Tell us a bit about your organization and what your specialty is in the film and video space.

Mist Media is an independent creative studio dedicated to developing authentic stories across all platforms. Based in Ireland, Mist Media operates in both Europe and the U.S., with TV pilots sold to Warner Bros., The CW, Boulder Media, Wise Entertainment, and more.

What is your organization’s ethos and how does it set you apart from industry competitors?

Our goal is to support and tell underserved stories from BIPOC, female, and LGBTQ+ perspectives—leaning into mainstream, propulsive content and steering away from “victim-driven” narratives.

How can people join or learn more about what you do?

Be proactive. Reach out via LinkedIn or Instagram. We’re always looking for interesting new collaborations.

Tell us about your Telly Award winning piece. What’s the story behind it?

Fuel is a powerful, often overlooked story about bulimia from a male perspective. The film explores themes of mental health, eating disorders, self-medication, and identity, without ever feeling preachy or melodramatic. Inspired by the co-writer and actor’s own experience, Fuel uses bold, cinematic visuals to tell a story that resonates with audiences in unexpected ways.

What are you most proud of about this piece? What was your biggest challenge during production and how did you solve it?

The biggest physical challenge by far was the bathroom single-take. We knew we wanted to stay in that moment with Wayne, so cutting away wasn’t an option, which meant we had to build the gas station bathroom, tunnel, and Wayne’s childhood bedroom on a sound stage with very little budget.

Overall, maintaining the authenticity of the subject matter while keeping it entertaining and not too heavy was a balancing act. We believe we did that, which makes me even more proud of this project.

Do you have any advice to other filmmakers based on your career or your team’s approach to work?

Don’t wait for permission. Push hard. Push often. Fill the gaps you see in the industry, and if you’re creating with passion and purpose, your projects will find their home.

Can you share a behind the scenes story or fun fact about the making of your piece?

I said I would only agree to do a film this deep if I truly pushed myself as a filmmaker and tried bold new things I wasn’t sure were possible with a modest crew and budget—including a single take that starts in a bathroom stall and transitions seamlessly into a long tunnel. A five-person art team moved multiple walls and giant mirrors to transform a gas station bathroom into a gritty tunnel in roughly 30 seconds for each take.

Tell us about the most memorable response you got from this work.

The overall feedback about the shots and sound design has been incredible, but the most memorable and gratifying responses have been from the viewers that had been through similar struggles. One in particular, a woman in her 70s at a festival, who had dealt with an eating disorder and kept it a secret for over 55 years, felt compelled to open up about it. We had hoped we’d touch some people who related in some way, but it has been a truly eye-opening and overwhelming response.

Complete this sentence: ‘Great video storytelling is…’

… make something that matters. Give it a distinct voice. No rules, no limits… just passion, and it will find its audience.