The Exception
A young care worker bonds with the elderly woman he looks after, while he struggles to navigate his other relationships.
Client: Striding Sun Pictures
Sector: Narrative (21 Mins)
Services: Sound Design & Mix
SYNOPSIS
Through the character of Alex, we get a peek into how the world is experienced from a neurodivergent person’s perspective.
He builds up a meaningful bond with Jo, the elderly woman with whom he works for as a carer. He finds it much easier to connect with her than his peers and parents.
Jo tries to encourage him but he starts to feel hopeless, leading to a cry for help.
SOUND DESIGN
The film is firmly set in the real world, so we took a realistic approach to much of the sound design. Shot on location in Manchester, we utilised authentic ambiences and tram recordings from the city in the tracklay.
There is a moment on the tram where we learn more about Alex’s character. He recoils from the overwhelming sound of the brakes, which became a powerful moment to enhance through sound.
Composer Darren Sng produced a wonderfully discordant score, which we moved around the surround speakers duirng key moments of the mix.
CREDITS
Starring - Ben Hanley & Chris Kerry
Writer & Director - Ben Hanley
Director of Photography - Max Paterson
Sound Recordist - Dylan Byrne
Editor - Ben Hanley
Composer - Darren Sng
Sound Designer & Re-Recording Mixer - Brian Lane
Colourist - Lisa Fischer
SCREENINGS
AS Film Festival Rome 2024
Filmed Up at HOME Manchester 2025
Awards
Audience Choice Award Filmed Up June 2025