a producer.
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