May 2014: in a cold but sunlit room smack bang in the beating centre of Wellington, two people sat. Contemplating. Brain waves hissed.
They were about to embark on an uncharted journey - joining their talents in the fields of videography, set design, photography illustration and design, to forge a unique media company.
Co-founders Mark Russell and Sophi Reinholt loved (and still do) the books of Roald Dahl, the author behind such classics as Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, Matilda and James and the Giant Peach.
Both Mark + Sophi love adventurous, immersive travel. Both enjoy the company and unabashed insights of children. Naming this company was going to be a lot easier than they had anticipated.
In a flurry of peach-related imagery, childhood memories and much anticipation, The Renegade Peach Project was launched.
ABOVE We have lift-off. Presenting the first logo: The Renegade Peach Project.
OUR PURPOSE?
We are driven by stories.
We love creative videography, helping others tell the world about their projects via the medium of moving images, and engaging with people from all walks of life.
We want to create content that looks unique, provokes and moves people, has heart, and we want to develop fantastic working relationships with the people we collaborate with.
ABOVE Illustration of Sophi and Mark, created on the window of our first studio home in Wellington by Lance Ravenswood.
ABOVE Sophi Zissou.
ABOVE Mark the champion of extreme hair make-overs, Great Barrier Island, NZ.
MEET US.
“We love our work. We enjoy life, people, design, travel, and creating work that challenges and inspires people. We both hugely value human relationships and believe that people have such incredible capacity for change, imagination, creativity and kindness.”
Above: Our logo, as designed by the lovely Kelly Spencer
Our Backgrounds
Mark Russell - a corporate lawyer by training, Mark began his path to professional photography and videography when he handed in one week's notice at the law firm he was employed by.
He packed his things and set off on a round-the-world-trip with a newly purchased camera. He has never looked back. He co-founded the avant garde media company, Adventure Artists, before moving on to The Renegade Peach Project.
Sophi Reinholt - grew up in the Middle East (Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, Israel), read theatre at university, worked with children, and photographed what inspired her - typically portraits. With a background ranging from early childhood teaching to set design + construction, Sophi moved into videography in 2011. She also designs for and co-owns banana slug. which specialising in whimsical children’s tshirts.
A FEW OF OUR OTHER PROJECTS
ZHIZHY
Our non-profit coverage for creatives, local businesses, innovators, and causes that are geared towards sustainability, equality, community, and change.
www.zhizhy.org
THE SHOP
the renegade peach project SHOP consists of limited edition textiles of our photos, collaborations, prints, posters + postcards.
www.instagram.com/renegadeshop
mark + sophi
his + hers wedding photographers + videographers. Fun, affordable, and intimate coverage that captures the spirit of your day. Professional standards, breathtaking moments. Check it out!
Click mark+sophi
banana slug.
Children deserve more than a limited, stereotyped vision of their interests and imagination. Hello banana slug. a fantastically whimsical, accessibly priced, locally designed and printed t-shirt line - with an ethically responsible production line. Wunderbar!
bananaslug.co.nz