The Hunchman Trust
Client
The Hunchman Trust
Services
Photo & Video Production
Year
2023
The Hunchman trust was established in memory of ‘Hunch’, the father of Charlie, Ben and Will, whom they tragically lost to suicide in 2010. They have attributed their ability to cope with the challenges they faced to the supportive network of family and friends. The trust aims to raise funds and awareness to support families who have lost a loved one to suicide, ensuring ‘no one feels left behind’.
The trust is being launched alongside an inspiring fundraising challenge called “The Hunchman 500.” The challenge involves running from the family home in Fetcham, Surrey, to the Quantocks in Somerset, where their father’s ashes were scattered, and then cycling back to Reeds Weybridge, covering a total distance of 500km over 7 days.
Their goal, is to gather support and raise funds for the trust, whilst honouring their father’s memory and creating awareness around mental health and suicide prevention.
The Brief
01
Awareness
Floom were approached to document the Hunchman 500. It needed to be an emotionally resonant documentary highlighting the physical and emotional challenges faced by the participants during the Hunchman Challenges.
02
Empowerment
Floom needed the film to resonate emotionally with its audience to generate fundraising for The Hunchman Trust, ultimately, empowering individuals through sport.
03
Inspire
Ultimately, the film and the goals of The Hunchman Trust intend to raise awareness for mental health and promote open conversations about suicide through the lens of sport.
The Approach
01
Strategic Preparation
We began with careful pre-production planning, including shot lists, storyboards, and interview questions.
02
Cinematics
We incorporated a mix of cinematic and intimate documentary filmmaking techniques, with vlogging providing a more intimate perspective of the story.
03
On The Road
Jumping in the back of boots, motorbikes, and vans, we travelled across England with the team, capturing the trials and tribulations of the challenge.
Challenges
01
Portraying Emotion
Sensitively addressing the emotional impact of suicide on the filmmakers and subjects.
02
Action
Capturing high-intensity action during the challenge; we could not stop for reshoots, so every shot had to count. We needed to shoot on a-roads, forests, and beaches all whilst moving at pace.
03
Storytelling
Conveying the personal stories of Charlie, Ben, Will, and Chester in a way that resonates with a broad audience.
Achievements
01
Emotional Resonance
We effectively captured the emotional depth of the story, highlighting themes of resilience, loss, and the power of familial bonds. This was achieved through interviews with friends and family members, showcasing their personal experiences, heartfelt memories, and the enduring strength of their relationships. The documentary sparked a significant response on social media, raising awareness about mental health and fostering open conversations about suicide.
02
Cinematic Quality
The film combines stunning visual sequences of the challenge with intimate, emotionally charged interviews, creating a visually engaging and emotionally resonant narrative. Integrating shots filmed by the participants of the challenge and their supporters created an authentic, immersive experience that highlights personal perspectives and genuine emotions.
03
Fundraising
The film made a substantial contribution to fundraising efforts for the mental health charity associated with the project.
Conclusion
The Hunchman 500 has been a deeply personal and rewarding experience. It represents a testament to the power of filmmaking in addressing sensitive topics, raising awareness, and inspiring change. The film demonstrates the potential to create meaningful social impact while showcasing our commitment to quality storytelling and film production.
Since the completion of the Hunchman 500 and the production of the documentary, the challenge has raised over £50,000 to provide support to those grieving the loss of a loved one.
If you feel inspired or moved by the Hunchman 500, please feel free to donate to The Hunchman Trust Here.
