The Art of the Cosmos: Introducing 'MARBLE' – A New Chapter in Plume Films' Immersive Storytelling
Where Visual Art and Live Music Collide
Here at Plume Films, we love a good challenge – especially when it means pushing the boundaries of what moving image and live performance can do together. So, we’re thrilled to introduce our latest and most ambitious project to date: 'MARBLE' – a 90-minute immersive audio-visual experience that brings together cinematic visuals, original music, and the awe-inspiring perspective of space.
In collaboration with award-winning composer Clive Whitburn, 'MARBLE' is currently in early development. Think of it as a journey through time, light, and imagination – told through curated footage from the International Space Station, an original orchestral-electronic score, and bespoke visuals crafted by our team at Plume.
A New Frontier for Plume Films
'MARBLE' isn't just another performance; it's a living, breathing conversation between science and art, made to unfold in real time before a live audience. It sits at the intersection of space exploration, ecology, and storytelling, inviting audiences to consider their place on Earth from a new, elevated vantage point.
For us, it represents a bold evolution of our practice – building on our earlier ACE-funded projects such as The House of Godd (Richard Jackson) and Music for Rooftops (Clive Whitburn). While those works explored identity, ritual, and place, 'MARBLE' opens the aperture wider: this is a planetary portrait, shaped by orbiting cameras and grounded in human imagination.
Crafting the Visual Arc: Midnight to Midnight
The heartbeat of the project is visual. Richard Jackson, our founder and director, will lead the curation and animation of real ISS footage, building a seamless visual journey around the Earth from midnight to midnight. The multi-screen experience will simulate a continuous orbit, combining archival footage, astronomical imagery, and minimal animation to create an atmospheric narrative that unfolds like a meditative time-lapse.
This is not background projection. The visuals will be fully integrated into the performance, dynamically responding to Clive's score and designed to enhance the audience's emotional journey.
An Original Score Rooted in Atmosphere
Clive Whitburn brings a wealth of experience in contemporary composition to the table. For 'MARBLE', he is developing a new score that blends chamber orchestra textures with bold electronic landscapes.
Working closely with Richard, the score will be crafted to interact with the visuals in real time, using both structured cues and responsive sound design. Think meditative, then dramatic. Ethereal, then grounded. Always alive.
This live orchestral-electronic hybrid is a first for both artists, and represents a major leap in scale and ambition.
Why Now? Why 'MARBLE'?
The idea for 'MARBLE' emerged from a shared fascination with how we see our planet – and how that shapes our values. The iconic "Blue Marble" photo, taken in 1972 by Apollo 17, was one of the first full images of Earth from space. It shifted our perspective. 'MARBLE' takes inspiration from that moment, reframing Earth as a shared, fragile, and beautiful home.
From climate change to cultural polarisation, many of today’s global challenges ask us to step back and look at the bigger picture. This project aims to do just that – to spark awe, curiosity, and connection through the power of live art.
Designed for Audiences, Built for Conversation
'MARBLE' is being developed for live public performances in East Sussex in 2026. Two venues are already planned.
These spaces aren’t your typical concert halls. That’s intentional. We’re passionate about reaching new and diverse audiences, especially those who might not usually engage with the arts. From students to scientists, community groups to classical music newcomers – this is for anyone with a sense of wonder.
To that end, we’ll also be commissioning guest speakers from the arts, sciences, and environmental activism to introduce each show and host post-performance discussions.
Digital Access and Legacy
We know not everyone can attend in person. That’s why Plume Films will be creating a digital version of 'MARBLE', with select clips and behind-the-scenes content available online. This will also support our long-term goals of touring, education, and community engagement beyond the initial events.
We’ll also document the entire process – from visual development to musical composition to rehearsals – using film, blog content, and social media. We want to invite you into the process, not just the final performance.
Collaboration is Everything
None of this happens in a vacuum. 'MARBLE' is already a powerful reminder of what happens when collaboration leads the creative process. It builds on years of shared practice between Clive and Richard, and draws in a team of musicians, visual artists, technicians, and producers who all believe in the power of art to change how we see the world.
This collaborative ethos is what defines Plume Films. We don’t just make content; we build relationships around story, craft, and purpose. And in 'MARBLE', that ethos is centre stage.
Looking Ahead
'MARBLE' promises to be a landmark project for us – not just in scale, but in spirit. It reflects our commitment to:
Blending film, animation, and live performance
Crafting emotionally resonant, thought-provoking art
Bringing audiences together in shared, sensory experiences
Come Along for the Journey
We’ll be sharing updates, insights, and sneak peeks as the project evolves. If you’re interested in how storytelling, space, and sound can converge in surprising ways, you’re in the right place.
Want to see how we blend story and craft? Explore our portfolio.
Got a story to tell or a project in mind? Get in touch – we’d love to chat.
