Independent creative director, Andy Fackrell, has two passions – sport and great work for good. Since he left agency life, he has been working hard on those two passions producing great work for good, some of the most striking for Swiss sports brand, On.
His newest project for On is called Untethered, a 21.27 minute documentary that delves into big themes – friendship, perseverance, the human spirit, trust, self-belief and the extraordinary ambition and courage of all Paralympic athletes. These are seen through the story of Paralympian David Brown, the world’s fastest blind sprinter, and his long-term running guide, Jerome Avery, who has returned to defend his title at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics.
The story was written and produced by Fackrell, directed by Little Minx’s Andrew Dosunmu (Mother of George, Where is Kyra? and Netflix’s soon-to-be-released Beauty) and shot in emotive black and white with an evocative score by BAFTA-winning composer, Peter Raeburn. It was filmed on location at some of New York’s most famous landmarks and mixes reality and documentary to enhance its magnetism. It’s as much an homage to the New York skyline and cityscape as a moving tale of trust and enduring friendship, exploring David’s youth and the impact of a life-changing disease on his sporting ambitions, while also subtly tracing his changing relationship with his running guide.
“One of the main reasons I made this film is to dispel the notion that disabled people have a less full life than the norm,” Fackrell explained. “In David’s case, he refuses to let blindness slow him down in his dream to be an even faster sprinter, and to experience all that life has to offer. This film is about reframing disability in a positive light.”
There are unexpected cameos by two of his favourite entertainers, J.B. Smoove, of Curb Your Enthusiasm, and The Roots’ Black Thought, and a surprising narrative twist – a coda to the closing scene reveals that, after seven years of training and competing together on the world stage, Jerome will be replaced by a new running guide at this year’s Olympic Games in Tokyo, leaving David “untethered” from his long-time companion for the first time.
“From a film about two brothers in arms preparing for Tokyo to defend their gold medal and world record, I was witnessing the end of an era, maybe even a friendship. I felt privileged to be able to capture this rawness of emotion between two wonderful athletes and people,” Fackrell commented.
“Untethered demonstrates the true meaning of unwavering human spirit,” noted Feliciano Robayna, head of sports marketing at On. “This is a story about conviction and a shared belief in being able to let go of all fears when deprived of sight and have faith in another human being.” Echoing the growing trend for out-of-the-ordinary choices in brand storytelling, the film exemplifies On’s ‘Dream On’ philosophy, which encourages us to take the path less explored in order to achieve the ultimate reward. More than just a beautifully crafted piece of content marking a historic sporting event, it’s a bold statement that aims to change attitudes towards disability for good. “This film is about the athletes’ mindset, and their individual takes on the power of the human spirit to… Dream On, no matter the setbacks or obstacles in their way.”
Credits:
Writer & Producer: Andy Fackrell
Production Company: Little Minx, Los Angeles
Director: Andrew Dosunmu
Producers: Rhea Scott, Annalise Rowane, Helen Hollien & Victoria Curtis
Cinematography: Mika Altskan & Todd Hollien
Post Production: The Editors, Melbourne
Editor: Leila Gaabi
2nd Editor: Grace Eyre
Colourist: Fergus Rotherham
Online: Matt Edwards
Post Producer: Charlotte Griffiths
Assistant Editor: Shannon Michaelas
Music Production: Soundtree Music, Los Angeles & London
Composer: Peter Raeburn
Producer: Peter Raeburn
Orchestration: Ben Castle
Composer Assistants: Joseph Cho & Sara Barone
Soundtree Producer: Neil Athale
Music Co-Producer: Luke Fabia
Score Recording & Publishing: Soundtree Music
Sound Design: Lime Studios, Los Angeles
Producer: Susie Boyajan
Sound Design & Mix: Rohan Young
Audio Assistant: Jeremy Nichols
Titles & Poster Design: Julian Wade
Client: On
Head Of Sports Marketing: Feliciano Robayna
Athletes’ Agent: Sam Friedell
PR: Elliott Stares & Jessica Hartley
