Beyond the Final Whistle
The client
Footy Addicts connects 200,000 people from 209 nationalities across the UK via a shared love of football. It’s a platform that allows anyone to sign up, pick up a game and turn up to play regardless of age, ability, gender or ethnicity.
The creative
Beyond the Final Whistle is a docuseries produced, directed and delivered by Redbricks Media for Footy Addicts. It charts the personal stories of players who have used football as a tool to overcome challenging periods in their lives. It covers subjects such as battling cancer, ADHD, anxiety, depression, bereavement, abuse, isolation, tribalism, gang culture and navigating family dynamics.
The tone of the creative was to showcase anecdotal experiences that are relatable with integrity and emotional honesty. It was paramount that the team were compassionate to the contributors and their lived experiences, whilst getting to the root of the stories in an empathetic way.
The process
Whilst working with Footy Addicts, the team delivered:
storyboards
scripts
shot lists
graphics
bespoke music
mood boards
social media creatives
promotional stills
Each part of the process reflected the agreed tone of the creative and was delivered for feedback in two stages and then for approval prior to filming.
The contributors
Filming was arranged and coordinated around Footy Addicts ten year anniversary tournament in London. The team cast a range of prospective contributors utilising partners networks including; Mind, Football Beyond Borders, CALM and She’s Got Skills.
The long list was consolidated into a shortlist following a series of compassionate briefing calls, securing interview time with the most suitable contributors. Those that not only fit the brief, but were confident enough to share their emotive experiences on camera.
All interviews, filming and photography took place across three intensive days in London followed by eight full days in the edit to craft each individual story.
The final assets were delivered to the client in three stages – first draft, final draft and approved deliverables - allowing two rounds of amends during the process.
The outcome
1 x Beyond the Final Whistle promotional film
8 x player stories
2 x panel films on challenges in women’s football and mental health and the beautiful game
15 x bespoke social media teasers
10 x player portrait stills galleries
20 x anecdotal player soundbytes for all partners