Laundon Peacock
Duncraig Class of 2014’s Laundon Peacock has seen some of the most amazing parts of the world through the lens of a camera. From filming documentaries in Africa and Europe, to creating commercials much closer to home in WA’s southwest, he is passionate about what he does and it shows in every element of his work.
Laundon always enjoyed playing with cameras and taking photos as a kid but didn’t see having a video camera on his shoulder as a career path until halfway through his Law and International Relations degree at Curtin University.
He worked part-time and interned during his studies before heading to the UK to study abroad at the University of Leeds. Working in the university’s marketing team while studying, Laundon was given an opportunity to shoot his first paid video.
“Now I create video marketing assets for companies across the globe, from social media content, to targeted ads, and television commercials. My business is my main focus day-to-day – I work long hours to deliver for my clients and am constantly planning, shooting, editing and managing a range of different projects,” Laundon says.
He says if someone had told him at high school he would be making commercials for international companies as a career he wouldn’t have believed them.
“I kind of fell into my business. I developed a passion for creating with video over a few years, and when the University of Leeds offered me my first paid commercial I took a leap and had a go. I guess I can say it worked out now!”
Laundon’s reputation is continuing to grow locally and overseas. Some of his biggest achievements so far include shooting documentaries in Italy, France and Spain for Jack Ultra Cyclist, across 10 countries in Africa for TDA Global Cycling, and filming a broadcast commercial for Howard Park Wines.
“I love the people and the travel. I work with really passionate people from a range of industries; food and wine, tourism, property, government, media, and agriculture to name a few.”
“I love learning about my clients’ industries, how things are made, why they’re made that way – it really makes me appreciate how much hard work goes into everything we use.”
He says when he was at school he didn’t think he’d end up using what he learned.
“I thought I’d never use maths again, never analyse a map or study a novel.”
“What I have learnt since school is that it wasn’t the maths, geography and English skills that I would use, it was everything else. How to analyse problems, be a creative thinker and work hard towards a goal. St Stephen’s prepared me very well for that.”
When asked if he has any tips for current students at St Stephen’s School, he says take a gap year to follow a passion or interest.
“There’s no rush. Consider taking a year away to pursue something you’re interested in, whether that’s travel, music or anything else. It’ll really help develop skills for future employment, and you’ll have a bunch of amazing stories to tell at the end.”
You can see Laundon’s work at www.lpvisuals.com.au