ABOUT US.
Running Cloud Productions is a Sydney-based independent production company specialising in original content within the documentary, dramatic and underwater sectors.
Formally established in 2018, Running Cloud is defined by three core values:
In 2020, Running Cloud completed its first large-scale project, a documentary feature titled Descent, with plans to develop it into a larger series. We currently have nine other projects that are in development, including features, series and music videos.
Running Cloud’s name is derived from our ability for working at a fast, efficient pace (“running”) while delivering on mentally demanding tasks (“cloud”). The name is also a reference to the striking Tolkienesque landscapes of Australia and New Zealand that have been both a home and a source of great creative fuel on multiple occasions for us.
OUR CORE TEAM
Nays Baghai
Creative Director
Nays Baghai is an independent filmmaker and underwater cameraman. A graduate of Australia’s national film school AFTRS, Nays has won over 20 awards for his short films, and in 2019, directed and edited his first feature, an upcoming documentary titled Descent. As the creative director of Running Cloud Productions, Nays has shot and edited videos for numerous businesses, including Telstra, CBA, Deloitte and High Resolves. He holds multiple diving and camera qualifications as an underwater cinematographer, and his images have been showcased by Rolex, DeeperBlue, Molchanovs, Tourism Australia and many more.
Mehrdad Baghai
Business Director
Mehrdad Baghai is an entrepreneur, strategic advisor and executive producer. He currently leads all financial, legal and strategic operations Running Cloud Productions, and was recently the executive producer of the upcoming documentary Descent. His business career has included a partnership at McKinsey, operating as the global CEO of High Resolves, and chairman of Alchemy Growth Partners. He has multiple advanced degrees from Harvard and Princeton Universities, and is a New York Times best-selling author.
WHAT WE DO
Production Services
We believe versatility and good storytelling are the two essential skills to a successful production. Our best skills include directing, producing, cinematography and editing. We provide these four services to both short and long form projects. We place a strong emphasis on technical precision and familiarity with equipment, but not at the expense of creativity and lateral thinking.
Underwater Services
We hold over four years of experience shooting around and under water. We offer services in underwater cinematography and photography, with state-of-the-art equipment designed to meet your technical and creative needs. We own all of our own dive and camera equipment, and have experience shooting in demanding underwater environments, from shark-filled sea caves to 2ºC freshwater fissures.
Videography
Our storytelling services also extend to brands and businesses, from smaller local businesses to large international corporations. We utilise a 1-2 person production team for videography and commercial projects to maximise efficiency. We pride ourselves on bringing a high quality, cinematic style to interviews and B-roll, as well as representing your brand as authentically as possible.
Teaching
We enjoy teaching newcomers to filmmaking the skills required for storytelling, cinematography and post production. We offer online courses, customised coaching sessions, lectures and workshops to students of all ages and group numbers. Our team members come from strong public speaking backgrounds, and we believe in bringing enthusiasm and efficiency to any kind of session.
DESCENT
Descent is Running Cloud Productions' first feature film. It tells the story of Dutch ice freediver Kiki Bosch, who dives in the world’s coldest waters without a wetsuit as therapy for trauma, and to inspire others.
Released in 2020, Descent won the Best Australian Documentary award at the Sydney Film Festival, making it Academy Award-eligible in the process. The film has since screened in other festivals in London, New York, Amsterdam, Reykjavik, and Melbourne, and is available to view on Amazon Prime, DocPlay and Garage Entertainment.