Experiencing Interruptions?

Traditional Ways

Traditional Blacksmiths are fading more into obscurity despite their importance in preserving Britains history. A group of blacksmiths in the quaint village of Tibshelf work tirelessly each day, not because they have to, but because of the love for the trade.

  • Joseph Maclachlan
    Director
  • Brandon Riley
    Camera Assistant
  • Matthew Lythgoe
    Gaffer
  • Ewan Venables
    Sound Mixer
  • Jay Cardall
    Key Cast
  • Steve Beckett
    Key Cast
  • Rob Beckett
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Runtime:
    8 minutes 15 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    May 1, 2026
  • Production Budget:
    400 GBP
  • Country of Origin:
    United Kingdom
  • Country of Filming:
    United Kingdom
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Sony
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2:40
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - University of Staffordshire
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
Director Biography - Joseph Maclachlan

A documentary must intrigue, inform and inspire an audience. Through my time working on various projects and stories, I’ve noticed that the least suspecting people often have the most intriguing way of speaking. Most people just need an excuse to exercise their thoughts about a certain event or passion, and I’m not here to change their minds or manipulate their story. I prefer for an audience to view a person in their raw and natural self.
The pacing of my documentaries is purposeful. You can’t expect an audience to connect with a person if the pacing doesn’t match their personality. I like to think my documentaries have as large a personality as the story I am showing the audience.
My name is Joseph Maclachlan, a documentary filmmaker, multi-disciplinary practitioner, and I love filming people who have a real passion for their craft.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

In life I believe that there is a growing divide between different generations and that the media should try and portray a greater connection we have with one another. My film will show this in action by exploring the story of Jay, Steve and Rob who all work together at the Mathers of Tibshelf. These three different generations all get on with each other at a traditional village blacksmith that’s been in operation since the 1600’s. The main conflict is shown through these three different generations handle the pressures of the job differently and their perspectives on the dying blacksmithing industry. Ultimately, I want the audience to feel more connected with different generations and to gain a deeper insight into what blacksmithing is.