Filmmakers Jack Margerison and Maxwell Bamber are the duo behind Wootens Boatyard, a quietly powerful short documentary that captures the enduring craft of a family of boatbuilders on the River Thames. The film is more than just a tribute to traditional craftsmanship, it’s a reflection of Jack and Max’s own creative values, and a deep respect for the everyday stories often left untold.
Telling the Story of the Woottens
Wootens Boatyard (2025) began with a simple idea: to document a family whose relationship with the river had shaped their lives for five generations. Jack has known of the Wootten family for most of his life and was always fascinated by the quiet magic of their boatyard in Marlow, unchanged, untouched, and still run with the same tools and care as it was over a century ago.
“You feel like you’re stepping into another world down there. It’s peaceful, quiet, and full of history. You don’t want to leave.”Jack says.
Filmed over several days, the documentary captures the Wootten family’s enduring connection to the river and their unwavering commitment to tradition in the face of change and adversity. The floods that closed their yard. The slow decline in demand for handcrafted wooden vessels. And the new generation, Lee Wootten, quietly carrying the legacy forward while introducing new ideas.
“We were constantly reminding ourselves to not over-direct,” Max explains. “The power of this film is in its patience.”
Keeping the Fire Alive Through Passion Projects
Both Jack and Max work as freelancers in the industry, navigating the usual mix of commercial jobs, commissions, and the uncertainty that comes with it. For them, WOOTTENS wasn’t a funded project. There were no deadlines or clients. It was a self-initiated labour of love, and that’s exactly what makes it so special.
“Freelancing can sometimes pull you away from why you started,” says Jack. “You’re chasing invoices, waiting on green lights. These passion projects—they remind you what it feels like to just create.”
“We’d both encourage anyone starting out to take every opportunity, paid or unpaid,” Max adds. “Shoot the thing. Make the doc. Get involved. Don’t wait for someone to give you permission.”
Their advice to other filmmakers is clear: don’t sit around hoping for the big job. Just start making things you care about. It’s the unpaid, late-night edits and no-budget shoots that often teach you the most and build the relationships that last.
Looking Ahead
Jack and Max are already talking about future collaborations, stories that live in overlooked spaces, that focus on craft, family, and the quiet beauty in the everyday. Their partnership is grounded not just in talent, but in mutual respect, a shared creative language, and a commitment to storytelling that feels honest and human.
“This is a film made with care,” Jack says. “And I think you can feel that in every frame.”
📸 Follow Jack: @jackmarge
🎬 Follow Max: @pentimax91