The Colour Journey tells the story behind HARMAN Photo's Phoenix — their first-ever 35mm color film and one of the most ambitious analog innovations in decades. Developed entirely in-house, Phoenix represents a rare commitment to research and development in an industry many had written off. It also offers something the analog community has long needed: a true alternative.

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When HARMAN's Phoenix first launched, it was labeled “experimental,” and the response was polarized. Some embraced its uniqueness, while others quickly dismissed it. Harman Photo recognized that the story behind the film—the years of experimentation, the new generation of scientists, and the risk required to pursue it—had yet to be told.

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That’s where Exploredinary came in.

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We traveled to England to document this pivotal moment from the inside—capturing over a dozen interviews with the engineers, chemists, and visionaries responsible for bringing Phoenix to life. From intimate conversations to detailed b-roll of the manufacturing process, we handled every aspect of production and post.

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The resulting film reframed the narrative. By revealing the human story behind the emulsion, it transformed skepticism into understanding—and ultimately, into widespread support.

 

The Colour Journey stands as a testament to what’s possible when heritage meets innovation—and to the power of storytelling in shaping how new ideas are received.

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FILM BY: EXPLOREDINARY

CLIENT: HARMAN PHOTO

LOCATION: MOBBERLY, ENGLAND

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PUBLISHED: APRIL 2026