Meet Nomadic Road’s Filmmakers: The Highs, Lows, and Insider Stories

We sat down for candid interviews with Paul, Martin, Charles, and Arthur, the French filmmakers behind Nomadic Road. While their work in stunning landscapes might seem glamorous, there’s more to their story than meets the eye. Discover the often-overlooked challenges they face, the highlights, and how they bring epic visual tales to life from challenging expeditions.

As summer unfolds, Paul is hitting the road in his caravan, a project he and his partner prepared last winter. Martin is embracing a slower pace at home in the Basque Country, where nature fuels his creativity. Meanwhile, Charles is unwinding in southern France, renting a centuries-old house with friends. In Rennes, Arthur is focused on his documentaries, with no major trips on the horizon.

Downtime is crucial, Charles emphasises. “It’s when you recharge, reset, and return with a clear mind. Without it, burnout is easy.” These quiet intervals stand in sharp contrast to the intense environments he often navigates.

Working with Nomadic Road brings a slew of challenges, making moments of rest essential.

Paul, Martin, Charles, and Arthur are regularly thrust into some of the world’s most demanding landscapes — whether it’s the vastness of Asia’s largest desert, the salt flats of Bolivia, the frozen lake Baikal, the treacherous terrain of Madagascar’s RN5, or the uncharted regions of Africa’s Kalahari. These overland expeditions, led by Nomadic Road, cater to the ultra-adventurous.

Their mission might sound simple: capturing the essence of these expeditions through visuals. But in reality, it’s far from straightforward. It demands resilience, meticulous planning, and skills that can adapt to any situation.

Nomadic Road's overland expeditions are all about pushing boundaries, not just for travellers but for the filmmakers too. This challenge is truly what draws them to the job.

Each journey forces them to dig deep, physically and mentally. The rugged environments test their limits and reveal new sides of themselves. It's not just about capturing epic landscapes — it's about self-discovery along the way.

In conversations with the filmmakers, we explored what goes into creating the visuals that define Nomadic Road.

The Grind Behind the Glory

Imagine being jostled in a rugged 4x4, navigating ever-shifting terrain, while grappling with extreme weather and mechanical glitches. Amidst all this chaos, you’re committed to capturing stunning footage.

“Where do I even start from?” Paul responds with a wry smile.

Unsurprisingly, the filmmakers have plenty to say about the challenges of expedition shooting. Paul emphasises the unpredictability inherent in these thrilling adventures. “Weather conditions can change instantly and plans often have to be adjusted on the go,” he explains. “You have to be ready for anything.”

Amidst the challenges, these expeditions are filled with camaraderie, growth, and unexpected joy. Here, Paul and Charles capture a selfie—an unusual moment for those who usually stay behind the lens.

Martin speaks to the sheer physical demands of shooting in some of the world’s most unforgiving environments. But it’s the mental challenge that often weighs heavier. “The landscapes are beautiful, but they don’t forgive weakness,” he says.

The constraints of time and resources further add to the difficulty. Filmmakers often contend with limited infrastructure and fickle lighting conditions, capturing their footage in raw, unpredictable environments. Equipment faces relentless threats from dust and extreme weather.

Yet, these very challenges foster growth. Charles has mastered multitasking over time, while Martin finds carrying multiple cameras essential for handling the unexpected. Arthur’s first trip to Madagascar’s RN5 was a prime example of these trials. Battling cyclones, landslides, and malfunctioning pontoons, it became one of Nomadic Road’s challenging expeditions.

Unpredictable downpours turned the journey into a battle—three punishing hours to cover just three kilometers.

Still, there was little regret. “I wouldn’t have had it any other way. It showed me how much I’m capable of and opened doors to new opportunities,” says Arthur.

From Concept to Camera

Nomadic Road’s visuals follow a unified tone — bold imagery, dynamic cuts, and powerful soundtracks. It’s a testament to the brand’s adventurous spirit and commitment to capturing the raw essence of their journeys. But within those parameters, creativity thrives.

Arthur describes his style as "organic and authentic." "I don't use a lot of stabilizers. I like to have my camera in my hand with a big rig," he says, valuing the unfiltered feel this method brings to his work.

Carrying heavy gear through rough terrain — just another part of the adventure.

Martin, too, values a hands-on style but underscores the importance of prep. “Before an expedition, I dive into 4x4 ads, read up, and binge YouTube videos about the country. I want to feel the place before I even get there,” he explains. This ensures that each shot connects with the culture and terrain, staying true to Nomadic Road’s ethos of authenticity.

Over time, styles and approaches may evolve. Charles, who has been with Nomadic Road for nearly seven years, reflects on how his editing style has changed. Early on, he relied heavily on slow-motion sequences, but he’s since shifted toward a documentary style. "I find that this works better for Nomadic Road. There’s a greater focus on storytelling," he says.

Though their approaches vary, all four filmmakers stress the need to stay prepared. Paul remembers a moment during the Kalahari expedition when he saw a lion for the first time. “It was so incredible, I had to remind myself to film instead of just watching,” he recalls.

Filming Amidst Mother Nature’s Greatest Performances

Working in remote, uncharted territories offers some of the greatest perks. You encounter landscapes you never knew existed and live through beautiful experiences that leave a mark.

Paul vividly remembers his first encounter with Russia’s frozen Lake Baikal. Arriving to witness the lake at sunset, he was struck by the sheer beauty of the scene. “I remember thinking, ‘Wow, I’m getting paid to capture this,’” Paul recalls.

Arthur, on the other hand, reflects on a moment from Nomadic Road’s Madagascar expedition. They had been waiting for a pontoon for several hours while on the river. In the process, they witnessed a stunning sunset and eventually climbed onto the roof of their 4x4 vehicle to take in the view. 

“When night came, I don’t think I’ve ever seen stars like this. The Milky Way was just above us,” he says. Everyone agreed it was an unforgettable night, despite knowing when they would reach their destination or have access to food.

As cliché as it sounds, the journey really is the destination on Nomadic Road expeditions. Plans shift, routes change, and sometimes expeditions are cut short. But when you lean into the unknown, the rewards hit harder. You learn to let go of control and embrace the chaos — and there's a wild freedom in that.

Building Bonds Behind the Lens

Memorable moments go beyond stunning landscapes. For Martin, the real excitement comes from sharing his photography tips with fellow travellers. “Teaching them to capture the stars or the wildlife always feels really good,” he says. 

In many ways, Martin's approach mirrors a kind of team-building exercise. The filmmakers all agree:  building connections with the group is crucial for capturing authentic footage. Charles adds that it’s also about stepping back and allowing travellers to take centre stage. “I try not to interfere,” he explains. “I let their natural interactions take the spotlight.”

Chasing the Ideal

Despite the stunning visuals and successful projects, all four filmmakers share a common thread of uncertainty. Paul, for instance, often finds himself questioning whether his latest work truly captures the essence of the moment. “I always feel like there's something more I could have done to perfect the shot,” he admits.

Arthur echoes a similar sentiment. "There’s a little guy inside of me that is always nagging. Like, ‘What are you doing? You’re not good enough. You should be doing more.’ And that little guy is always there. He never leaves."

This drive to continually improve is a double-edged sword — fueling their passion while never fully satisfying their own standards. But for artists whose creations are inherently subjective, perhaps this feeling is an inevitable part of the journey.

Besides, in the raw environments of Nomadic Road’s challenging expeditions, achieving perfection is an elusive goal. These settings are far from manicured; they’re unpredictably real and often require getting your hands dirty.

Life After the Road: Adjusting to Reality

Coming back home after a Nomadic Road expedition is like stepping out of a dream. For 10 days, you're in a bubble — a new family, a fresh routine, and often no contact with the outside world. It’s a beautiful experience that sticks with you long after the journey ends.

Paul felt this stark contrast after returning from the Madagascar expedition. There, everything moved at a slow, easy pace. But stepping into the Paris metro was like hitting fast-forward. “It’s a lot to take in, to re-adjust to,” he says. “But it also makes me grateful that my work lets me see life from a different angle.”

He’s not the only one feeling the pull. “We experience such incredible things out there,” Martin adds. “When I get back, people aren’t jealous — they just want to be part of it. I get asked at least once a week if I can help someone get a job with Nomadic Road or send them on one of our trips…”