Christopher Hird
Christopher Hird is a leading figure in UK independent documentary making. He is the founder and managing director of Dartmouth Films, which has pioneered new ways of funding, producing and distributing documentaries in the UK, as well as promoting the work of new and emerging filmmakers
The Ponds
He was the executive producer of THE PONDS, Still Waters Run Deep, a documentary film created by Laser Guided Productions about the open water swimmers who regularly enjoy the waters of Hampstead Heath in London. The film was produced by Patrick McLennan and Samuel Smith with original music by Dai Watts.
The Ponds Trailer
2020 WOWSA Awards
THE PONDS, Still Waters Run Deep by Patrick McLennan and Samuel Smith was nominated for the 2020 WOWSA Awards in the World Open Water Swimming Offering of the Year in the following nomination: Producers Patrick McLennan and Samuel Smith captured the heart and soul of the swimmers of Hampstead Heath, a well-established gathering place in London. The documentary film, created by Laser Guided Productions with original music by Dai Watts and executive producer Christopher Hird, tells the swimmers who regularly enjoy the waters of Hampstead Heath. The swimmers of all ages and from all walks of life are the subject of their documentary film THE PONDS, Still Waters Run Deep. For over 200 years, the beauty and tranquility of the segregated Men's, Ladies' and Mixed Ponds has drawn swimmers to relax, revive and recover from the stress of their dryland existence. For showcasing the confidence and joy of swimmers emerging from the Ponds, for presenting dramatically inspirational cases of resilience and recreation by men and women, and for presenting relatable human stories in the backdrop of a historic pond, THE PONDS, Still Waters Run Deep by producers Christopher Hird, Patrick McLennan and Samuel Smith is a worthy nominee for the 2020 World Open Water Swimming Offering of the Year.
