Documentary Films & Creative Production
Thoughtful, beautifully filmed stories about people, places and ideas.
On Y Va Films is an independent production company led by award-winning filmmaker Neil Emery.
We create engaging, visually distinctive films for arts and cultural organisations, universities, charities, businesses and other organisations with stories worth telling.
From a short portrait of an individual to a documentary exploring a major project, we bring the same care, curiosity and attention to detail to every production.
Have a story to tell? We'd love to hear about it.
Contact: info@onyvafilms.com
What We Do
Commissioned Documentaries
We specialise in character-led documentary films that get beneath the surface of a subject.
Whether it's an artist at work, a community initiative, a remarkable individual or a place undergoing change, we create films that engage audiences through compelling storytelling, sensitive interviews and cinematic photography.
Ideal for museums, galleries, cultural organisations, charities and independent producers.
Research, Heritage & Environmental Films
Important work deserves to be seen and understood.
We work with researchers, heritage organisations and environmental projects to communicate complex ideas through accessible, engaging films.
From documenting conservation and restoration to exploring scientific research and local history, we help bring a project's people, purpose and achievements to a wider audience.
Our films can be created for public engagement, exhibitions, fundraising, educational use or to demonstrate the impact of funded projects.
Interviews & Cinematography
Neil is an experienced documentary interviewer and cinematographer, equally comfortable working with well-known figures and people who have never appeared on camera before.
Available for individual filming assignments or as part of a larger production, including:
Documentary and editorial interviews
Behind-the-scenes films and electronic press kits (EPKs)
Cinematography and location filming
Corporate and promotional films
Editing and post-production
Aerial Cinematography
The landscape is often as important to a story as the people within it.
With extensive experience filming the British countryside, Neil offers cinematic aerial photography and video using professional drone equipment.
Commercial drone operations are fully insured and undertaken in accordance with applicable aviation regulations.
Selected Work
Show Up and Start: The Art and Life of Dorothy Ramsay
Director, Cinematographer & Editor
An award-winning documentary exploring the life, work and creative philosophy of Cumbrian artist Dorothy Ramsay.
Combining intimate interviews with observational footage, the film has screened internationally, including at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, and won the Jury Prize at the 2025 USA Film Festival.
A Simple Act: Restoring Hardknott Forest
Director, Cinematographer & Editor
A feature documentary following a year in a remote Cumbrian forest, where volunteers, researchers from the University of Leeds and Forestry England are working together to restore a damaged landscape.
Combining observational filmmaking, interviews and landscape cinematography, the film explores the relationship between people, nature and the places we care about.
Currently in post-production, with sound work undertaken at Skywalker Sound, California.
Victoria Tennant – All of Me
Commissioned Interview Production
Commissioned by Umbrella Entertainment to film an exclusive interview with actor Victoria Tennant for its release of the classic comedy All of Me.
Lake District Films
Landscape & Documentary Filmmaking
Neil is also the creator of Lake District Films, a collection of more than 80 films exploring the landscapes, history and communities of the Lake District.
The series demonstrates his approach to visual storytelling and extensive experience filming in demanding outdoor locations.
Why Work With On Y Va Films?
A documentary approach
We believe the strongest films begin with curiosity, careful listening and a good story, rather than a predetermined script.
Experience with people
From internationally recognised actors to artists, researchers and volunteers, we know how to help contributors feel comfortable and communicate naturally on camera.
Award-winning filmmaking
Our documentaries have screened at international festivals and received recognition for their storytelling and craft.
A complete production service
From developing an idea and planning a shoot to filming, interviewing, editing and final delivery, we can manage a production from beginning to end.
Personal attention
As a small independent production company, we offer a direct, collaborative working relationship without the overheads or complexity of a large agency.
Let's Make Something Together
If you're planning an exhibition, documenting a project, sharing research or simply have a story that deserves to be told, we'd be delighted to discuss it.
We undertake projects of different sizes, from individual filming days to complete short documentaries, with proposals and quotations tailored to your requirements.
For commissions, collaborations and availability: