Freida Films partners with Michael Stevenson to create its first feature doc

Freida Films has partnered with Michael Stevenson to produce its first feature length documentary. The project will be carried out in association with 21 Filmworks, An Ode to Cinema. “It is a pleasure telling the extraordinary story of such an iconic industry legend like Michael. His truly unique career, charisma and love for cinema makes for an extraordinary story," Amelia O’Loughlin, director and founder of Freida Films, said. "He was so many things to so many people, and whilst the industry has changed massively over the last 6 decades, Michael reminds us that passion for film and kindness to your team will always go a long way."

Amelia O’Loughlin is tasked with co-directing the film documenting the life of industry veteran Stevenson. The title is produced by Tammy Khajotia, with Jo Farrugia contributing as co-producer. Ola Mesmer, member of BFI Network x BAFTA Crew 2021 worked as cinematographer alongside John Dodds, who serves as Executive Producer.

Cut with archive footage, the film will show original call sheets, scripts, photos and more memorabilia, some never seen before, from classic titles like "Lawrence of Arabia," "Doctor Zhivago," "Pearl Harbor," "The Bourne Ultimatum," "Mission Impossible," "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," "Warhorse" and more. The film will also feature a series of interviews with Michael's close friends from the industry, including Ray Winstone and Malcolm McDowell and Sir Tom Courtenay. More contributors will be announced at a later date.“Never before told, this film will be a marvellous celebration of 20th and 21st Century cinema; a nod to the trailblazing filmmakers who've gone before us and to the pioneers of our future. We have been working with a brilliantly talented team of female creatives to bring this story to light," Stevenson said.

With more than six decades in the film industry, Stevenson will share unknown facts about the cinema’s most celebrated movies and the stars who made them. Over the years Michael has been indispensable as Assistant Director to Stanley Kubrick, Steven Spielberg, Oliver Stone, Sir Ridley Scott, Michael Cimino, David Lean, Sir Kenneth Branagh and more. Recent work includes Marvel Studios’ Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and Ant Man and the Wasp. “Many actors, directors and crew members have inspired and helped me along the way, and I can only hope that I've done that for newcomers too. You're only as good as your team," Stevenson said. "My life has been a series of beautiful encounters with remarkable people and I am humbled that a film about them is now being made.”