You’d imagine the Game of Thrones cast would be taking a well-earned break now the season finale has aired, but Raleigh Ritchie, who plays eunuch warrior Grey Worm, isn’t kicking back on the sunlounger just yet.

Following the release of his debut album, You’re A Man Now, Boy earlier this year, the singer/songwriter/actor has recently turned his hand to directing, with the release of a short fashion film for menswear retailer TOPMAN.

Inspired by Ritchie’s track ‘Cowards’ (which he also re-arranged for the film score), Hi-Maintenance is a kooky re-imagining of a relationship as a retro arcade game, complete with Nintendo-style bleeps and simple animated touches. The story follows a fashionably-clad couple – one half of which is played by Ritchie – as they navigate the levels of their relationship from first kiss to a final, awkward anniversary dinner.

Admittedly, it’s no Game of Thrones in terms of plot (the dialogue is limited to a single word), but as a cut above much of the competition in the fashion film genre, it makes for a gently entertaining watch.

Produced by Somethin’ Else, the film forms part of TOPMAN’s Open Shoot series, an interactive initiative that links up music artists/creatives with their audiences and fans with the aim of crafting original creative content. So, if you were one of the fans who answered the open call for cast and crew in June this year, you might just spy yourself on-screen.

For more insights on the creative process and the fans’ involvement, check out the behind-the-scenes video below.

Creative connections

Production – Somethin’ Else
Music – Raleigh Ritchie
Executive Creative Director – Ben Kerr
Director – Raleigh Ritchie
Producer – Nan Davies, Mark Farinha
Director of Photography – Ryan Eddleston
Editor – Jennifer Sheridan
First Assistant Director – Mark McPadden
Second Assistant Director – Ben Keswick
Head of Content – Mark Rivers

Article via @selenaschleh of shots.net.