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 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. It was shot on location in Manchester, so for the tracklay we were able to use authentic ambiences and tram recordings from the city.
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 in 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