A new film highlighting the impacts of men’s mental health has begun production in a collaboration with Andy’s Man Club.
That One Man started production this week and has been directed by award-winning filmmaker Lee D Barnes.
Working in collaboration with the mental health charity, which has groups in Blackburn, Burnley, Bolton, Oldham, Bury and Altrincham, the film depicts the story of a barman in a working-class northern town who has spent years hiding his emotional pain.
The lead played by Philip Pearson then has a change in his outlook after receiving support from a group across the street.
It also ties in with Mental Health Awareness Week, which starts today (May 12) with the theme of community.
The cast also includes Lee Ingleby, from The A Word, Daniel Weyman, from The Rings of Power, Nikki Hellens, from Coronation Street, Chris Chittell, from Emmerdale, Adam Fogerty, from Snatch, rising star Adassa Gray and a cameo appearance by Chris Kamara.
Additionally, students from UCLAN have also played a role in the production of the film.
Lee Barnes, who is a member of Andy’s Man Club said: “I’ve seen first-hand how powerful open conversation can be.
“That One Man reflects the reality of thousands of men who walk through AMC’s doors every week, and the silent struggles many still face. With the Innerverse model, we’re not just telling stories, we’re inviting audiences to be part of the solution.”
The project has also worked in collaboration with Film Buddies, who look to bridge the gap between education and employment in the film, TV and creative industries.
Ben Sweet, producer and founder of Film Buddy UK said: “From our first conversation, I knew we had to work with Lee.
“Lee is a rare talent, a brilliant writer and director with real honesty. This film matters to him, so it mattered to us.
“That One Man is the result of true collaboration — with Lee, Andy’s Man Club, and our amazing partners.
“It also reflects Film Buddy UK’s pioneering Innerverse method: telling socially relevant stories, creating real opportunities for emerging talent, from university and filming in an ecosustainable and thoughtful way.
“We’re proud of the film and even prouder of how it’s being made.”
Andy’s Man Club was founded in memory of Andrew Roberts, who tragically took his own life at 23 in 2016. His family discovered the high rates of male suicide and the stigma surrounding men's mental health.
Elaine Roberts and Luke Ambler created the club to provide a safe, non-clinical space where men over 18 can talk openly about their mental health.
The groups are volunteer-led, with facilitators who were once service users themselves.
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