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Filmmaker wins TikTok award for viral travel videos

George Harper makes cinematic-style travel videos

A Hampshire-based filmmaker has won Rising Star Creator of the Year at the the first-ever UK TikTok awards.

George Harper makes cinematic-style travel videos, both from the UK and trips abroad, to inspire others to travel and get into filmmaking.

"I go to these places to experience it for myself, my camera is just a way of capturing it," he said.

The 31-year-old gained more than 55,000 followers by sharing videos of places like Marrakech, Snowdonia, and Barcelona, with some of his videos reaching more than three million views.

TikTok A man and a woman stand laughing together. The man is holding an award and is stood to a black and white backdrop with the words TikTok on it.TikTok
The 31-year-old won Rising Star Creator of the Year at the UK's first TikTok awards

Mr Harper, who also works as a freelance videographer, said when he received an e-mail from TikTok saying he had been shortlisted for an award, at first he did not think it was real.

"I thought it might have been a scam but I read it a couple of times and it was legit. I never even expected to be nominated, never mind win the award," he said.

The event was held in Shepherds Bush in front of a crowd of more than 800 other content creators and media figures, as well as being live-streamed on TikTok itself.

"It was a big night," he said. "Red carpet, a lot of amazing creators, and a free bar as well."

George Harper A man stood inbetween lots of pine trees in a forest. There is lots of moss on the ground and the man has a torch in his hand. George Harper
George Harper creates cinematic travel content for TikTok

Mr Harper said that, first and foremost, he makes films because he enjoys it - but the response from his audience has only added to his motivation.

"When I'm actually going to these places I'm always looking for nice light and interesting angles," he said.

"A lot of the questions I get from my videos is about how I do certain things; what camera am I using? How do I colour grade? So it is very rewarding when I know I'm helping people out."

George Harper An icy cold snowdonia. There is a snow-covered mountain in the distance and frosty grass in the foreground. It's sunny.George Harper
Mr Harper hopes his content inspires others not only to travel but also to get into filmmaking

When asked what the secret ingredient to creating viral videos is, he said there was no one answer.

"Some videos do well, some don't. There is no deciding factor," he said.

"If you are thinking of creating content of any kind then focus on something you're passionate about and be consistent.

"You never know who could be watching or what it could lead to."

George Harper A man is stood in a natural hole near the sea. There is a bird in the distance and it's sunset.George Harper
Mr Harper has documented trips all over the world including Mexico, Morocco and the UK

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