Codename Films
About Us
Codename Films is a production company founded by musician and screenwriter RJ Thompson, based in the North East of England. Born out of a desire to bring ambitious, story-driven visuals to life, we specialise in music videos, short films, and narrative content that blends cinematic flair with authentic, emotional depth. With roots in both the music and film industries, our work is grounded in strong storytelling, striking visuals, and a deep respect for craft.
At the heart of Codename Films is a tight-knit team of collaborators, including Cinematographer Ian West and Director of Photography Ali Hutchinson. Together, we’ve created a distinctive visual style that’s seen across RJ’s own music videos and a growing slate of original productions.
Whether we’re developing passion projects or working with outside artists and brands, our goal is always the same: to tell bold, beautiful stories that leave a lasting impression.
Founded By
RJ Thompson
Musician, screenwriter, and founder of Codename Films. With a background in music (with two Top 40 UK albums under his belt) and writing, his work blends cinematic ambition with true, authentic experience. Through Codename Films, RJ brings his creative vision to life - writing and producing narrative-driven content that spans music videos, short films, and cross-media projects.
Director & Cinematographer
Ian West
Ian West is a Cinematographer and Director with a sharp eye for visual storytelling and a background in still photography. Known for his moody, atmospheric style and ability to capture raw emotion, Ian brings a cinematic edge to every project he touches. As a key creative collaborator with Codename Films, he works closely with RJ and the rest of the crew to craft striking visuals across music videos, narrative shorts, and branded content.
DOP & Cinematographer
Ali Hutchinson
Ali Hutchinson is a Director of Photography and Cinematographer with a bold, cinematic style and a passion for visual storytelling. His work spans commercials, music videos, and narrative film, marked by a keen sense of mood, texture, and movement. As Codename Films’ trusted DOP, Ali brings technical precision and creative intuition to every shoot, helping shape the distinctive look and feel of our productions.